New review on the last Steve Seck Wednesday for Life is Good #4. Back to random reviews for the foreseeable future except for Tuesdays and Thursdays, except in the unlikely event that Dan Taylor stops making comics…
Update for 10/27/10
October 27, 2010
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Posted by Kevin
Seck, Steve – Life is Good #4
October 27, 2010
Life is Good #4
Steve apparently decided to skip all that character development stuff this time around and went with an issue that was all about drinking and hanging out with an asshole. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, this still being a free country for at least another week and all, but it was a little jarring. Brownie is on top of the world and heads off to a bar that is celebrating happy hour all day. Apparently he found a job? That should warrant at least a mention. Anyway, he meets Charles at the bar, but Sewer Gator is with him, and the two of them start a drinking contest. Brownie finally convinces Charles to ditch the loser, but he is drunk so his definition of “ditching” involves telling the guy where they are going to escape his company. A literal pissing contest ensues and, without giving too much more away, I do very much approve of the depiction of cops as literal fuzz. It ends up being a pretty funny comic, but I was just starting to get a wee bit invested in the characters and only fleeting references to their lives are included in this issue. Ah well, can’t have everything, and a good comic is still a good comic even if it’s not exactly what I was looking for. It’s smaller than the other ones, so it’s a measly $2 this time around if you’re just looking to give the series a try.
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Posted by Kevin
Update for 10/26/10
October 26, 2010New review today for Dirty #1, edited by the man of the day, as it is “Pat Aulisio Tuesday.” At least for another week, assuming that I can find that last comic he sent me…
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Posted by Kevin
Aulisio, Pat (editor) – Dirty #1
October 26, 2010
Dirty #1
At least I’m pretty sure Pat is the editor for this issue, with all that artistic expression going on around that guy it’s hard to tell sometimes. This is another anthology by what appear to be locals around Philadelphia, as they include a class schedule for people interested in signing up… back in September. Just a note to anybody who sends me time sensitive comics: send me an e-mail mentioning this fact, as if it comes on a note with the comic those two things often get separated. I try to do new releases first and then go back to the older stuff, but what with the whole “Pat Aulisio Tuesdays” theme I’ve just been grabbing whichever book of his is handy. Wasn’t there a comic here somewhere? Ah yes. This is short but tall and vibrantly colorful. There’s Ian Harker with a piece about… yeah, not going to touch that one. Beth Heinly has the sampled piece, as I have an elderly grandmother’s resistance to cat-related strips. Box Brown, Pat Aulisio and James T. Arnold share a page of strips about fantasy, the distant future and animal funnies respectively. Bradford Haubrich then has the bulk of the comic with different pieces using layered techniques to make a better whole. Or something, I’m not so good with the technical descriptions of art, in case that wasn’t blindingly obvious by now. Steven Streisguth brings up the rear with a couple of gorgeous black and white pieces. Pterodactyl is the group putting this together, and their motto is in part: “To revive the enjoyment and practice of creating art for personal fulfillment, to create exhibitions and experiences that resonate with diverse audiences, and to bring people together through the arts.” Sounds good to me and, especially if you know and love the people involved, this is definitely worth checking out. How you get a copy is another question, but I’ll pass it along here if I find anything out…
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Posted by Kevin
Update for 10/25/10
October 25, 2010New review today for Rooster Jack vs. The Mermaids by Adam Hansen, Ben Zmith and Laura Ault. All kinds of new reviews over the weekend too, so scroll down if you only come around to kill time during the work week.
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Posted by Kevin
Hansen, Adam; Zmith, Ben & Ault, Laura – Rooster Jack vs. The Mermaids
October 25, 2010
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
Update for 10/24/10
October 24, 2010New reviews today for Florride by Amy Martin and Kozmohstraduh #4 by Dave McKenna. Not sure how I managed to get these you amidst all the internet stoppages I’m getting, so huzzah for sporadic coverage!
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Posted by Kevin
Martin, Amy – Florride #3
October 24, 2010
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
McKenna, Dave – Kozmowstraduh #4
October 24, 2010
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
Update for 10/23/10
October 23, 2010Busy day yesterday, two reviews today to make up for it: Perfect Agent #1 by Greg Carter & Stephanie O’Donnell and Monkey Squad One #6 by Doug Michel. If all goes well I should have a couple of these up tomorrow too…
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Posted by Kevin
Carter, Greg & O’Donnell, Stephanie – Perfect Agent #1
October 23, 2010
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
Michel, Doug – Monkey Squad One #6
October 23, 2010
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
Update for 10/21/10
October 21, 2010New review for Pork Belly #3 edited by Dan Taylor and you know what? I probably have enough of his comics to make this “Dan Taylor Thursday,” at least for the next month.
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Posted by Kevin
Taylor, Dan W. – Pork Belly #3
October 21, 2010
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
Update for 10/20/10
October 20, 2010New review on this Steve Seck Wednesday for Life is Good #3. One more to go unless the guy can crank out another comic in a serious hurry…
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Posted by Kevin
Seck, Steve – Life is Good #3
October 20, 2010
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
Update for 10/19/10
October 19, 2010New review today for Winter Break 2010 by Lisa McDonnell, as I am apparently out of Pat Aulisio comics after all. A more thorough answer to that question will be coming if and when I finally dig all the way through this pile o’ comics. Sorry about the recent absence, my internet has been spotty as can be lately and I was fighting off a cold. I can only fight the computer or a cold at the same time, not both. I’ll try for some double update days this week to make up for it, how about that?
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Posted by Kevin
McDonnell, Lisa – Winter Break 2010
October 19, 2010
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
Update for 12/15/10
October 15, 2010New review for Three, edited by Robert Kirby and containing him, Eric Orner and Joey Alison Sayers. I should be able to get a review or two up over the weekend to make up for my slacking yesterday…
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Posted by Kevin
Kirby, Robert (editor) – Three #1
October 15, 2010
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
