Dog Eaters
Written by Malcolm Wong
Art by Guillermo A. Angel
Dabel Brothers
Dog Eaters is the kind of book I have to admit being a sucker for.
To start with the art is stunning. It jumps off the page thanks to an obviously manga-influenced style by artist Guillermo A. Angel, and dramatic colour work by Ruben Del Vela and Michael Bartolo. The art really sells this series, including great covers on the first three issues.
“Guillermo Angel was recommended to me by David Dabel, one of the four Dabels brothers,” said Wong. “He sent some character designs and we went back and forth until we came up with the final designs. I tended to lean towards what he does best, rather than try to swim against the current and to demand a vision that he may not be what he can execute.”
Then comes the theme of the storyline. Writer Malcolm Wong is telling a post apocalyptic story, which has seen the people of North America evolve back to a tribal life that has strong native overtones. So you have a sort of post apocalyptic western feel. Come on how cool is that.
The better news is that once you get into the series, you find Wong isn’t going for the big bang story, where every scene is gunfights. Instead, we get a descent look at the life of a nomadic tribe. It is through this story of survival Wong weaves a larger story of a mysterious stranger, and the arrival of an obvious bad guy.
Wong said he didn’t have a particular character pool in mind, instead creating by building off the central premise.
“The characters developed with the script,” he said. “I didn't outline the script. I started writing with just a premise and it was like getting into your car and taking a long distance drive without having a destination. I added characters as the story developed and then shaped them as I rewrote.”
Wong has a fine sense of pacing. He is able to balance the story of just making it through a day in a world gone backwards, with the more action-oriented aspects of the book. That for me sets Dog Eaters a cut above.
You get a feel for the big picture storyline as Wong tells about how he came to do the story.
“I started to write Dog Eaters at a time when I was totally disgusted with what was going on in the USA. The addictive preoccupation with celebrity, the political incompetence and arrogance at the highest level, the needless and endless war, the feeling that Americans were ‘fiddling while Rome burned.’ The U.S. has thrown the Republican party out of power and elected Barack Obama as president, but we are not getting much change, unless you consider "change," meaning that he has changed what he promised while he was campaigning. You could say matters are starting to fester even more.
“I started to speculate about what would happen if this current incarnation of Rome did in fact burn, bringing down the rest of the world with it in a chain reaction of economic collapse, war, disease, and famine, culminating in the ‘Die Off.
“After this second Dark Age, who would rise from the ashes of the destruction? Who would survive in the U.S. Southwest? Prisoners isolated in high-security prisons who interbred to create a super-brutal outlaw. People of native descent who could live off the land. Where would civilization start to coalesce first? Why, around the casino-cities, of course. And how would they be supplied? By armored caravans plying the trade routes by tight-knit groups of people like the Black Dog Clan.”
I always find it interesting that many excellent comic stories start out with the idea being targeted at a different medium. Wong’s story fits that list.
“Dog Eaters was a screenplay first,” he said. “I started writing it probably around 2004. So you see how long things can take, especially with a labor of love. (Quentin) Tarantino worked on Bastards for 10 years before it came to the screen, so this is not an uncommon occurrence. The adaptation from screenplay to comic script was fast, just a few weeks.”
Of course Wong said comics are not exactly where the story comes from.
“Comic writing has not been an influence at all,” he said. “Most comics are serial with the story structure becoming static after the origin story. After that, the story structures: bad guys are dispatched -- is repeated ad infinitum. I suppose, if there was a sequel, that Dog Eaters could be considered an origin story, but that might be trying to fit this story into a framework where it doesn't belong.”
I have always liked the post disaster story, and the western feel is a great addition. Add in the killer art and Dog Eaters is a book I highly recommend.
Wong likes it too.
“I am very proud of the way this book looks,” he said, adding production was a problem in terms of supporting the project. “As far as its acceptance and audience, it is hard to keep a reader’s attention with monthly issues of 28 - 32 pages an issue. And in our case, the gap between Issue 2 and 3 was five-months. In this day of instant gratification, you can't expect readers to stay tuned.”
Check it out at http://www.dogeaters-manga.com/
— CALVIN DANIELS
-- Appeared on Yorkton This Week WebXtra
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Review -- GRIZZLY and CATICUS
Grizzly and Caticus
Written by Andrew Edge
Art by Andrew Edge
Cool Monkey Press
Grizzly and Caticus is one of those titles that two issues in still has me wondering exactly what is going on. That’s both good, and bad.
On one hand writer Andrew Edge is weaving a rather dark, and twisted little storyline. There are definitely some powers at play here, but Edge is keeping the details deliciously guarded over the opening two issues.
The other hand of the story is a tad confusing in its ambiguity over the first issues, and that may keep a few readers from sticking around, since comicbook readers often want a quick story fix. This is one Edge wants to have readers savor over time.
“The inspirations for Grizzly and Caticus were the culmination of a few years worth of ideas,” said Edge. “I knew I wanted to do something with them in the form of a comic but couldn’t figure out how to make the ideas work together in a story. They just seemed too random to me at the time.
“Two years ago I read ‘Catching The Big Fish’ by David Lynch, and then it became clear how to make the ideas or visions work.
