TRASH IN MY EYE Reviews: Indie

Showing posts with label Indie. Show all posts

Thursday, April 17, 2025

About MERCHANT IVORY PRODUCTIONS

Merchant Ivory Productions was a film company founded in May 1961 by producer Ismail Merchant (1936–2005) and director James Ivory (born in 1928). Ivory and Merchant had met two years earlier in 1959 in New York City at a screening of Ivory's documentary short film, The Sword and the Flute (1959). 1961 was also the year that Merchant and Ivory became romantic partners. Merchant and Ivory were life and business partners from 1961 until Merchant's death in 2005.

During their time together, they made 44 films – beginning with 1963's The Householder and ending with 2005's The White Countess. The films were for the most part produced by Merchant and directed by Ivory. Twenty-three of those films were scripted by novelist and screenwriter, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala (1927–2013), in some capacity. The films were often based upon novels or short stories, particularly the works of Henry James, E. M. Forster, and Jhabvala herself. The company's final feature film production was 2009's The City of Your Final Destination, directed by James Ivory.

This month (April 2025) cable network, Turner Classic Movies (TCM), is showing seven of Merchant Ivory's feature films over two nights (April 17th and 24th). This TCM programming includes what may be the company's most famous and acclaimed films: A Room with a View (1985), Howard's End (1992), and The Remains of the Day (1993). TCM will also screen the 2024 documentary film, entitled Merchant Ivory, which follows the company's history.

It can be said, in general, that the films of Merchant Ivory Productions have a nostalgia for an idealized past,which usually photographed in sweeping cinematography. The lush landscapes of its films depict cultural shifts in a society's rigid class structures and also how those changes and shifts affect people of differing classes and social orders.

In conjunction with TCM's programming, I am going to review some of Merchant Ivory's films. I don't know how many and for how long I will do this, other than that I will likely continue to do so past TCM's Merchant Ivory programming dates.

Negromancer reviews of Merchant Ivory Productions' filmography:

Review: Shakespeare Wallah (1965)

Review: The Wild Party (1975)

Review: The White Countess (2005)

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Friday, April 11, 2025

Comics Review: "SWORD & THIMBLE #1" Draws First Blood

SWORD & THIMBLE #1

FANTASY ENVISIONING & CREATIONS, LLC

PLOT: Carmen Raye and Austin Darby

SCRIPT: Carmen Raye

ART: Austin Darby

COLORS: Austin Darby

LETTERS: Austin Darby

COVER: Austin Darby

24pp, Color, $9.99 U.S.

Sword & Thimble created by Carmen Raye and Austin Darby

Sword & Thimble is a new high fantasy comic book series from writer Carmen Raye and artist Austin Darby. Raye co-plots and scripts the series and Darby co-plots, draws, colors, and letters the series. Published via Darby's Fantasy Envisioning & Creations, LLC, Sword & Thimble is set on a continent and island metropolis known as “Sabise Shahar.” A first issue of the series is currently available.

Sword & Thimble #1 opens in Gravel Valley where Maira Rodan, a disgraced knight, arrives at a tavern. There, she meets her friend, a thief named “Thimble.” A run-in with a thug named Clod Ilbert provides entertainment for the two friends, but this confrontation is not the end of things. The troubles are just beginning.

THE LOWDOWN: I met Austin Darby at his booth at the recent Louisiana Comic Con 2025 (March 8-9) in Lafayette, Louisiana. That is where I bought a copy of Sword & Thimble #1.

Sword & Thimble #1 is clearly the work of people just beginning their creative journey into the medium of comic books. However, any opening night jitters or even awkwardness in the storytelling is easily overcome by a sense of confidence on the part of the creators. The world of Sword & Thimble is well put together, as well as believable, and the leads are characters that I like and that I want to follow on the high road to adventure.

Darby's art looks like the work of someone still feeling his way around the graphical confines and graphic possibilities of comics. However, Darby understands what the depiction of power and of strength and what dynamic storytelling can do for his storytelling. Like his visually striking cover art, Darby's interior art welcomes readers to a world of mystery and to the threat of danger, his way of capturing readers' imaginations from the beginning.

I must admit that I am surprised. I find myself engaged with what Sword & Thimble #1 presents more than I thought I would. Hopefully, Carmen Raye and Austin Darby can produce this series on a regular basis because I believe the more they give, the more readers will take.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of high fantasy comic books will want to give Sword & Thimble a try.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://www.fantasyenvisioning.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@thedudedraws7968/videos

https://x.com/thedudedraws901

https://www.facebook.com/TheDudeDraws

https://www.instagram.com/thedudedraws901/

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Friday, March 28, 2025

Advanced Comics Review: "THE OMEGA ELEVEN #1" is a Blast of a Blast-Off

THE OMEGA ELEVEN #1 (OF 4)

MONSTROUS BOOKS

STORY: James Aquilone

ART: Zac Atkinson

COLORS: Zac Atkinson

LETTERS: Jeremiah Lambert

FLATS: Thiago Aguiar

EDITOR: James Aquilone

COVER: Zac Atkinson

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Dave Acosta; J.K. Woodward; Zac Atkinson

32pp, Color, $7.99 U.S.

The Omega Eleven created by James Aquilone and Zac Atkinson

The Omega Eleven is an upcoming four issue miniseries from Bram Stoker Award-winning writer James Aquilone and artist-colorist Zac Atkinson. Published by Monstrous Books, the series is currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign. Letterer Jeremiah Lambert and flatter Thiago Aguiar complete the creative time. The series focuses on a time-traveler who must assemble history's greatest villains in order pull off an impossible heist in an effort to save the Omniverse.

The Omega Eleven #1 introduces Doctor Omega and his partner, 14-year-old Jack Dawkins, a.k.a. “The Artful Dodger.” Aboard Omega's time-traveling ship, “the Cosmos,” they travel to Camelot, circa 1138 AD, to steal “the Philosopher's Stone” from Merlin. However, the first steps in that process begin a series unfortunate, then catastrophic events that create a rift in the Omniverse.

There is a cascade of disastrous convergences, so the question is how does one fix an existential disaster of the ultimate scale? The answer is you gather a band of eleven. So who will be the Eleven?

THE LOWDOWN: James Aquilone provided me with an advanced PDF copy for review of The Omega Eleven #1. I can say that as a literary and comic book editor, James Aquilone delivers the good stuff. Now, he seeks to deliver the good stuff as a comic book writer. I have to admit that I really like The Omega Eleven #1.

This first issue has more than a passing resemblance to the BBC's legendary science fiction television series, “Doctor Who” (1963 to present). There are several appearances and references from vintage literary works. Of note are the works of Maurice Leblanc and Gaston Leroux. The Omega Eleven will remind readers of at least the first volume of Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill's The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (1999-2000), Terry Gilliam's cult film, Time Bandits (1981), and the beloved Robert Zemeckis film, Back to the Future (1985). Of course, the Arthurian legends play a big role in this first issue and likely will continue to haunt this narrative.

That aside, The Omega Eleven feels like a labor of love. Aquilone has fashioned his influences and beloved storytelling into something that is familiar, but eccentric and contrary in its own unique way. He left me begging for more, and since he provided me with an advanced PDF copy for review, I won't ignore any future links of coming issues that he sends.

