October 25, 2010
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Rooster Jack vs. The Mermaids
A constant danger of this reviewing business is that I’ll occasionally fall into the “what should have happened” trap. You know, where I think a story could have been better if it had gone a different direction or had a few different parts, leaving aside the issue of reviewing the actual comics. Well, with that in mind: you guys are doing it wrong. It starts off with a really nice intro and a character synopsis; both useful things considering the collection of adventurers involved. The first page of the comic is also excellent, as we see the rooster claw followed by Jack making his way out of hiding, declaring things to be safe even though he’s last to arrive. From there the comic seems like somebody set a timer up and told them they had X hours to finish the whole thing. It has the feel of one of those books that was rushed out for a con which, while it’s always nice to have new stuff for a con, the comic will live past the con and it’ll be seen as rushed after the fact. The break between page two and three was confusing, as they were looking for a boat one minute and then facing a giant crystal wall holding the ocean the next. Maybe they walked there, although you’d think you could see a thing like that coming. Actually, on close examination of the page I see what might be a path, but it’s leaving too much to the imagination. Anyway, the mermaids get angry when one of the crew steps on a skull that’s outside the crystal wall, they somehow chase the group to an opening (even though they don’t seem to be able to break through the wall, so what’s the rush?) , and the crew battles a giant octopus. That scene is pure chaos, and not in a good way. I’m generally against spoilers, but as I’m making a point here you can look away if such a thing will offend you. They fight, get smacked around, and run away. I have no idea what the point of this was or why the mermaids were basically evil cheerleaders the whole time. Did they win before they ran away? Look, these guys have built a solid, interesting cast of characters. Let them breathe a bit! Put this story in a 20 page comic instead of cramming it into eight pages and it would have been a whole lot better. The frustrating thing is that I like Adam’s sense of humor as well as Ben and Laura’s artwork; it’s a good team with a potentially great story. It’s just not a story that’s meant to be crammed into this small of a space. If, on the other hand, you wanted to make an 8 page story for each of the adventurers to flesh out their history and personalities, that would be something I could get behind… $1.50
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Posted by Kevin
October 24, 2010
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Florride #3
This is apparently the comic from the Amy Martin pile that I was waiting for, as I loved it with no reservations. No, i couldn’t tell you exactly why that is, which is why they pay me the big bucks. Probably something to do with the fact that as a single guy in his 30’s, I don’t necessarily identify with single women on the prowl or complaining about the menfolk. Granted, there’s some of that this time around too, but also more genuinely moving stories. One highlight of the book is an imaginary conversation Amy has in heaven, in which she gets her baby disallowed due to the dissolution of a relationship and tries to cut through all the bureaucracy to find out if she’s ever going to get pregnant again. It was a hilarious portrayal of red tape on the one hand and the nonsense that is “heaven” on the other. The other highlight was Amy remembering some awful events from her past in a beautiful landscape, wishing for a way through it but not knowing how it’ll end up. Then you have the shorter pieces, dealing with the guilt of corn chips, a serious conversation behind a rabbit, and a few shorties about boys or being a happy woman after seeing boys. It’s a complete comic, full of heart, sincerity and humor, and kills whatever lingering doubts I may have had about Amy. Hey, I’m a critic, like it or not (never thought I’d be one, but that is at least a part of what I do here), so I’m allowed some healthy skepticism. My favorite part of the “job” was when somebody wins me over completely, so here’s to Amy making my day! Yeah, it’s a little steep at $6, but there’s plenty of content and it’s all good.
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Posted by Kevin
October 24, 2010
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Kozmowstraduh #4
Looks like Dave has abandoned any kind of spelling consistency on his title, and as long as he keeps making comics as thoroughly entertaining as this one I couldn’t care less. There are times when I just want to say a comic was frickin’ awesome and leave it at that, and this is one of those times. This is a wordless mini involving a half-naked young woman living in a savage land. She is attacked by a terrifying creature, escapes briefly before being attacked by a Jim Woodring fever dream.  Yes, I know that Jim Woodring doesn’t own the trademark to all odd characters, but it’s hard not to think about him when things get really out there, and I hope it’s obvious that I mean that as the highest form of compliment possible. A mysterious stranger helps her out, they are attacked by an even stranger cast of characters, and the chase is on. I’d love to ruin the rest of the comic, but my “no spoilers” policy is holding me back. If I had some kind of “star” ratings system for these reviews this one would have 80, which is why I don’t have a rating system of any kind; I’m too prone to hyperbole. Still, this is one ridiculously entertaining comic, and if you’ve heard about this Dave McKenna fella in the past and don’t know where to start checking out his stuff, start with this one. If you don’t like this there’s no point in going on to the rest of his comics, or any other comics, or life in general. See what I mean about being prone to hyperbole? And all this for a measly $1!
