New review for Chickenbot’s Odd Jobs #3: The Chicken Who Loved Me Part 1 by Eric H. I’m debating putting together some kind of actual reviewing schedule instead of my usual “grab from the pile of review comics” method. Any thoughts? Is the chaotic nature of the reviews (when I’m not doing theme days or weeks, that is) a good thing, or would you all just as soon have some structure?
Update for 1/6/11
January 6, 2011
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Posted by Kevin
H., Eric – Chickenbot’s Odd Jobs #3 – The Chicken Who Loved Me Part 1
January 6, 2011
Chickenbot’s Odd Jobs #3 – The Chicken Who Loved Me Part 1
Finally, Chickenbot gets to pick a cool job! After suffering through some dangerous and awkward temp jobs, Chickenbot walks into the temp agency and sees “Spy” as an option. He can’t resist, naturally, and us readers end up with what is the most completely satisfying Chickenbot tale yet. Don’t get me wrong, all of them have had their moments, and it would be a stretch to call any of them bad. This one just has the feeling of an artist that is hitting his stride with a character, and kudos to Eric for putting these issues out so quickly while still increasing the quality of his art each time around. That’s a formula for good things happening, if there is any justice in the world. There’s not, you say? Well crap. At least he still gets the satisfaction of making a great comic, and the rest of us get the satisfaction of reading it. Back to the story! Chickenbot gets acquainted with all the doodads that spies get to play with and learns of his mission to meet with an informant about a plot to poison chocolate. Naturally his informant is assassinated just before he gets to the good part, so Chickenbot has to improvise a bit to get closer to the man doing all the poisoning. And hey, it is a spy story, so it wouldn’t be complete without Chickenbot seducing the girlfriend of one of the major players in the plot. Any more would give away too much for my tastes, but a few James Bond bits are cleverly included, there were so many genuinely funny pages that I had real trouble picking just one (and only settled on this one because it’s vague enough to not give anything too major away) and things have been set up nicely for the next issue. His website is currently about 2/3 of the way through this issue, so head on over there and check it out if you like, but at this point people should really be getting on that Chickenbot bandwagon regardless. Also, as of an older update on his site, he seems to be getting down on the whole webcomics thing, which is perfectly understandable for people who aren’t independently wealthy and have a functioning brain. I’ll bet a few orders from you folks would perk him right up, and you’re only hurting yourself by not reading this series, so do the right thing, eh? No price listed, but something this hefty should be in the $5 range.
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Posted by Kevin
Update for 1/5/11
January 5, 2011New review for The Fifty Flip Experiment #14 by Dan Hill, in a heartwarming “local boy makes good” story. Well, he’s local right now because we both seem to live in the general Champaign-Urbana area, and he’s “made good” because I like his comics, not in the traditional “gets rich” meaning of the phrase, just to be perfectly clear…
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Posted by Kevin
Hill, Dan – The Fifty Flip Experiment #14
January 5, 2011
The Fifty Flip Experiment #14
Oh copying problems, you are the bane of the existence of mini comics. I’ll get to the content in a minute, but the fact that roughly half of the pages in here have dark copy lines either partially or mostly covering the pages is more than a bit annoying. Dan printed up a hundred of these things and I’m guessing he didn’t want to bother with the trouble and expense of copying a new bunch, which makes sense when you think how much the average mini comic producer makes (hint: breaking even is often a welcome surprise). Still, it’s a mess, and it detracts from a few stories. Ah well, at least this time around he upped the total of naked women considerably. Stories in here include baby as bomb, hobo wisdom, David Lynch making a Hostess snack cake commercial (that I would have loved to sample if the pages weren’t such a mess), the fact that deaf people are essentially always in a sensory deprivation tank and thus are constantly tripping balls, Spoons for Hands Man gradually running out of steam as Dan clearly loses interest, the location of a tumor, a strip that flew right over my head (at least one guaranteed per issue!), is the cat really in the box, and why Shamu doesn’t sleep. Oh, and the inevitable disappointment of the symphony. Dan also had an interesting introduction about comedy in general, and I’m completely on board with finding fewer and fewer genuinely funny comedians out there. A CD is also included that contains over an hour of something or other, but I popped it in, lasted a few minutes and then started searching around it. Didn’t find anything that really held my interest, but there could very well be nuggets of genius on it somewhere, my attention span is simply too short to try and find it. He says it’ll be less of a gap between issues this time around (this one came out about a year after #13), and here’s hoping he sticks to it. He’s gradually carving out his own niche, so it would be nice if enough people manage to notice before he inevitably runs away from comics and turns to drink. $1
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Posted by Kevin
Update for 1/4/11
January 4, 2011Yes, I took an extra long break or, more accurately, two breaks. All done now, and I’m all set to go for the new year today. No Top Shelf Tuesday today, as I’m slowly making my way through The Years Have Pants but I have no interest in rushing it. New review today for The Neighbor by Desmond Reed.