I am a little familiar with artist Zac Atkinson, but what he does in this first issue shocks me. He is a gifted storyteller in the medium of comics, and he brings this story to life. I don't know how many artists could match his storytelling here, which is a gumbo of weird fiction, pulp fantasy, vintage literature, pop comics, and popular culture. In modern phraseology, Aquilone and Atkinson have killed it with this first issue. I hope they deliver on the promise and the potential on display here in future issues. In the meantime, run over to the The Omega Eleven Kickstarter and give like your entertainment life depended on it.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: If you miss The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, then, The Omega Eleven is ready to provide you with some reading pleasure.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

The Omega Eleven – The Metropolis Job Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/manbomb/omega-eleven-2?ref=c49po0

https://x.com/jamesaquilone

https://monstrousbooks.com/

https://monstrousbooks.com/shop

https://x.com/MonstrousBooks

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Sunday, March 23, 2025

Advanced Comics Review: "SUPERGUY #1" is a Super-Duper Great Read

SUPERGUY #1

STORY: Anthony Iannaccio

SCRIPT: Anthony Iannaccio

ART: Joey Murphy

COLORS: Joey Murphy

LETTERS: Joey Murphy

COVER: Joey Murphy

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Ahmed Raafat; Dominque Barlow; Billy Lahiff

28pp, Color, $10.00 U.S., $13.00 (variants); reward bundles

Superguy created by Anthony Iannaccio and Joey Murphy

“There Goes My Hero”

Superguy #1 is a new comic book from writer Anthony Iannaccio and artist Joey Murphy. The series follows the adventures and misadventures of a self-absorbed superhero, who is usually in his underwear, and his earnest robot sidekick, who has a mysterious and likely dark past. The story and script are by Iannaccio and the art, colors, and lettering are by Murphy.

Superguy #1 (“There Goes My Hero”) opens in Thebig City, specifically Thebig City Elementary School. It was supposed to be the school's “Graduation Day,” but that has been canceled so that they can have “Superguy Day!” Although the kids are excited to see Thebig City's favorite superhero, that superhero, the aforementioned Superguy, can't be bothered to show up on time.

Superguy can't even be bothered to do his job, so that's why his loyal sidekick, Robotguy, steps into the job and starts saving the day. Eventually, however, that is going to rub a super-someone the wrong way. Before long, there is a battle for the ages, and no one really understands how bad it will get or how many players are watching from the sidelines.

THE LOWDOWN: Last year, Anthony Iannaccio sent me a PDF copy of a Superguy preview story that he and Joey Murphy produced. Iannaccio also generously provided me with an advanced PDF copy of Superguy #1, which is the subject of a new Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign.

I was really impressed by the Superguy preview I read last year. It was the kind of comic book story that young'un Leroy would have flipped over. I can say the same for Superguy #1, and I've been trying to figure out why that is so.

Perhaps, I think of Superguy as something that will appeal to comics readers, young and old, because it seems as much like a broadcast network animated television series as much as it is actually a comic book. Superguy is sort of like Fox's long-running animated series, “The Simpsons,” combined with humor of Seth MacFarlane, another Fox animation mainstay, but without the more obviously adult content. Superguy #1 is a humor comic book that does not downplay the superhero fantasy elements, and it is also a superhero comic book that does not temper the humor. Perhaps, I see its potential for broad appeal in the fact that it broadly embraces more than one or two genres and subgenres.

Iannaccio and Murphy are a good team; they are like a seamless pairing that cannot go astray. Iannaccio offers a suite of snappy comedy, sharp dialogue, and lively jokes that it usually takes a team of writers to produce. This is an impressive feat on his part. Murphy is a humor comics artist with solid drawing and storytelling chops. There is a consistency in his compositions that suggests a veteran talent, even if Murphy hasn't been doing this a long time. Murphy's art and storytelling depicts humor and comic timing so well that this also makes it seem like he is an old hand at comedy and comics.

In his own way, Superguy is a lovable man-child, full of jealousies and self-importance. Robotguy is a stand-up hero, as good as any human good guy, but destined to face his darkness. I love these characters. I love this comic book. I love what Iannaccio and Murphy are doing here. So far, their Superguy #1 Kickstarter is doing exceedingly well. I hope they make enough dough to fund at least a few more issues of Superguy because this comic book is a super-read.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of pure comic book fun will want to read Superguy #1 over and over again.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

Linktree for Anthony Iannaccio social media: https://linktr.ee/mrtonynacho

Link to the Joey Murphy's IG page: https://www.instagram.com/jorion/

Kickstarter link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mrtonynacho/superguy-1

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Saturday, January 4, 2025

Comics Review: "GEEK-GIRL #15" Closes Out an Arc with Thunder

GEEK-GIRL #15

MARKOSIA ENTERPRISES, LTD.

STORY: Sam Johnson

ART: Carlos Granda

COLORS: Chunlin Zhao

LETTERS: Paul McLaren

COVERS: Carlos Granda with Chunlin Zhao; Aaron Felizmenio

24pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2025)

Rated T+

Geek-Girl created by Sam Johnson

“Identity Crisis” Part 5: “Coming Together.”

Created by Sam Johnson, Geek-Girl is a comic book character that debuted in the 2016 Geek-Girl miniseries, She returned in a second miniseries, 2018's Geek-Girl Vol. 2, which subsequently became an ongoing series. Geek-Girl Vol. 2 is written by Sam Johnson; drawn by Carlos Granda; colored by Chunlin Zhao; and lettered by Paul McLaren.

Geek-Girl focuses on Ruby Kaye of Acorn Ridge, Maine, a sexy and popular college coed who inadvertently becomes a superhero. Ruby dons a pair of super-tech eye glasses that give her super-powers. Ruby's BFF, Summer James, then talks her into trying to be a superhero, even providing her with a moniker. Now, Ruby is Maine's newest superhero, “Geek-Girl,” but the female super-villain, Identity Thief, has stolen her powers.

Geek-Girl #15 (“Coming Together.”) opens in the wake of Ruby's confrontation with Identity Thief in a bid to get her powers back. Ruby is shocked to learn that Identity Thief also stole the powers of one of her most dangerous opponents, Lightning Storm. But what did Identity Thief really steal. With a little help from her friends, Ruby might finally defeat Identity Thief and get some answers.

Meanwhile, Summer has gained powers of her own via the power-sharing group, “The Hive.” But does she really understand what she has gotten herself into and what it costs?

THE LOWDOWN: Geek-Girl creator-writer Sam Johnson regularly sends me PDF review copies of the latest issues of Geek-Girl, and has been doing so for several years. I enjoy reading about Geek-Girl and her (mis)adventures. I like this comic book enough to keep encouraging you to give this addictive series a try, dear readers.

Geek-Girl #15 brings to an end the “Identity Thief” story arc that began in Geek-Girl #11. Writer Sam Johnson wraps up this arc, but he also gifts his readers with plenty ghosts of Christmas-futures in the form of emerging subplots. I don't want to say that this is my favorite issue, but I want to say that Johnson does what he does so often. That is he makes an issue so good that you immediately want more, so this could be my favorite until the next issue. Truth is that Johnson is quite good at writing superhero comic books, but how he does it is like no other writer. Geek-Girl always seems fresh and is always crackling with energy, but without a reliance on decades of prior storytelling, as is the case with what is passing for the new hotness in current American comic books.