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Posted by Kevin
October 23, 2010
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Perfect Agent #1
Finally, a secret agent for the government that has no moral compass. It’s always a bit baffling how the James Bonds’ and Jason Bournes” of the world will happily kill dozens if not hundreds of people but still fall squarely on the side of goodness and right. It has never made a bit of sense and this issue, if we’re lucky, will start changing that direction. OK, granted, one mini comic series is not going to change the culture, but at least a few people will read it and call “bullshit” on the altruistic ideal, and that’s a good thing. This one hits the ground running, as Tara (the agent) tries is breaking into a Russian embassy and gets involved in a gun and knife fight. The government needs a scapegoat so she gets fired, although I think the usual punishment in a situation like this involves killing the agent, but maybe I watch too many movies and I’m willing to let it slide regardless. She ends up as a freelance agent, and gets her first assignment to take out a fundamentalist Senator. I won’t spoil any more, but the ludicrous outfits of the sampled page are explained and Tara’s thwarting of another prospective assassin has to be seen to be believed. It’s fun, looks great (although a few backgrounds next time around wouldn’t hurt anything) and has me wondering what happens next, so I’d call that a success. $2.99
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Posted by Kevin
October 23, 2010
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Monkey Squad One #6
Well, if the last issue at least mildly dealt with the characters, this issue is all about mayhem. I’m also torn on the recap, as it’s funny as hell, but functionally useless. Ah screw it, I’ll let “funny” win out. Anyway, Monkey Squad One is getting their behinds kicked by the giant monster from the last issue, Monkey Squad Two is happy to come to the rescue (after they finish eating dinner), and the cast of villains is still watching the spectacle from a nearby rooftop. The monster gets increasingly out of control until one of the MSO members shoots a giant laser beam out of his eyeballs, which seemed a bit odd to me, but I don’t know the full history here. The giant battle continues, Monkey Squad Two shows up (and they sure seem a lot more competent than Monkey Squad One), then we get to the point where I can’t say much else without giving stuff away. It’s a reasonably fun ride, although it may not be for me, as I’m mostly over giant anime robots, sadly enough. Still, that’s not to say that you wouldn’t like it if you enjoy mayhem, giant robots and interpersonal drama with a team of teenagers (?) and their constant efforts to save the world, so don’t let my general fuddy-duddiness get you down. I did approve of Doug’s obvious fixed to misspelled words, even if did stick out a bit, because it’s better than the alternative of leaving the wrong spelling in out of laziness or stupidity. And the art was impressive for what the genre needed to show, so I don’t have a clear explanation of my generally “meh” reaction other than, like I said, my own personal inability to feel joy. If you still have that power, get this comic and enjoy! $2.50
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Posted by Kevin
October 21, 2010
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Pork Belly #3
One of these days I’m going to ask Dan at a con what exactly are the differences in his various anthology titles. Theoretically he could just put them all out under one title, or there are basic structural details I’m missing. As they’re pretty consistently entertaining it’s a bit of a moot point. No sense in me complaining about one of the few guys in the business who puts out comics on such a consistent basis. So how about the actual contents? Things get started with a delightfully disgusting piece by Kel Crum about the standards of bird vomit, Macedonio has a piece about “illegals” and who to really be worried about and a piece about ethnic birds, and Dan has mildly awful pun on the cover and two other pieces inside. Those two are fantastic, one dealing with a man shipping himself to save money on a trip and the eventual consequences and the piece I sampled below. Embiggen that sucker and be amazed at how the encroaching police state hits even little kids, then get mad and do something about it. I recommend watching some TV, like I’m one to talk about political activism. It’s another pile of great stories for a measly buck, so what exactly is stopping you?