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Posted by Kevin
Reed, Desmond – The Neighbor
January 4, 2011
The Neighbor
Ah, cats. It’s a sad but true fact that the inclusion of cats in a comic will make me more likely to enjoy it. Yes, I’m a guy in his mid 30’s with one cat who is somehow still managing to turn into a crazy cat lady. Still, I like to think that I wouldn’t like a book JUST because it had cats, and going by that theory I’ll say that this is an objectively good book, not just a good book because of the cat. Anyway, this book deals with a cat that is new to a neighborhood and has the place all to itself. No communal litterbox like at the cat shelter and everybody loves it. Things take a sudden turn for the worse when this cat notices another cat just across the way, but this other cat seems to be evil. I’ll say no more, but I will say that I loved the fact that Desmond mentioned in his letter that I was allowed to use the artwork in the review as long as I didn’t spoil the ending. I understand that that could be a problem at some other sites, but your secret is safe with me. After all, in the few comics of his that I’ve read so far, the ending has been the best part, as every time it’s managed to be clever and unexpected while still fitting in perfectly with the rest of the story. No mean feat, and he’s three for three at the moment. $2
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Posted by Kevin
Update for 12/29/10
December 29, 2010New review for To Share is to Divide by Nick Soucek. You may have noticed that I’ve been absent a lot lately, which is because I didn’t get back to the family until Christmas Day and due to the generally lazy feel of the holiday week. I’ll probably keep it up, frankly, until next Monday, with chances of other reviews being thrown in here and there. Don’t hold your breath though, as I kind of want to recharge for the new year. I’ll have plenty of new comics to add to the store, many many reviews I need to get to, and there’s still that gigantic Alex book I hope to get to next Tuesday. Plenty to discuss in the new year, in other words, but I may be mostly absent here until then. If that’s how if plays out, enjoy the holiday, or don’t, depending on your preference.
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Posted by Kevin
Soucek, Nick – To Share is to Divide
December 29, 2010
To Share is to Divide
The ability to recognize when you’re being too melodramatic is often missing from autobiographical small press types, so it was heartening to see Nick take himself to task for it after a few pages of increasing melodrama. Nick is feeling sad and goes back to some hurtful things said by his last girlfriend (?), then off to ruminations about how he’ll be forever alone. Then the self-awareness returns and he seems to get that he’s wallowing, and the comic gains a little insight because of it. Nick rents a boat, goes off in search of time to think and ends up in the belly of a giant fish. It ends up being a fairly hopeful comic (without giving too much away), and ends up breaking through some fairly conventional “I’ll never be loved” territory. Why are there no comics in this genre for women? I’m sure there are some out there, but the vast majority of it I see is from guys. Because women have an easier time getting into relationships than shy guys? Let’s just go with that, even if it does feel a little like a stereotype. Anyway, Nick makes a few insightful observations about the process, and it’s certainly easy to see why it’s so common to get discouraged. Check it out if you like these types of stories but maybe want to see a bit of a twist for once. No price, so let’s say $3 and hope for the best.
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Posted by Kevin
Update for 12/23/10
December 23, 2010New review for X-Mas Afro by Tom Cherry, as I couldn’t resist the holiday theme even though I would have a very easy time resisting the holiday itself. This will most likely be it for me for a few days, barring a sudden blizzard or something. Have a happy whatever you’re doing over the weekend!
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Posted by Kevin
Cherry, Tom – X-Mas Afro
December 23, 2010
X-Mas Afro
Who else out there hates Christmas? There, now that everybody else has left the review I can talk to the few remaining cranks out there. The holiday bugs the hell out of me. So, so many reasons not to like it, but even I’m not totally without a heart, and I am capable of getting something fairly cute and amusing in the mail and still getting a chuckle out it. It’s the story of… oh come on, you can read that cover. The man can’t afford a tree, so he makes use of his natural asset. All is going swimmingly until he decides to plug in the Christmas lights. If you’ve enjoyed Tom’s previous comics then I’d recommend this one, or even if you just like the holiday. If you are even one step above me in your hatred of the holiday, I’d avoid it like the plague, but you know that already, as you’re probably in hibernation until the stupid thing is over with. Either way, it’s a measly $.25.
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Posted by Kevin
Update for 12/22/10
December 22, 2010New review for Beloved by E.S. Fletschinger. Sorry about missing Top Shelf Tuesday yesterday, but the only book I have left from them is the gargantuan Alec collection from Eddie Campbell and, even though I’ve read most of it in various other forms over the years, I didn’t want to rush through it. Maybe next week or, holidays being what they are, maybe the week after that. I can already tell you that you should use your Christmas money to buy a copy, if you’re curious.