Artist Carlos Granda is quite good at capturing facial expressions and the quirkiness and oddness in the way people act in the context of emotions and speech. That really serves him well in Geek-Girl #15, which has a hilarious bit about pronouns. Granda has also created his own unique superhero storytelling language. He is quietly moving beyond the expected and into new territories of naturalism, surrealism, and realism. It seems like an impossible trio, but he is doing something new and something that is exiting to read. Granda's excellent storytelling here shows all the more under Chunlin Zhao's excellent colors (as usual) and Paul McLaren's consistent lettering.

I enjoyed Geek-Girl #15, and I heartily recommend it to you, dear readers. Geek-Girl captures the charm and magic of classic comic books and adds a clever modern touch. I know that more of you will want to discover it.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of lovable superheroes will find an all-around winner in Geek-Girl.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can get more information about Geek-Girl #15 and purchase it here or at https://samjohnsoncomics.wixsite.com/geekgirlcomics.

https://x.com/daSamJohnson

https://x.com/Geek_Girl_Comic

https://x.com/Markosia

https://markosia.com/

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Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Comics Review: "GEEK-GIRL #14" Throws Down the Geek-Girl Fight!

GEEK-GIRL #14

MARKOSIA ENTERPRISES, LTD.

STORY: Sam Johnson

ART: Carlos Granda

COLORS: Chunlin Zhao

LETTERS: Paul McLaren

COVERS: Carlos Granda with Chunlin Zhao; L.C. Freitas and Flinn Douglas with Chunlin Zhao

24pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2024)

Rated T+

Geek-Girl created by Sam Johnson

“Identity Crisis” Part 4: “Lightning Stormed”

Created by Sam Johnson, Geek-Girl is a comic book character that debuted in the 2016 Geek-Girl miniseries, She returned in a second miniseries, 2018's Geek-Girl Vol. 2, which subsequently became an ongoing series. Geek-Girl Vol. 2 is written by Sam Johnson; drawn by Carlos Granda; colored by Chunlin Zhao; and lettered by Paul McLaren.

Geek-Girl focuses on Ruby Kaye of Acorn Ridge, Maine, a sexy and popular college coed who inadvertently becomes a superhero. Ruby dons a pair of super-tech eye glasses that give her super-powers. Ruby's BFF, Summer James, then talks her into trying to be a superhero, even providing her with a moniker. Now, Ruby is Maine's newest superhero, “Geek-Girl,” but the female super-villain, Identity Thief, has stolen her powers.

Geek-Girl #14 (“Lightning Stormed”) finds “Identity Thief,” the villain who stole Geek-Girl's powers, living an imposter's life as Ruby. She is also living the high-life, partying with Karin Carpenter, Teyla, Alex, and Jools. What Identity Thief doesn't know is that Ruby is lurking, ready to strike back in order to retrieve her powers.

Meanwhile, Ruby's BFF, Summer, is out to get her own super-powers. That brings her to the strange and weird “Mr. Phenomenal,” but getting those powers means that Summer has to sign a contract. Does she understand all it will cost her to become a superhero?

Meanwhile, the League of Larcenists find themselves at the mercy of the denizens of the incarceration/rehabilitation center, “The Diner.” Can Chromex/Delfi Matrix answer Xie's questions that way she is supposed to answer them?

Geek-Girl #14 is deep into the “Identity Thief” story line that began in Geek-Girl #11. Writer Sam Johnson has completely sold this story line of the crisis of Ruby Kaye to his readers. Johnson makes you feel that Ruby is indeed in crisis and that she has been violated in the most horrible and intimate of ways. I'm constantly on edge, irritated, and anxious about Ruby's situation, even when I am reading about other characters' subplots. Johnson has created a perfect interplay of tension and conflict in this arc, not only with Ruby, but also with some of the other characters as well – for instance, Summer and her quest for super-powers.

Artist Carlos Granda is quite good at capturing facial expressions and the quirkiness and oddness in the way people act in the context of emotions and speech. That really serves him well in Geek-Girl #14, which is heavy on conversation, personality, and interpersonal relationships. Granda's excellent storytelling here shows all the more under Chunlin Zhao's excellent colors and Paul McLaren's consistent lettering.

As usual, I enjoyed Geek-Girl #14, and I continue to recommend it to you, dear readers. Geek-Girl captures the charm and magic of classic comic books and adds a clever modern touch.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of lovable superheroes will find an all-around winner in Geek-Girl.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can get more information about Geek-Girl #14 and purchase it here or at https://samjohnsoncomics.wixsite.com/geekgirlcomics.

You can also buy Geek-Girl #14 and its various editions at eBayUK or at https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/305939069480?itmmeta=01JDTDHCEHHA4NF8H6XVNX231A&hash=item473b63ba28:g:1osAAOSwXuhnSGU~

https://twitter.com/daSamJohnson

https://twitter.com/Markosia

https://twitter.com/Markosia_News

https://markosia.com/

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Thursday, November 28, 2024

Review: THE KENTUCKY FRIED MOVIE (Rembering Jim Abrahams)

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 206 (of 2004) by Leroy Douresseaux

The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977)

Running time: 90 minutes (1 hour, 30 minutes)

MPAA – R

DIRECTOR: John Landis

WRITERS: Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker

PRODUCER: Robert K. Weiss

CINEMATOGRAPHERS: Robert E. Collins and Stephen M. Katz (D.o.P.)

EDITOR: George Folsey Jr.

COMEDY

Starring: Marilyn Joi, Saul Kahan, Colin Male, Neil Thompson, George Lazenby, Donald Sutherland, Bill Bixby, Bob Liddle, Evan C. Kim, Master Bong Soo Han, and Tony Dow

The Kentucky Fried Movie is a 1977 American sketch comedy and anthology film from director John Landis. It was the first film written by the film-making team of Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker (abbreviated as ZAZ). That would be Jim Abrahams and brothers David Zucker and Jerry Zucker. The Kentucky Fried Movie contains a series of sketches that spoof various film genres.

Before they hit it big with Airplane! and The Naked Gun movies (based on the former ABC comedy, “Police Squad!), brothers David and Jerry Zucker and partner and childhood friend, Jim Abrahams, wrote The Kentucky Fried Movie. Directed by John Landis, The Kentucky Friend Movie is a collection of comedy skits; most are very short. All are highly irreverent, and so many are very tasteless.

The skits spoof film and television; most of the TV jokes revolve around television newscasts, commercials, and infomercials. The film features many celebrity cameos including appearances by Donald Sutherland and Bill Bixby, as well as appearances by the filmmakers themselves. The film also features an appearance by Australian actor, George Lazenby, the second actor to portray fictional British secret agent, James Bond, in Eon Productions' James Bond film series. Lazenby played Bond in the 1969 film, On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

The Kentucky Fried Movie is fondly remembered by those who saw it as teenagers and twenty-somethings, and it was still popular when I first attended college in the mid-1980’s. I have lost track of how many friends and acquaintances have recommended the film to me.

Personally, I find that very little of The Kentucky Fried Movie remains funny or relevant, although the racy bits are still…a bit saucy. The Bruce Lee spoof, “A Fistful of Yen,” and the skit, “Catholic School Girls in Trouble” were well done and quite sharp for its time and remain so. However, the film’s best short may be the closing segment which features a couple engaged in raw, passionate sexual intercourse on a living room sofa while a leering band of TV newscasters watch from the other side of the screen on a television set. That alone is worth the price of admission, but otherwise The Kentucky Fried Movie is uneven and hit or miss.