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Posted by Kevin
October 20, 2010
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Life is Good #3
Reality is starting to sink in by this issue for Brownie, as he sees that those precious unemployment benefits aren’t going to cut it but he still has time to kill before he can find another job. While having no money and living in a big city. Hijinx ensue, as it really is tough to find anything entertaining to do for free in such an environment. Then there’s the return of the altruistic hippies who are, surprise surprise, mostly in it to make themselves feel better and not so much to help others or the world. I know, that’s a horrible thing to say about the hippies who really are trying to save the world, but I’ve met a lot more hippies in my time who just wanted the moral high ground than I have hippies who really wanted to save the planet. The ones who were most amusing were the ones who didn’t get the disconnect, but then again I am generally profoundly cynical and the inevitable destruction of the planet doesn’t amuse most people as much as it does me. Yep, I can still bring a review down, no question about it. Other happenings this time around include a drunk fight on the street that costs money to watch (and the method for blocking out this fight was hysterical), hanging out with a friend who used to be cool and seeing how sad his life has gotten, and the lengths these two will go to in order to get booze when they’re both broke. Once again it’s a pile of funny, especially if you’re unemployed or have been recently and can relate to exactly what these sad sacks are talking about. Check it out why don’t you, that creature that blocks their view of the fight is worth the price of admission all by himself… $4
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Posted by Kevin
October 19, 2010
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Winter Break 2010
I’m starting to detect a pattern with Lisa’s comics, something to do with school terms. Ah, it must be a coincidence. This one deals with a trip to Mexico to observe odd bugs and their migrations involving the pair of Leo and Vega. This is probably based on a real trip, unless that picture on the back is just a stock photo from somewhere, but I don’t know if Leo and Vega are based on real people or completely made up. What difference does it make? Not much, I’ll grant you that. Anyway, butterflies are discussed (as well as the disappointment over the “Butterfly Theory” movie), a traumatic incident involving butterfly pinning is recalled from childhood, fun is attempted and squelched at the full body scanner at the airport, and much fun is had wandering around the city eating the food and seeing the sites. Except for Leo, who spent much of the comic in bed. It’s an interesting travelogue, unless it’s all fiction, in which case it was expertly done lies. Lisa is always good for packing her panels full of information and this comic is no exception. “Bang for your buck,” I think that’s what they call it. Check it out and no, you are not required to get the first issue in this series to understand this one. It’s a good comic too though, so you really might as well. $2 (?)
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Posted by Kevin
October 15, 2010
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Three #1
Ah, the collection of three different comic artists, it just doesn’t happen enough. Sometimes bigger anthologies can get unwieldy, but one with one three people gives them all room to tell a story, and this one even manages to be full color! Well, Joey’s story is full color, the other two are yellow and blue respectively. Eric Orner is up first with the bulk of the comic, dealing with his time in Israel, his reluctance to learn the language (he was sure that he was going to be transferred out at any time), his time in gay bars and meeting guys for sex online, and a charming piece of English graffiti that he kept seeing around town. Joey Alison Sayers is up next, and while my ego is not big enough to think that she started using “Alison” because I mistakenly called her “he” on an old review, I do think that her inclusion of a middle name is a new development. For those of you keeping track of such things, and shame on you for being so obsessive, you imaginary obsessive you. Her story deals with a landscaping job and the awkward question asked by the owner of the house. My sample will give that question away, but the ending to that page was too good to pass up, and the strip gets better from there anyway. Finally there’s the piece from Robert Kirby that deals with his constant desire as a child to be hidden and/or invisible, his chance meeting of a three-legged dog and his anti-climactic “running away” from his boyfriend at the time with only a Visa card and $67. Each piece had plenty to offer, and that story from Eric could be a comic all by itself. If you enjoy a great anthology but sometimes get overwhelmed by the sheer number of names attached, I’d say that this comic was made for you. Sure, it’s a little pricey at $6.25, but I did mention all that gorgeous color, right?