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Posted by Kevin
Fletschinger, E.S. – Beloved
December 22, 2010
Beloved
It must be the holiday season, because my usually cold and unfeeling heart was in the perfect mood for something heartwarming when I read this. E.S. says this is his first mini, in which case kudos, as it’s expertly paced and drawn. This is the story of an old man who has just lost his significant other and who is, understandably, in a bit of a funk. He eventually decides to go the route of online dating, deals with the usual nonsense one will find if they don’t know what they’re doing (or, in a lot of cases, even if they do) and ends up with an agreement to meet somebody. Any more that I say would just be unfair, although I already did give away the “heartwarming” part, right? Eh, that could mean anything. It’s short and mostly wordless, but it’s exactly the right size for the story it tells, and that’s all you can ask out of a comic. Well, that and it’s entertaining and/or informative, and this one wins on that front as well. Check it out already, give this whippersnapper some incentive to keep the comics coming. No price, but I’d guess a maximum of $5 and will post any actual price if I receive it.
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Posted by Kevin
Update for 12/20/10
December 20, 2010New review for Drinking at the Movies by Julia Wertz, and I do have a few more international books but this one is due back at the library soon and it was too good not to review. Um, not to give away my opinion or anything…
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Posted by Kevin
Wertz, Julia – Drinking at the Movies
December 20, 2010
Where to even begin? It’s cheating for me to just say that this is fantastic and leave it at that, right? Crap. This covers the time between the summer of 2007 and the end of 2008, as Julia decided to move to New York after all the things keeping her in San Francisco fell away at once. Parts of it seem to be taken from her “Fart Party” comic and maybe another mini or two, but I’m far too lazy to go back and check which parts. Most of it seemed new to me, and I do try to keep an eye on this sort of thing. The book even almost has an uplifting ending, although I’m sure Julia would hate to hear that, as she seems to more or less give up the drinking and get on with a few more “adult” responsibilities. In the meantime we get to see her drunken year and a half in all its glory. There’s the random nature of her move (hilariously explained as her natural propensity to always take the difficult path), how bums seem to gravitate to her and how she can’t seem to hold a job. There’s her oddly happy home life and the fact that she gets along with her whole family, even though an older brother has had some trouble unrelated to her. Yes, drinking at the movies does take place, and it seems to take place fairly often. Do they serve liquor at the movies or does she smuggle it in? The world may never know; I know some places are smart enough to serve liquor with their movies. Other highlights (out of about 190 pages, so I’m cutting this list extremely short) include her odd ability to quiet a baby, the various ways she gets fired from her jobs and her utter lack of sadness about any of them, her hobo-like appearance and the fact that she only uses three outfits, her childlike eating habits, being ignored by obnoxious assholes who hit on everyone else, and, of course, drunken shenanigans. I read a chunk of comics on her website that seem to indicate some serious maturing going on in some ways, but her stuff is still hilarious as ever, so no worries there. Something about a tv adaptation of “Fart Party” was mentioned in this, but I haven’t seen anything about it since, which would be a shame. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I don’t see a way that it wouldn’t fall apart on television (unless maybe it was an IFC and she had a serious hand in the creative aspect), but it would have made for some excellent comics. There also don’t seem to be any minis in her store, which is odd, but all her books are available and you get special bonus goodies for ordering them from her. If you’ve avoided her comics so far because maybe you don’t like unconnected but fantastically funny comics, this one has a more or less coherent storyline, so your excuses are over. Buy it and be happy. $15
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Posted by Kevin
Update for 12/19/10
December 19, 2010New review for Kus! #8 by various international artists, but for the purpose of this international week I’ll point out that a good chunk of them are from Latvia.
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Posted by Kevin
Various Interational Comics – Kus! #8
December 19, 2010
Kus! #8
Is the world ready for an anthology based on allotment gardening? Well, considering the fact that the world doesn’t seem to be ready for small press comics in general and it seems like a bit of a moot point, doesn’t it? Still, those of you reading this are probably inclined to give it a try, so don’t run away based on what seems like boring subject matter. The great thing about these anthologies is the wide range of colors, styles and cultural backgrounds, so at the very least you’re bound to find at least parts of this book gorgeous. That being said, honestly, to me the subject matter was often a little dull. Granted, this is a wildly creative group of people who took the subject into unexpected areas, but chunks of it didn’t do a lot for me. Highlights include Ruta Briede’s painted piece about a growing garden gnome, Sabine Moore’s hungry carrot, Malin Biller’s heartbreaking tale of family life contrasted with the happiness of vacations, Yoshi’s Garden Gnome Liberation Front, Irkus Zeberio and Hitler’s doubles, James Turek with some useful advice for long-distance murdering, and Lai Tat Tat Wing’s cautionary tale of the future. The highlight of the comic was again the manga portion by Hironori Kikucki, as he drifted off while contemplating the subject matter and came up with something completely different and fantastic. I’m guessing the translating errors are unintentional, but they add an extra layer of funny to the whole thing. According to his bio he mostly does stories for teenagers, but he should really consider branching out into the small press world where he can get creative. All told it’s far from an awful anthology, but I wouldn’t list it as one of the greats either. If you’re looking to explore the international world of comics this is a great place to get a number of names and contact information, if you’re already a regular reader of this series this is the one I’ve seen so far that you could maybe get away with skipping. Then again, it’s only $8 for 111 colorful pages, so it’s up to you.