5 of 10

C+

★★½ out of 4 stars

EDITED: Thursday, November 28, 2024

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Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Advanced Comics Review: "BIG GUNS STUPID REDNECKS #3" Raises the Stakes

BIG GUNS STUPID REDNECKS #3 (OF 3)

BAND OF BARDS

STORY: Austin Allen Hamblin

ART: Mariana Meira

COLORS: Mariana Meira

LETTERS: John Ira Thomas

EDITOR: Chuck Satterlee

COVER: Mariana Meira

VARIANT COVER: Trey Baldwin

Color, $4.99 U.S. (November 2024)

Rated: “Teen”

Big Guns Stupid Rednecks is a three-issue miniseries written by Austin Allen Hamblin and drawn and colored by Mariana Meira. Published by Band of Bards, the series focuses on a retired lawman who fights to the death in order to entertain an alien television audience. Letterer John Ira Thomas completes the series' creative team.

Big Guns Stupid Rednecks focuses on Clint, a retired police detective who was investigating a string of unexplained disappearances in the southern part of the United States. One of the missing was Clay, Clint's younger brother by twelve years. The search resulted in Clint being abducted... by aliens. Intergalactic cable's biggest hit show is “Big Guns Stupid Rednecks” (BGSR), and the alien producers need a steady supply of rednecks, which they get by kidnapping humans. Clint is the latest combatant.

Big Guns Stupid Rednecks #3 opens with a celebration of “Big Guns Stupid Rednecks'” anniversary program, and the celebratory anniversary match is a doozy. It's Clint versus... his brother Clay?! But isn't Clay dead? Well, that's alien science for ya! And Clay is out for blood, while Clint has no idea of what's to come. Plus, Oweful, the alien creator of “Big Guns Stupid Rednecks,” has a deadly surprise for everyone.

THE LOWDOWN: Series writer Austin Allen Hamblin hooked me up with a PDF review copy of Big Guns Stupid Rednecks #3. It is the third Band of Bards publication that I have read.

Hamblin has delivered a pleasant ending to this pleasantly surprising series. For BGSR, he recreated some of the irreverent and edgy humor that readers found in such venerable sci-fi/fantasy anthologies as Heavy Metal and 2000AD over the last five decades. Hamblin did all that and set up this three-issue miniseries so that it can give birth to a media franchise. The ending here does not have to be an ending, and that's what I want – more rednecks.

Mariana Meira's art is stylish and visually appealing. Her storytelling is solid and captures the exciting nature of Hamblin's script. Meira's menagerie of alien beings also recalls the early years of Jaime Hernandez's “Locas” stories in Love and Rockets. It is in that strangeness of aliens that meets with the strangeness of outsider humanity. She spins this weird yarn into its surprise ending, which hopefully will give her a chance to expand the concept in the (near) future.

Yes, Big Guns Stupid Rednecks is not perfect, but it is perfectly grounded in the cool weirdness of comic books. Big Guns Stupid Rednecks #3 promises that there can be bigger guns and stupider rednecks. Some of us want that.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of outrageous sci-fi comedy and of 2000AD will want to give Big Guns Stupid Rednecks a try.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://bandofbards.com/

Austin Allen Hamblin:

Website: www.hamblincomics.com

Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/AustinAllenHamblin

Online Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HamblinComics

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Sunday, October 27, 2024

Comics Review: "GEEK-GIRL #13" Rolls Out a Barrell of Fun

GEEK-GIRL, VOL. 2 #13

MARKOSIA ENTERPRISES, LTD.

STORY: Sam Johnson

ART: Carlos Granda

COLORS: Chunlin Zhao

LETTERS: Paul McLaren

COVERS: Carlos Granda with Chunlin Zhao; Art Voyager with Chunlin Zhao

24pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2024)

Rated T+

Geek-Girl created by Sam Johnson

“Identity Crisis” Part 3: “Interlopers”

Created by Sam Johnson, Geek-Girl is a comic book character that debuted in the 2016 Geek-Girl miniseries, She returned in a second miniseries, 2018's Geek-Girl Vol. 2, which subsequently became an ongoing series. Geek-Girl Vol. 2 is written by Sam Johnson; drawn by Carlos Granda; colored by Chunlin Zhao; and lettered by Paul McLaren.

Geek-Girl Vol. 2 #13 (“Interlopers”) opens in Geek-Girl's superhero headquarters where Pig Head and his League of Larcenists teammates – Dog Woman and Chromex/Delfi Matrix – make their escape after Pig Head's rescue. They can't completely escape, however, as erstwhile ally, Joe Cyborg, is sending them straight to boot camp.

Meanwhile, Summer continues her journey towards gaining super-powers and becoming a superhero. She is in Augusta, Maine at “The Cowbell” bar where she hopes members of “The Hive” can help her obtain powers. Plus, Ruby continues her own journey towards regaining her powers.

Geek-Girl carries over story lines and threads from Geek-Girl #11, Geek-Girl #12, and the one-shot, Fake Geek-Girl #1. Writer Sam Johnson packs most issues with a lot of characters, which can sometimes drag on the pace of the narrative. On the other hand, sometimes, a lot of characters equals a lot of fun. I can't get enough of this large ensemble cast, as is the case with this issue. They're intriguing and lovable, even when they're being evil and repulsive. Many of them are just as interesting or, at least, almost as interesting as the title character.

Artist Carlos Granda is quite good at capturing facial expressions and the quirkiness and oddness in the way people act in relationship to emotions and speech. He certainly conveys the fun of a large cast with this issue. His clean drawing style recalls the simple purity of the lowbrow weirdness that made superhero comic books explode in the 1960s. Granda maintains the simplicity of wonder that many modern superhero comic books have lost. Granda's excellent works shows all the more under Chunlin Zhao's excellent colors and Paul McLaren's lettering.

I had a blast reading Geek-Girl #13, and I continue to recommend it to you, dear readers. Geek-Girl captures the charm and magic of classic comic books with a clever modern touch.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of lovable superheroes will find an all-around winner in Geek-Girl.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can buy a physical copy of Geek-Girl #13, both regular editions and limited variant editions, via eBay UK here or at https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_fss=1&_saslop=1&_sasl=cabracinicomics&LH_SpecificSeller=1

You can also buy a physical copy of Geek-Girl #13 at Indy Planet here or at https://www.indyplanet.com/geek-girl-13

Geek-Girl #13 in a digital edition can be ordered via comiXology or at https://www.amazon.com/Geek-Girl-13-Sam-Johnson-ebook/dp/B0DDYC9YK9/

You can get more information about Geek-Girl here or at https://samjohnsoncomics.wixsite.com/geekgirlcomics.

https://twitter.com/daSamJohnson

https://twitter.com/Markosia

https://twitter.com/Markosia_News

https://markosia.com/

-------------------------

Monday, August 12, 2024

Advanced Comics Review: "BIG GUNS STUPID REDNECKS #2" Does it Bigly

BIG GUNS STUPID REDNECKS #2 (OF 3)

BAND OF BARDS

STORY: Austin Allen Hamblin

ART: Mariana Meira

COLORS: Mariana Meira

LETTERS: John Ira Thomas

EDITOR: Chuck Satterlee

COVER: Marcus Jimenez

VARIANT COVER: Scott Twells

Color, $4.99 U.S. (October 2024)

"BIG GUNS STUPID REDNECKS #2" is currently available for preorder at your local comic book shop with the "Final Order Cutoff" (FOC) date being the end of August. The comic book arrives in December 2024.