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Posted by Kevin
October 13, 2010
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Life is Good #2
Hippies! You see a couple of them on the cover, looming over the city like some bespectacled Godzillas. Godzilli? I don’t think there was ever a need for a plural of “Godzilla,” so who knows? Anyway, hippies are a good chunk of the theme this issue, as Charles wakes up from another drunken bender to hear two hippies bemoaning the sad state of his pond before it devolves into an argument about bumper stickers. Naturally, they decide to team up on some sort of crusade that isn’t clearly defined yet, but there are still two more issues to come in this pile, so I’m sure all will be made clear later. Meanwhile Brownie wakes up after that same bender, needing to get down to the unemployment office, with very little time to spare and no money. After not doing much but getting drunk for a few days he doesn’t look all that presentable, and that’s not necessarily the best shape to enter an unemployment office in. Good news follows, unexpectedly so, but you have to realize that this would be a pretty boring comic if it really stayed good news, right? It’s another solid issue, and damned relatable to me in my current unemployed state (except for the whole “getting unemployment checks” angle; no, nobody pays me to write on my own website about comics.) The character development is still a bit on the thin side, but this is a funny book, not something that is designed to delve into the past of these two and find out why Charles is so lazy. A couple of clues would be nice, but it’s early in the series yet and Steve still does an excellent job of nailing the funny bits. Check it out already, chances are it will make you smile, and there’s not a thing wrong with that. $4
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Posted by Kevin
October 12, 2010
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Abstracted Comics
If there’s one thing I hate about Pat’s comics, it’s that they’re so linear and easy to understand. Wait, where’s my “snark” button? Yes, that may have been sarcasm, but Pat gives up the ghost entirely here with this comic. The title is absolutely accurate, as this mini appears to have once been an actual comic, then it was printed over with another comic, then possibly another comic. The result is occasionally fascinating (I’m not sure if my scan did the sampled page justice), but in no way resembles a coherent story. If that’s all you’re asking for in a comic, run for the hills! If you’re willing to read something that won’t make any kind of literal sense but that will still leave you with a visceral impression, or if you’re already a fan of Pat’s, then you might want to give this a shot. This also comes with a minier mini, a little black and white things that’s shoved into this color comic, which features abstract art as well, but only one layer of it for panel so at least you have some idea what you’re looking at. Not much more to say about it than that, and I’ll forgo my usual urge to just keep rambling until something stops me. As this can’t be judged against other comics, I can’t say whether it’s good or bad, if those concepts even mean all that much to you. I don’t see this listed for sale on his site (update that list dude, you have all kinds of new comics to put up there!), but I’d say it’s in the $2-4 range.
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Posted by Kevin
October 11, 2010
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Window #5
This mound o’ comics on my desk completely buried my pile of Window comics, so if you were keeping up with my sort of regular updates to that old series, my apologies for the delay. #5 was another solid entry in the series (I’m starting to detect a pattern here) and yes, you should probably get it if you can find a copy or if this stupid, stupid rental idea of mine ever gets off the ground. Stories include trying to avoid a wide range of beggars at a bus terminal, another odd tale about Dave’s time teaching children, a big fish in a little aquarium, and a typical night in that turns ugly. That last one is what really stuck out from me in this issue, as Dave lived high up in an apartment building and had a friend come in saying that he saw fire trucks and cop cars coming in. They hear loud noises, check over the balcony and see a body covered up far below under a pink sheet. They watch awhile, change their mind and go watch a movie, and spend a good chunk of time going back and forth before realizing that they won’t be able to concentrate until this is resolved. The really strange part of it was hit other neighbors pointing a laser pointer at the scene or a flashlight. It was just a spectacle to those people, but really there’s not a whole lot else to be done at that point. Just a haunting and mildly depressing story about human nature. As always buy a copy and enjoy it if you can find one, and if not maybe try bribing somebody at one of the bigger small press companies to put all these back in print. $2ish
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Posted by Kevin
October 9, 2010
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Space Trucking
We don’t get to hear enough origin stories about comics. Oh, I don’t mean the crap about how Superman came to Earth or Peter Parker got bitten by a spider, that kind of thing is part of American mythology at this point. I’m talking about where small press stories come from, as much as that question can ever hope to be answered. For example, Macedonio answered a Craigslist ad for somebody who was looking for an illustrator to make a “space panda”, she liked his drawing but didn’t think it was right for the project, he got inspired and drew 80 pages with his own space panda and a friend, she threatened a lawsuit because that’s just what people do these days even if they never pay for an original idea to begin with, and Macedonio ends up with a comic series. This is the first 26 pages of that story, and it follows a pretty clear path, although it gets a little whacked out on occasion. I mean that in a good way, of course. Panda & Monium (no, I can’t tell what Monium is supposed to be either, if anything real at all) come from “an obliterated planet of miscreants and social refure”. Instantly intriguing, and it’s clear that they’re basically wandering around space aimlessly. They are discovered in hostile territory, make their way to the planet more or less as prisoners, leave some, uh, droppings behind, and manage to escape. Still, droppings to you are treasure for certain aliens, so they’re asked back and start a minor revolution of the culture. It’s funny and wildly inventive and Macedonio, if you read the last review of his I posted, is a guy who has more than paid his dues over the years and deserves all kinds of riches. I won’t spoil the ending more than I already may have, but this definitely worth a look, and I will say one thing: three boobs. $2 (or so)
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Posted by Kevin
October 7, 2010
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Who is Amy Amoeba?