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Posted by Kevin
Update for 12/17/10
December 17, 2010New review for Gin Palace #2 edited by Rob Jackson, who currently resides in Bolton, United Kingdom. I may or may not have time to get reviews together over the weekend, as I seem to be coming down with another of those miserable winter bugs. If not, the international flavor may carry over into next week, as I still have a few that need to get posted. Oh, and the online store is absolutely, positively working again, so any orders placed before Wednesday will get to you before Christmas, and I’ll foot the bill for the extra postage necessary to make it so. It’s my little gift to all of you! Well, not all of you, but at least those of you who order comics from me in the next few days…
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Posted by Kevin
Jackson, Rob (editor) – Gin Palace #2
December 17, 2010
Gin Palace #2
That Rob Jackson, he has to be one of the hardest working guys in comics today. Well, small press comics anyway, as those guys with Marvel and DC have a monthly schedule to keep up, but you know what I mean. The first Gin Palace was a success, and this one follows it up nicely. Don’t be alarmed with the familiarity of my using first names here, and check the tags so see exactly who they are if you’re unclear. Francesca starts things off with a story about how awesome it was to go out to a bar with her dad when she was very young, Andrew has a story about a black dog rib that flew right over my head, Rob has a lovely tale involving a black hole and a robot that became a god, John/Sean has a story about living with a serious regret even though things aren’t all that bad as they are (probably the highlight of the comic), Paul has an excellent mish mish of family drama, Dave tells the story of a pumpkin competition that goes too far, Pete has a great piece about a grandson being tricked into pursuing a career in science, Sin-Cat (I’m guessing that’s the name the creator goes by too, at least judging from the back cover) has another wandering tale that hits and occasionally misses, Jarod deals with his tricky future self, Brad gives us instructions to build our own intelligent robot cubehead, and Barry has a fairly straightforward story about revenge until the ending. What else do you want to know? Any comic with Rob Jackson, Dave Hughes, John Robbins and Brad Foster gets my vote, and this one has more than a few great stories besides that bunch. Buy it why don’t you? $6ish
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Posted by Kevin
Update for 12/16/10
December 16, 2010New review for Two Eyes of the Beautiful #2 by Ryan Cecil Smith, currently living in Hyogo-ken, Japan.
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Posted by Kevin
Smith, Ryan Cecil – Two Eyes of the Beautiful #2
December 16, 2010
Two Eyes of the Beautiful #2
Huzzah for a second issue! I got the first one a while ago (please don’t ask me to remember exact dates when I received comics) and loved it, and this issue only solidifies that love. Right away you should be able to tell by that cover if you’ll be interested. You have an angry dog, a melting face, a chainsaw and a pair of scared eyes. Draws you right in. I should also mention that this is based on a manga called “Blood’s Baptism” by Umczu Kazuo that is apparently unavailable in English, so kudos to Ryan for putting out his own take on this. Things start off with an excellent two page recap of the previous issue, something more people should do, but regular readers already know my thoughts on that subject. From there we see the mother reminiscing about her beautiful past, then catching a stray dog and dragging him to the attic (past her hiding and terrified daughter Sarah). Sarah thinks this may be a dream, but the blood dripping from the ceiling convinces her. She somehow manages to fall asleep and wakes up to it all being cleaned up, but her mom still has the marks on her arms from where the dog lashed out. Sarah decides that it’s time to get serious, so she goes through an elaborate process to get ready for the day. Yes, I used one of them for the sample, as it’s so quintessentially manga that I couldn’t help using one of the few non-creepy or violent pages. So Sarah works up the courage to check out the attic after her mom goes out and finds… I’m giving too much away again, aren’t I? Dammit. The last issue of this series was creepy as could be, this one actually ups the ante and ads “disgusting” to the mix. The few printing problems I noticed the last time around are gone now and the art is fantastic, just absolutely perfect for the story. There’s one more issue in this series coming, so you should really get the first couple now so you’ll be ready. Assuming you like this sort of thing, I guess, but who doesn’t like tense and creepy manga? $5ish
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Posted by Kevin