Big Guns Stupid Rednecks focuses on Clint, a retired police detective who was investigating a string of unexplained disappearances in the southern part of the United States. One of the missing was Clay, Clint's younger brother by twelve years. The search resulted in Clint being abducted... by aliens. Intergalactic cable's biggest hit show is “Big Guns Stupid Rednecks,” and the alien producers need a steady supply of rednecks, which they get by kidnapping humans. Clint is the latest combatant.

Big Guns Stupid Rednecks #2 opens with current BGSR champion, Clint, dispatching another redneck. Clint maintains a behind-the-scenes diary of the show. He struggles to please Oweful, the alien creator of BGSR, while still fighting for his life in the arena. Oweful wants bigger ratings, and comes up with the “Big Guns Stupid Rednecks” championship to juice the ratings. Little does Clint know that someone is conspiring behind his back, nor does he know that there is a huge surprise in store for him.

THE LOWDOWN: Series writer Austin Allen Hamblin hooked me up with a PDF review copy of Big Guns Stupid Rednecks #2. It is the second Band of Bards publication that I have read.

I continue to be pleasantly surprised by Big Guns Stupid Rednecks. Hamblin has recreated some of the irreverent and edgy humor that readers found in such venerable sci-fi/fantasy anthologies as Heavy Metal and 2000AD over the last five decades. Hamblin offers science fiction with no problem in loving the flavors that fantasy can add to it.

Mariana Meira's art is stylish and visually appealing. Her storytelling is solid and captures the exciting nature of Hamblin's script. Meira's menagerie of alien beings also recalls the early years of Jaime Hernandez's Locas stories in Love and Rockets. It is in that strangeness of aliens that meets with the strangeness of outsider humanity.

I hope Big Guns Stupid Rednecks #2 ends up being an unexpected hit, the same as I hope that the first issue blows up when it is shortly released. Big Guns Stupid Rednecks #2 is not perfect, but it is perfect for a comics market that needs an injection of cool weirdness.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of outrageous sci-fi comedy and of 2000AD will want to give Big Guns Stupid Rednecks a try.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://bandofbards.com/

Austin Allen Hamblin:

Website: www.hamblincomics.com

Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/AustinAllenHamblin

Online Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HamblinComics

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Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Comics Review: "CABRA CINI: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #0 Deluxe" is a Big F'ing Deal

CABRA CINI: VOODOO JUNKIE HITWOMAN #0 DELUXE

ACTUALITY PRESS

STORY: Sam Johnson

ART: Bruno Letizia; Carlos Granda

COLORS: Chunlin Zhao

LETTERS: Bruno Letizia; Paul McLaren

COVER: Carlos Granda with Chunlin Zhao

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Flint Douglas with Chunlin Zhao

38pp, Color, £12 (print), £8 (digital)

Suggest for mature readers

Cabra Cini created by Sam Johnson

“Voodoo Trespass,” “Into the Infinite”

Cabra Cini is a comics character created by writer Sam Johnson. He is best known as the writer and creator of the sexy superhero, Geek-Girl, who has starred in a comedy-fantasy miniseries and ongoing series. Cabra Cini is a former sex worker who used “voodoo magik” to free herself of her abusive pimp/boyfriend. Now, she is a hit woman addicted to voodoo, Cabra Cini: Hitwoman.

Johnson recently launched a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign in order to publish Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #0 Deluxe. This standalone comic book collects the two Cabra Cini stories, “Voodoo Trespass” and “Into the Infinite,” which were originally published in the the comic books, Geek-Girl #5-9 (cover dated: October 2019 to February 2022).

Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #0 Deluxe opens with the story “Voodoo Trespass.” Between Heaven and Hell, there is Limbo. However, Limbo isn't all white space; there is an upper-level, tucked-away dimension inside it called “the Infinite.” Cabra Cini uses the Infinite to get from where she is to where she is going – on the way to kill someone. Cabra has just accepted a new assignment, but this time, the Rook, the ruler of the Infinite, means business. He doesn't want Cabra using his realm in order to get to her kills, and he will throw everything at her to stop her, including a terrible figure from her terrible past.

Next up is “Into the Infinite.” Drug-dealer Jacob Trencher wants Cabra Cini to kill his ex-business partner, Ethan Drew. Trencher, himself, is pretty versed in the dark arts and darker dimensions. And what is the connection between Cabra's latest assignment and Maine's most famous superhero, Geek-Girl? This time, Cabra Cini doesn't know what she needs to know.

THE LOWDOWN: Sam Johnson provided me with a PDF review copy of Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #0 Deluxe. The Kickstarter campaign for this comic book has already started.

Cabra Cini is both weird and dark, and I think weird fiction should be dark even when it plays in the light. Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #0 Deluxe darkly weird and weirdly dark, and Johnson, as usual, has a good time writing Cabra Cini stories, as evident in these two tart treats. Readers with broad tastes will recognize ideas that are similar to elements from Marvel's Elektra (the Frank Miller version as seen in Daredevil) and from DC Comics' John Constantine: Hellblazer and Preacher. I don't want to spoil Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #0 Deluxe, but the stories contained here do three things. They offer an origin story; connect to Geek-Girl; and act as a bridge to the 2022 Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman four-issue miniseries.

The artists of the two stories here, Bruno Letizia and Carlos Granda, respectively, are different in graphical styles, but are similar in that they are both quality storytellers. Their storytelling, dear readers, will make you want to get more Cabra Cini comic books, and both stories give a quick overview and introduction to the world of the voodoo junkie hitwoman. That's what is also great about this – the title, and, sooner or later, Cabra Cini will be a big thing in comic books.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of writer Sam Johnson's comic books and of Cabra Cini will want to both fund and read Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #0 Deluxe.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #0 Deluxe Kickstarter page.

Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #0 Deluxe Kickstarter video.

https://twitter.com/daSamJohnson

https://twitter.com/Markosia

https://twitter.com/Markosia_News

https://markosia.com/

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Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Advanced Comics Review: "BIG GUNS STUPID REDNECKS #1" Makes a Strong Debut

BIG GUNS STUPID REDNECKS #1 (OF 3)

BAND OF BARDS

STORY: Austin Allen Hamblin

ART: Mariana Meira

COLORS: Mariana Meira

LETTERS: John Ira Thomas

COVER: Kurt Belcher

VARIANT COVER: Mariana Meira

Color, $4.99 U.S. (August 2024)

Big Guns Stupid Rednecks is a three-issue miniseries written by Austin Allen Hamblin and drawn and colored by Mariana Meira. Published by Band of Bards, the first issue will arrive in August. Letterer John Ira Thomas completes the creative team.

Big Guns Stupid Rednecks #1 introduces Clint, a retired police detective who has been investigating a string of unexplained disappearances in the southern part of the United States. However, the investigation brings in the specter of Clint's younger brother, Clay. Twelve years younger than Clint, Clay is pure white trash – and missing.