To anybody out there reading this who would like to make comics but who doesn’t think it’s possible because you can’t draw your way out of the proverbial paper bag, I give you “Who is Amy Amoeba?” This isn’t to say that Jason can’t draw; I checked out his website and plenty of stuff looks pretty as can be. It’s just that for this story about amoebas (amoebi?), Jason didn’t need to show all that much. The story begins with Amy Amoeba addressing the audience, telling them that they’re “about to discover the exciting world of unicellular biology” and then, with a mighty f-bomb, splits in two, ensuring that children will never be able to read this book for educational purposes. The two amoebas debate which one is the real Amy Amoeba, one of them splits again, things get even more confusing, another one splits, and soon one of them is made fun of until she leaves the group. Things only get more complicated from there, as there are now two distinct and rapidly expanding groups occupying a small area with a limited amount of food. This could have stayed at the level of an extended “Who’s on first” joke (kids, ask your great grandparents on that one), but Jason expands it to deal with societal acceptance, a struggle between civilizations, slavery and adherence to silly religions. It’s a lot to make out of a comic consisting almost entirely of little blobs (not entirely, but I’m not ruining the surprises on that one), but Jason pulls it off admirably. Again, to anybody out there who thinks they have a story to tell in comics, one look at this will show you that it is possible. Sure, it helps to know how to accurately depict a crowd scene, a range of facial emotions or just have the ability to draw a human hand, but all of these things can be avoided by simply not drawing humans. Oh, and this one also has the benefit of being an educational experience, for those of you who like to learn a thing or two in your comics. $3
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Posted by Kevin
October 6, 2010
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Life is Good #1
Ah, the idea of all creatures living together in harmony. I don’t think that was on Steve’s mind as he wrote and drew this, but I generally can’t read minds, so what do I know? I was mostly commenting on the fact that there are so many different anthropomorphized beings in this comic that it has to represent some sort of perfect world. There’s the bottle on the cover (the main character, and that makes it extra funny when he eventually descends into drunkenness), an alligator, a carrot, a cat, snakes, a chicken, an octopus, a dog, an ice cream cone, a turtle, a mustard bottle, a pig, and something that appears to the letter “T” with eyes. If nothing else, the man gets points for creativity. Anyway, things start off with Brown (the main character, also know as “Brownie”) in a meeting with his boss. He obviously isn’t thought of all that highly, as his boss takes a lengthy call with the, um, “guy” still sitting there, and the boss eventually gets down to the business of firing him. Sure, it’s a lousy job, but Brown had always hoped to quit in a blaze of glory, and getting fired has robbed him of that plan. Brown’s friend Charles the alligator (or is it a crocodile? What’s the difference again?) insists that Brown get drunk for at least a week, as getting fired for the first time is a perfect excuse to do so, and Brownie eventually succumbs, but only after a seriously bizarre dream. Hijinx, naturally, ensue. Steve has a great ear for dialogue, as several simple lines left me chuckling that could have been banal as hell in the wrong hands. This is early days of the series (he sent along the next three issues as well), and the backgrounds are occasionally a little scratchy or vague, but the variety of the characters helps a lot, as does the engaging nature of the story. It’s possible you’ve read your last mini comic story about getting fired and moving on with your life afterwards, but if you aren’t predisposed against the genre so far I’d say this is worth a look. It’s hard to hate something that is this consistently funny and engaging unless you’re just trapped in a cycle of cynicism… $4
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Posted by Kevin
October 5, 2010
Secret Prison website
Ian Harker website
Secret Prison #2
