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Brain Dead Phylum #2

I mentioned something in my review for the first issue of this series about how the next issue could go either way. Well, the next issue is here and the way that it went is fantastic. Things start off with our heroes (two robots named Parker Lewis and Quasar) talking about “religgen” and how you don’t actually learn about the ‘bibble” by eating it, but rather that you’re supposed to pretend to read it. It’s not often that I’m 100%  behind a comic after the first page, but Kyle managed it with that bit of dialogue. Then we get to see the people behind the religion in this strange land while our two heroes try to find their way to the city. After a slight detour they make it to town but are shocked and horrified to discover that caffeine is no longer sold. Their reaction is a thing of beauty and if I had the technology to easily change the sample image below I would do it in a second. I have to stop myself before I ruin any more of this, but I do have to say a few more things: Pabst Blue Rocket and the incredulous reaction of the religious guy when he saw that he might actually be getting his message across. If I was undecided on the last issue, I’m totally decided on this one. Visually inventive as can be (while still depicting everything as dirty, seedy and run-down), dialogue that got at least a few honest chuckles out of me, and a story that’s more than engaging enough to hold your interest. Sure, there may have been a cheap plot point or two, but who cares? Here’s hoping Kyle keeps going in this vein for a long time to come. $2

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Brain Dead Phylum #1

This is one dirty, dirty comic. No, not like that, you perverts you. The story takes place mostly in a sludge pit, and Kyle went to the trouble of making the place look as dirty and grimy as possible. The story, such as it is, deals with two very stupid robots essentially having an extended conversation. They get into a ship, press random buttons for a bit and end up crash landing. I’m not sure if it’s possible for me to reveal spoilers with this ending, but paradoxically I can’t say more about it without revealing spoilers. Let’s just say that the characters are very aware of their situation and the next issue could be downright hilarious. Or terrible, as it’s only one issue and it’s impossible to say. I did like this one, as the bits that were intended as funny mostly were actually funny, which is a rarer occurrence than it should be. I’m also detecting some strong Pat Aulisio influence at work here, and as someone who has been reviewing Pat’s work since the very early days of the website, that does make me the internet equivalent of a proud… uncle, maybe? I’m not sure what analogy would make sense there. My basic point is that I’m happy that at least one artist is taking some tips from Pat’s style and running with it. Unless Kyle has never heard of the guy and this is all in my head, that is. The rambling point of all this is that this book is worth a look and it’s damned good for his first full length mini comic. Encourage the lad with your dollar! $1