Clint and Clay's sister, Jo, insists that the former search for the latter, but Clint's search ends up with him being abducted... by aliens. Intergalactic cable's biggest hit show is “Big Guns Stupid Rednecks,” a laser-gun gladiatorial combat competition. The aliens need a steady supply of rednecks, which they get by kidnapping them from Earth. Clint is about to discover who the reigning champion – with 27 kills – is, and plans are for Clint to be the next kill.

THE LOWDOWN: Austin Allen Hamblin hooked me up with a PDF review copy of Big Guns Stupid Rednecks #1. It is the first Band of Bards publication that I have read.

I am more than pleasantly surprised by Big Guns Stupid Rednecks. It reminds me of some of the offbeat science fiction comic books that Aftershock Comics, AWA Studios, and Titan Comics have published. Some of the edge and humor of venerable sci-fi/fantasy anthologies, such as Heavy Metal and 2000AD is here, with the flavor of some of Fantagraphics Books' weirder 1980s genre titles hanging around the periphery.

Hamblin's story engages the imagination, and his script gleefully attacks rednecks. There is never a moment when it feels as if Hamblin is going to pander or soften his blows. He eagerly plays with the possibilities of this concept, and, while he plays it a tad bit too cute here and there, the story is clever. As his career expands, I expect that Hamblin may be bringing some needed levity and imagination to a few Marvel and DC Comics' titles within a few years.

Mariana Meira's art is stylish and visually appealing. Her storytelling is solid and takes Hamblin's script and makes it hum with humor and imagination. This first issue works because Meira knows about capturing the right mood and right tone at the appropriate time. The lettering by John Ira Thomas, the writer of the award-winning horror original graphic novel, Lost in the Wash, adds a sparkle to the humor with his lettering.

I hope Big Guns Stupid Rednecks #1 ends up being an unexpected hit. I would hope, however, that word of mouth will be so strong that by the time it arrives, readers will already be waiting for it. I did not expect such a strong debut, and I'm still shocked twenty-four hours after reading it. Big Guns Stupid Rednecks #1 is by no means perfect, but it is the perfect way to make a first impression.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of outrageous sci-fi comedy and of 2000AD will want to give Big Guns Stupid Rednecks a try.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a/ "I Reads You"

https://bandofbards.com/

Austin Allen Hamblin:

Website: www.hamblincomics.com

Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/AustinAllenHamblin

Online Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HamblinComics

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Thursday, February 22, 2024

Comics Review: "GEEK-GIRL #12" Breaks Out the Break-In

GEEK-GIRL, VOL. 2 #12

MARKOSIA ENTERPRISES, LTD.

STORY: Sam Johnson

ART: Carlos Granda

COLORS: Chunlin Zhao

LETTERS: Paul McLaren

COVERS: Carlos Granda with Chunlin Zhao; Flinn Douglas with Carlos Granda

24pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2023)

Rated T+ / 12+ only

Geek-Girl created by Sam Johnson

“Identity Crisis” Part 2: “Skin and Bones, Waifs and Strays”

Created by Sam Johnson, Geek-Girl is a comic book character that debuted in the 2016 Geek-Girl miniseries, She returned in a second miniseries, 2018's Geek-Girl Vol. 2, which subsequently became an ongoing series. Geek-Girl Vol. 2 is written by Sam Johnson; drawn by Carlos Granda; colored by Chunlin Zhao; and lettered by Paul McLaren.

Geek-Girl focuses on Ruby Kaye of Acorn Ridge, Maine, a sexy and popular college coed who inadvertently becomes a superhero. Ruby dons a pair of super-tech eye glasses that give her super-powers. Ruby's BFF, Summer James, then talks her into trying to be a superhero, even providing her with a moniker. Now, Ruby is Maine's newest superhero, “Geek-Girl.”

Geek-Girl Vol. 2 #12 (“Skin and Bones, Waifs and Strays”) opens at “Snakeskin's Bar.” Chromex and Dog Woman, friends of the captured costume, Pig Head, have approached Digger Mensch and Terry the Super-Porter. One of them, Chromex, makes Digger a lucrative offer for the whereabouts of Pig Head – a big payday. Meanwhile, Pig Head is getting to know Rosebud and Joe Cyborg.

Ruby returns to headquarters, struggling to understand what happened to her, but her conversation with The Minger is interrupted when the League of Larcenists invades the headquarters. Should Ruby help with the response to this assault or go after the person who has stolen her identity and a lot more.

THE LOWDOWN: Geek-Girl creator-writer Sam Johnson regularly sends me PDF review copies of the latest issues of Geek-Girl, and has been doing so for several years. I enjoy reading about Geek-Girl and her (mis)adventures. I like this comic book enough to believe that encouraging you to give this series a try, dear readers, is one way I can contribute something good to the comic book industry.

Geek-Girl #12 carries over threads from Geek-Girl #11 and the recent release, Fake Geek-Girl #1. Writer Sam Johnson packs most issues with a lot of characters, which can sometime put a drag on the pace of the narrative, as it does here, but only a little. Sam is an imaginative writer and his stories, in a deceptively quiet way, are riveting. He captures the spirit of Silver and Bronze Age superhero team comic books like Marvel Avengers and DC Comics' Justice League. The difference is that Sam captures the eccentricities of both the superheroes and their civilian identities, where as the earlier comic books focus on the weirdness of the superheroes.

Artist Carlos Granda is quite good at capturing facial expressions and the quirkiness and oddness in the way people act in relationship to emotions and speech. Granda's graphical storytelling and compositions capture both the unique nature of Sam Johnson's world and the classic comic book sensibilities of Geek-Girl. All of this really shows under Chunlin Zhao's excellent colors and Paul McLaren's lettering.

Geek-Girl #12 is like the series as a whole, endlessly charming and constantly beguiling. I always want to read this series, and issue #12 makes me hungry for more. I don't know if Johnson wants to make Geek-Girl a monthly comic book, but, dear readers, I wish for that.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of lovable superheroes will find an all-around winner in Geek-Girl.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

Geek-Girl #12 can be ordered via Indy Planet at https://www.indyplanet.com/geek-girl-12.

You can get more information about Geek-Girl here or at https://samjohnsoncomics.wixsite.com/geekgirlcomics.

Information about the Kickstarter for Geek-Girl issues #13 and 14 is available here or at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/geekgirlcomics/geek-girl-identity-crisis.

https://twitter.com/daSamJohnson

https://twitter.com/Markosia

https://twitter.com/Markosia_News

https://markosia.com/

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Saturday, February 17, 2024

Comics Review: "FAKE GEEK-GIRL #1" - How to Spot a Fake or Be One

FAKE GEEK-GIRL #1

MARKOSIA ENTERPRISES, LTD.

STORY: Sam Johnson

ART: Carlos Granda

COLORS: Chunlin Zhao

LETTERS: Paul McLaren

COVER: Carlos Granda with Chunlin Zhao

VARIANT COVER: Narcelio Sousa with Chunlin Zhao

24pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2024)

Rated T+ / 12+ only

Geek-Girl created by Sam Johnson

“Identity Crisis”: “Geek-Girl, Interrupted”

Created by Sam Johnson, Geek-Girl is a comic book character that debuted in the 2016 Geek-Girl miniseries, She returned in a second miniseries, 2018's Geek-Girl Vol. 2, which subsequently became an ongoing series. Geek-Girl Vol. 2 is written by Sam Johnson; drawn by Carlos Granda; colored by Chunlin Zhao; and lettered by Paul McLaren.