Here’s hoping it’s still OK to use images from the internets for the review, as it’s impossible for me to scan the newspaper sized stuff. And if you agree with me that Benjamin Marra is tearing shit up with that cover, you should see the back cover by Pat Aulisio. I’m also not entirely sure if it’s possible for any old schmuck online to get a copy of this, as I think it’s only available at cons, but that’s a damned shame for a pile of great strips like this. Share it with the world! If I’m not mistaken (and I probably am) this one is even longer than the last issue, and it’s one of those rare anthologies with no really weak pieces. Sure, some things are better than others, whatever that means, but everything in here has something going for it. Strips in here (and they are strips, nothing is longer than 2 pages) include Pat’s tale of deliciously sorrowful soul, Luke Pearson’s absolutely brilliant “How to Exist For a Day,” Ian’s silent cubed spy story, Josh Burggraf’s text message-a-rific story of need, Cody Pickrodt with some true confessions, Bob Pistilli going a long way for a great ending, Box Brown and his experience with an exotic “delicacy,” the story behind that ridiculously good cover by Benjamin Marra, Art Baxter loving the summer, Simon Gardenfors getting the most out of his page with a series of mishaps involving a round dude wearing underwear, Kelly Phillips wondering if there’s a line cardiologists should not cross, Cyn Why with a tale for the ages, Steve Teare going to heaven, Doug Slack with a pile of funnies, and Jose Mochove & Rusty Rowley using photos to destroy us with reality. I skipped a few to leave some surprises for people who manage to find an actual copy of this, not that I spoiled too much for the other stories, but everybody likes surprises, right? Seriously, show this to the world, you guys! A working table of contents, a huge pile of talent, this should not be kept away from the world at large. Unless it isn’t, and I’m wrong, in which case let me know and I’ll tell people here how to buy it.
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Posted by Kevin
October 4, 2010
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Jumbly Junkery #9
Sometimes this whole art form just hits me all at once. L. had a simple note at the start of this mini, mentioning that this was one of 200 copies of this issue and that there were only going to be 200 copies of this issue ever and really, she’s right. Sure, there might be a collection some day, a “best of” kind of thing, but there are 200 copies of this issue in the universe and that’s it. Then I take a step back and realize that I have boxes and boxes full of comics just like that, one of 100 copies ever made, one of 50 copies, sometimes even one of only a dozen or so copies ever made. That’s what this crazy business is all about right there, the love and dedication that goes into making something with only a relative few copies floating around the world. As for why I’m in a “what’s it all about” mood anyway, I blame L. and the latest issue of Jumbly Junkery. There’s a sense to me that something has settled in her life, although a lot is still less than ideal, and yes, that is totally me pulling these ideas out of a few fictional stories, so feel free to laugh at me. Just a general sense of a slowly dawning acceptance of the nonsense in the universe. As for the actual stories in here not related to my opinions, they include worries about a self-perceived lack of originality, wishing for snow but enjoying warm weather, random items and their potential, having to think about how old you are, realizing that life does not pause when you want it to, the vicious cycle of insomnia, all the skinny people, true love, a recent lack of interest in music, all the people trying not to sleep on a train, a lack of truth, trying to trust in a world of internet dating, dance moves, rain, turning it all off, and Outlaw Dog and Knuckles. The range of artistic styles she chose was impressive as hell too, ranging from the simple to the abstract to cartoonish to certain forms that I believe she made up herself. Her feeling of a lack of originality is baffling to me, as people who always stick with their preferred style could learn a few things here. As for the sample, yes, it has very little to do with the rest of the book, but I could not resist that dog shooting at the shark while jumping over it. Too awesome for words… $5
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Posted by Kevin
September 30, 2010
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The Visible Rooster Jack
Ah, now I get the title. Kudos on leaving it a mystery until the end of the book. There’s a lot going on in this comic and there are a lot of characters doing the goings-on (I’m still not completely clear on that first page of wordless action), but Adam was nice enough to list all the characters and what they were all about. Concise but effective, while still leaving the reader wanting more. Crap, I’d better be careful with the “kudos” this early in a review. Anyway, Rooster Jack and his band of adventurers is out camping one night when Razzle Dazzle (the perfectly named magician of the group who is “haunted by visions of a late 20th century world”) dreams of “basket of balls” with the ball and parts of the court being on fire. Luckily Razzle Dazzle is able to undo pretty much all the harm he does to the group, and the group sets out in the morning. What they’re out to do is never made clear, as Jack is attacked by a strange woman who tells them her tale of woe and convinces the bunch of them to travel to her besieged town. Things get a little hairy from there, but you’ll get no spoilers here. The mass of characters introduced later did leave me a bit confused, but maybe I’m reading these out of chronological order and there’s more to the tale. Or Adam just packs as much in as possible and leaves it to the reader to keep up, which would also be a good thing. Plenty of amusing bits are contained in these pages, the writing is smarter than you might think if you zoned out once you read “band of adventurers” earlier in the review, and he managed the difficult task of rounding out 5 out of 6 characters in the group in one mini comic. The tiny fairy got short shrift, but other than that I already have an idea of where all these people are coming from. The art was fantastic too; that hall of horrors in particular was gruesome, the backgrounds were impressive and all the characters were instantly unique. A pretty damned good comic, that’s what I’m trying to say, unless you hate adventure stories of all stripes, even ones that are funny as hell, in which case I mourn the lack of joy in your life. $4
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Posted by Kevin
September 29, 2010
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The Trial of Sweetie Snake
It’s not every day that you see a snake with a five o’clock shadow. That’s the adorably named Sweetie Snake on the cover (duh, and no, it didn’t come all crumpled up, that’s just what the cover looks like), and it takes a little while to get him to trial. Sweetie Snake, at the outset, could be mistaken for old school Bugs Bunny, as he is scooped up out of the river by an inbred prospector and goes on to a series of escalating pranks until his true nature comes out. Hey, he is a snake, after all. A sheriff stumbles across the scene, Sweetie ends up on trial for murder, then things get into O.J. Simpson territory, although it’s tricky to say more without giving away the ending. The comic occasionally wanders over the line between funny and mean, but only for a split second and it still manages to keep it funny. That’s probably not going to make sense to anybody without full access to my brain, but it makes sense to me. The art maintains a cartoonish quality, but that probably has something to do with this basically being an illustrated cartoon. I have plenty of other books from Steve to come, as he took me up on my challenge to send enough books along for me to review them once a week, so I should get a better sense of his skills in the coming weeks. As for this one, it was funny, those newspaper titles were hilarious, and he managed to make the very dated O.J. Simpson references seem relevant. Good stuff, that’s what I’m getting at. $4
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Posted by Kevin
September 28, 2010
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Philly Alternative Comic Con 2010
Well, at least I think Pat was the editor. He put the book together, anyway, and that’s basically the same thing. Sadly, it’s one of those anthologies without a coherent table of contents (although I did like the look of the one Box Brown put together), so a lot of these stories are going to be reviewed through a bit of guesswork and process of elimination. Stories in here include a very colorful mess from Pat, Liz Baillie keeping the tradition of record collecting alive, Hawk Krall with some disgusting but hilarious pranks, Dina Kelberman’s inimitable comics (with a drunken disclaimer tacked onto the bottom), Mike Sgier with a futuristic tale of trying to cap an uncontrollably spewing well, Ian Harker’s love of flying, L. Nichols and going along to get along, and Sally Bloodbath & Matt Wiegle with a piece on the most horrible child alive and her fitting end. That leaves a few pieces without a noticeable creator, so in no particular order, the other stories in here dealt with making a friend (literally), trying to make art to please a critic, and two grotesque creatures sharing an apartment and their antics. Chris McDonnell probably did the first two pieces and Lance Hansen probably did the last story (which was actually a series of smaller stories), and I say “probably” because that’s where my coin flip landed, and when has that ever been wrong? Box Brown did the covers and has a lovely group of people at the end of their lives bemoaning their lack of buying quality comics in their lives, something you should all take to heart. As this was from a con I have no idea if it’s still readily available to the world, but as it’s all in color, gorgeous and full of talent, you should hunt it down if at all possible. Pat would probably know if it was around, why not check it with him? Or I can post a little update here if I hear anything, how about that? No price, but $5 sounds nice, if possibly too low.
Comments Off on Aulisio, Pat (editor) – Philly Alternative Comic Con 2010 | Reviews | Tagged: Box Brown, Chris McDonnell, Dina Kelberman, Hawk Krall, Ian Harker, L. Nichols, Lance Hansen, Liz Baillie, Matt Wiegle, Mike Sgier, P.A.C.C., Pat Aulisio, Philly Alternative Comic Con, Sally Bloodbath | Permalink
Posted by Kevin