Geek-Girl focuses on Ruby Kaye of Acorn Ridge, Maine, a sexy and popular college coed who inadvertently becomes a superhero. Ruby dons a pair of super-tech eye glasses that give her super-powers, and she becomes Maine's newest superhero, “Geek-Girl.” Now, the super-villain, Identity Thief, has tapped into Geek-Girl's mind and taken on her physical form in order to become “Fake Geek-Girl.”

Fake Geek-Girl #1 (“Geek-Girl, Interrupted”) opens as Ruby's best-frenemy, Karin Carpenter, arrives at “Rock” nightclub with her latest boy-toy, Alex. Before long, she is greeting acquaintances Jools, Estelle, and Howard. Her most important conversation, however, is with Danny about Ruby. So which is the real Geek-Girl? Which is the Fake Geek-Girl?

THE LOWDOWN: Geek-Girl creator-writer Sam Johnson regularly sends me PDF review copies of the latest issues of Geek-Girl, and has been doing so for several years. A recent arrival is Fake Geek-Girl #1.

Fake Geek-Girl #1 takes place between Geek-Girl #11 and Geek-Girl #12. It is both a standalone comic book, and it is also part of Geek-Girl #11 Deluxe. Fake Geek-Girl #1 is necessary for regular Geek-Girl fans because the “Previously:” segment on the inside front cover gives a detailed synopsis about the state of the narrative and how Fake Geek-Girl came to be.

This issue is produced by the regular creative team, so it fits quite well. Honestly, “Geek-Girl, Interrupted” isn't as strong a chapter as the ones in the main series, but it quite enjoyable. Also, I find that one needs to read everything Geek-Girl, dear readers. The first reason is because it is necessary, and the second reason is because Geek-Girl comics are super-duper good.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of the lovable Geek-Girl will want to read Fake Geek-Girl.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

Geek-Girl #11 Deluxe is a great jump-on point for the Geek-Girl series: containing all the content from Geek-Girl #11 (“Identity Crisis”: Part 1) and Fake Geek-Girl #1-Shot (also available as its own comic). You can buy it here or at https://samjohnsoncomics.wixsite.com/geekgirlcomics/geek-girl-11-deluxe

Kickstarter for Geek-Girl issues #13 and #14 are part of a crowdfunding campaign here or at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/geekgirlcomics/geek-girl-identity-crisis

Buy Geek-Girl comic books here or at https://www.indyplanet.com/?s=geek-girl

https://twitter.com/daSamJohnson

https://twitter.com/Markosia

https://twitter.com/Markosia_News

https://markosia.com/

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Thursday, January 18, 2024

Comics Review: "KONI WAVES" Crests on Cool Characters and Inventive Elements

KONI WAVES

HAUNTED PIZZA LLC/ARCANA STUDIOS

STORY: Mark Poulton

SCRIPT: Mandy Summers

ART: Renzo Rodriguez

COLORS: Dexter Weeks

LETTERS: Dexter Weeks

COVER: Renzo Rodriguez with Ink Spots

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Irene Strychalski; Chris Graves

ISBN: 979-8-987-45314-8; paperback (November 2023)

56pp, Color, $25.00 U.S.

Koni Waves created by Mark Poulton, Stephen Sistilli, and Dexter Weeks

Koni Waves is an independent supernatural horror comic book that was published as a series of miniseries and one-shots from 2006 to 2010 by Arcana Studio. Created by Mark Poulton, Stephen Sistilli, and Dexter Weeks, Koni Waves focused on Koni Kanawai, a female detective in Honolulu, Hawaii, who specialized in supernatural cases.

Koni Kanawai returns in a new original graphic novel, entitled Koni Waves, that was crowdfunded on Indiegogo last year and was published late last year (2023). The new graphic novel is written by Mark Poulton (story) and Mandy Summers (script); drawn by Renzo Rodriguez; and colored and lettered by Dexter Weeks. In this new story, Koni becomes involved in a complicated murder case that involves supernatural scheme and conspiracy.

Koni Waves opens with Koni Kanawai rescuing her pal, Pete, from the vampires(!) of Black Bear Cove, but that adventure is easy compared to what is coming. Koni's father, James Kanawai, a detective with the HPD, wants Koni to try to get back on the force. Koni, who was suspended apparently after running afoul of Internal Affairs, is willing to give that a try.

Later, at her favorite watering hole, Koni learns that District Attorney Choi believes that he has convicted the wrong man, Danny Snyder, of the murder of Felicity Andrews, an exotic dancer and former associate of Koni's. Taking on the case, Koni contacts Krystal, another dancer and former associate of Felicity's. After snooping around, Koni comes to believe that a local power broker, Prince Hopohopo, is connected to the Felicity Andrews case. However, Koni will discover that this case involves Hawaii's darkest secrets and its edgiest supernatural and spiritual past.

THE LOWDOWN: A few years ago, I came across the Twitter feed of a Mexican comic book artist named Renzo Rodriguez. From the first of examples of his art I saw, I thought he was very talented, but because I had never heard of him previously, I assumed Renzo was a new talent. I would later learn that Renzo was a veteran talent who had been drawing professionally for a long time, including for Zenescope Entertainment.

Last year, I learned that Renzo would be the artist for a crowdfunded project, entitled Koni Waves, so I quickly contributed. I did not know that Koni Waves was a comics property with a history, so I did not know what to expect. Now, having read and received this original graphic novel, I am glad that I contributed to the campaign.

Renzo is obviously influenced by legendary comic book artist Art Adams. Some artists who were influenced by Adams (such as J. Scott Campbell and Rob Liefeld) picked up on Adams' stylish flourishes. However, what Renzo seems to have taken from Adams is the ability to compose complex, multi-panel pages that allows a story to be told in detail without going into overdrive with decompression. Most of Renzo's pages have at least seven panels of varying size, and Renzo composes detailed backgrounds and environments in a way that compares to the work of set decorators for film and television. Renzo makes the world of Koni Waves feel lived-in, like a real place.

All those panels on each page allows scripter Mandy Summers to flesh out Mark Poulton's character-rich story in a way that conveys motivation and personality, plot and mythology, and action and drama. Summers makes Koni Waves read like an actual graphic novel in a way that so-called graphic novels (trade paperbacks) three times its size do not.

Dexter Weeks' precise, rich colors capture the curves, shapes, and contours of Renzo's figure drawing. Those colors make every character seem alive and, in the case of some, seem quite sexy, and they also make the art pop on the page. In addition, Weeks' lettering finds plenty of space for Summers' dialogue, so that nothing is crowded out.

I like Koni Waves, and I'd like to see more of Koni and her closest allies and most dangerous adversaries. This comic book scratches the surface of Koni Waves' supernatural skin, but the freaks want to come out. So I say let them out with more Koni Waves.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of supernatural and occult detective comics will want Koni Waves.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://www.hauntedpizzallc.com/

https://twitter.com/hauntedpizzallc

https://twitter.com/KoniWaves

https://twitter.com/renzo_rocomic

https://twitter.com/WartTheWizard

https://www.instagram.com/hauntedpizzallc/

https://www.youtube.com/c/PrimetimePoulton

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Friday, October 6, 2023

Comics Review: "ECTYRON VS. DES MOINES" is a Delightful and Edgy Original Graphic Novel

ECTYRON VS. DES MOINES

CANDLE LIGHT PRESS/Warning Comics

STORY/ART: Carter Allen

DIALOGUE: John Ira Thomas

LETTERS: John Ira Thomas

COVER: Tyler Sowles

BACK COVER: Will Grant

MISC ART: Jeremy Smith

ISBN: 2370001579941; paperback (July 2023)

68pp, Color, $10.00 U.S.

Comic book writer-artist and graphic novelist, Carter Allen, has been publishing a series of comic books and graphic novels featuring a “kaiju” character known as “Ectyron! The Radioactive Chicken!” Candle Light Press and Allen's Warning Comics have previously published several Ectyron comic books: Ectyron Against Lagaxtu (2017), Ectyron: Rise of Nemehiss (2018), and Ectyron: The Invasion from the Red Star Nebula (2019), as well as the Ectyron Omnibus Vol. 1 (2022).

Ectyron is back on the attack in the recently released original graphic novel, Ectyron vs. Des Moines. It is written, drawn, colored, and lettered by Allen, with dialogue written by John Ira Thomas.

All three Ectyron comics employ particular elements of various Japanese science fiction sub-genres. “Kaiju” is a term used to describe a genre of Japanese films that feature giant monsters, and the term is also used to describe the giant monsters themselves. [Godzilla is an example of a kaiju.] In this case, Ectyron is a giant-sized chicken. This series also includes elements of “tokusatsu,” also known as “mecha” or giant robot superheroes. [“Power Rangers” are an example of “tokusatsu.”]

Ectyron vs. Des Moines opens in Des Moines, Iowa. The state's most populous city and its state capital is about to experience a most unnatural natural phenomenon. The other-dimensional conqueror, Angerine, arrives, and his weapon of choice is a box that can multiple into other boxes called “Monks.” The Monks are connected like a titanic Medusa, and even Ectyron struggles against them. Can the new musician-superhero, Madam Madamn, help stem the tide of Des Moines' destruction? Or is it over before it started?

THE LOWDOWN: I have been receiving review copies of Carter Allen's comic books and graphic novels for almost two decades. We are also collaborating on an upcoming graphic novel, but I am happy to see that he is still creating new Ectyron comics.

Allen uses watercolors to produce his art and storytelling in Ectyron vs. Des Moines, and that gives the story a tone that is decidedly different from previous entries in the Ectyron series – at least to me. The story seems more consequential. The previous stories were playful monster comic books that recalled Japanese kaiju fiction, Marvel Comics' monster comics for the 1950s and 60s, and Marvel's early superhero comics like Fantastic Four.

Ectyron vs. Des Moines is very much in the pulpy, sci-fi, Japanese roots of its predecessors, but I find it more thoughtful about what comes after the thunder and lightning of monster fights. The battles are more difficult for the heroes, and saving-the-day comes with high costs and damage that cannot be reversed. The villains are excellent, and the kooky Monks are inventive, imaginative, and quite lovely. John Ira Thomas, a frequent collaborator of Allen's, offers pitch perfect dialogue, as he always does.

Yes, I want more of the Monks and more Ectyron. Still, I cannot help but ponder how Ectyron vs. Des Moines ponders the nature of evil, the burdens of heroism, and the devastation of death and destruction. It is as if Allen rebooted Ectyron with a new nature.

But the fun is not gone, and I think readers will welcome the new character find, Madam Madamn, as I do. I think all Carter Allen's fans will want to grab a hold of Ectyron vs. Des Moines.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of kaiju and of Carter Allen's kaiju comic books will want Ectyron vs. Des Moines.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

Readers can purchase Ectyron vs. Des Moines using the Square checkout service here.

http://www.warningcomics.com/

http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/

https://twitter.com/attila71

https://twitter.com/candlelightpres

https://www.facebook.com/Warning-Comics-194471080646766/

https://www.deviantart.com/vectorattila

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Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Comics Review: "GEEK-GIRL #11" Shows That the Series Keeps Getting Better

GEEK-GIRL, VOL. 2 #11

MARKOSIA ENTERPRISES, LTD.

STORY: Sam Johnson

ART: Carlos Granda

COLORS: Chunlin Zhao

LETTERS: Paul McLaren

24pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2023)

Rated T+ / 12+ only

Geek-Girl created by Sam Johnson

“Identity Crisis” Part 1: “I Want to Be You.”

Created by Sam Johnson, Geek-Girl is a comic book character that debuted in the 2016 Geek-Girl miniseries, She returned in a second miniseries, 2018's Geek-Girl Vol. 2, which subsequently became an ongoing series. Geek-Girl Vol. 2 is written by Sam Johnson; drawn by Carlos Granda; colored by Chunlin Zhao; and lettered by Paul McLaren.

Geek-Girl Vol. 2 #11 (“I Want to Be You.”) opens with Geek-Girl and The Minger headed to a local mall where “Pit Bull,” also known as “Maine's premier super-hero,” is getting his butt kicked. Geek-Girl does not realize that the beat-down is being delivered by a new villain, “Identity Thief,” and she wants Geek-Girl's powers. As they engage in a chase, Geek-Girl discovers that something very strange is happening to her – and it may mean her life.

Meanwhile, Summer is still trying to get super-powers of her own. And what is Digger Mensch up to?

THE LOWDOWN: Geek-Girl creator-writer Sam Johnson regularly sends me PDF review copies of the latest issues of Geek-Girl, and has been doing so for several years. I enjoy reading about Geek-Girl and her (mis)adventures. I like this comic book enough to believe that encouraging you to give this series a try, dear readers, is one way I can contribute something good to the comic book industry.

As I have said before, Sam is an imaginative writer and his stories, in a deceptively quiet way, are riveting. In the mighty Marvel Comics tradition, Sam is good at creating characters that are as interesting as civilians as they are as superheroes and super-villains. I would say that Ruby Kaye and Geek-Girl are closer to a Marvel characters such as Peter Parker/Spider-Man than she is to a Wonder Woman/Diana Prince.

Artist Carlos Granda is a more polished artist with each issue. He brings out the nuances in Sam's character writing and captures the overall humorous tone and bent of Geek-Girl. His clear and emotive storytelling, which really shows under Chunlin Zhao's excellent colors, welcomes the readers into this series. Paul McLaren's lettering is sharper than ever and makes Sam's story pop.

Geek-Girl #11 epitomizes this series' charm and humanity, which are so strong that they could make shojo manga sparkles pop out around this comic book. It's also time to kick start Geek-Girl #12 and the Fake Geek-Girl #1-Shot at “Kickstarter,” so see below for more information.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of lovable superheroes will find an all-around winner in Geek-Girl.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

Geek-Girl #11 is order via Indy Planet at https://www.indyplanet.com/geek-girl-11 or Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Geek-Girl-Vol-11-Sam-Johnson-ebook/dp/B0C6B8MTRN/ or for the deluxe issue, go to Kickstarter at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/geekgirlcomics/geek-girl-jump-on-issue-deluxe-plus-new-and-previous-issues

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