“There is a beginning, middle and end to the story, but I do leave spaces open as new ideas or inspirations come to me so that I can fit them in.”
I have to say Grizzly and Caticus has one other flaw, and it comes from its production. The book utilizes glossy paper, and in issue one in particular, and to a lesser extent on issue two, the pages have sort of twisted a bit, almost like having been wet.
The art is interesting here too. Edge uses a painted style, mixing some black and white pages with coloured ones, to generally good effect.
The brush strokes have a softness, which gives the books a sort of surreal feeling, as if slightly out of focus with the real world. In that regard it fits the twists of the written story.
“As far as the look of the book, I like to use different media,” said Edge. “The hope is that all of these styles gel together at some point, and I can create my own unique voice. It also gives me a chance to test different things out, and keeps it fun as the different sections of the book can have their own style. It was definitely planned out so that the book would have different styles.”
Edge said he feels Grizzly and Caticus is growing as he progresses as writer and artist.
“I am happy that I was able to make two issues so far — the third should hopefully be out in February,” he said. “However, I always want the writing and art to get better. I believe I have achieved that somewhat with the third issue, and hopefully it will continue with the fourth and on.”
And there is more to come.
“I am hoping to make Grizzly and Caticus about 7-8 issues,” said Edge. “Once those are done I will be doing conventions, (as I am now), to help promote the book.
“It is planned to have a second series, but before that I have a couple of ideas that I may do first as one-shots.
“With doing all of the writing, art, and production work, minus the lettering, plus working the regular job it takes awhile to get these out. So I will be busy, but that is the plan.”
You can find the first two issues at Midtown Comics (http://www.facebook.com/l/d2d44;www.midtowncomics.com in the search field type Grizzly and Caticus and search in back issues; or order them directly from Edge at http://www.facebook.com/l/d2d44;www.coolmonkeypress.com. Readers can also learn more at his blog, http://www.facebook.com/l/d2d44;www.andrewedgeonline.com.
— CALVIN DANIELS
-- Appeared on Yorkton This Week WebXtra
Written by Andrew Edge
Art by Andrew Edge
Cool Monkey Press
Grizzly and Caticus is one of those titles that two issues in still has me wondering exactly what is going on. That’s both good, and bad.
On one hand writer Andrew Edge is weaving a rather dark, and twisted little storyline. There are definitely some powers at play here, but Edge is keeping the details deliciously guarded over the opening two issues.
The other hand of the story is a tad confusing in its ambiguity over the first issues, and that may keep a few readers from sticking around, since comicbook readers often want a quick story fix. This is one Edge wants to have readers savor over time.
“The inspirations for Grizzly and Caticus were the culmination of a few years worth of ideas,” said Edge. “I knew I wanted to do something with them in the form of a comic but couldn’t figure out how to make the ideas work together in a story. They just seemed too random to me at the time.
“Two years ago I read ‘Catching The Big Fish’ by David Lynch, and then it became clear how to make the ideas or visions work.
“There is a beginning, middle and end to the story, but I do leave spaces open as new ideas or inspirations come to me so that I can fit them in.”
I have to say Grizzly and Caticus has one other flaw, and it comes from its production. The book utilizes glossy paper, and in issue one in particular, and to a lesser extent on issue two, the pages have sort of twisted a bit, almost like having been wet.
The art is interesting here too. Edge uses a painted style, mixing some black and white pages with coloured ones, to generally good effect.
The brush strokes have a softness, which gives the books a sort of surreal feeling, as if slightly out of focus with the real world. In that regard it fits the twists of the written story.
“As far as the look of the book, I like to use different media,” said Edge. “The hope is that all of these styles gel together at some point, and I can create my own unique voice. It also gives me a chance to test different things out, and keeps it fun as the different sections of the book can have their own style. It was definitely planned out so that the book would have different styles.”
Edge said he feels Grizzly and Caticus is growing as he progresses as writer and artist.
“I am happy that I was able to make two issues so far — the third should hopefully be out in February,” he said. “However, I always want the writing and art to get better. I believe I have achieved that somewhat with the third issue, and hopefully it will continue with the fourth and on.”
And there is more to come.
“I am hoping to make Grizzly and Caticus about 7-8 issues,” said Edge. “Once those are done I will be doing conventions, (as I am now), to help promote the book.
“It is planned to have a second series, but before that I have a couple of ideas that I may do first as one-shots.
“With doing all of the writing, art, and production work, minus the lettering, plus working the regular job it takes awhile to get these out. So I will be busy, but that is the plan.”
You can find the first two issues at Midtown Comics (http://www.facebook.com/l/d2d44;www.midtowncomics.com in the search field type Grizzly and Caticus and search in back issues; or order them directly from Edge at http://www.facebook.com/l/d2d44;www.coolmonkeypress.com. Readers can also learn more at his blog, http://www.facebook.com/l/d2d44;www.andrewedgeonline.com.
— CALVIN DANIELS
-- Appeared on Yorkton This Week WebXtra
Review -- RAZORJACK -- Collected Edition
Razorjack - Collected Edition
Created & Written by John Higgins
Art by John Higgins
Comx Comics
All right, time to be a bit of a pure ‘fan boy’ here. While my interviews for these reviews are carried out via email, I have to say it’s still a huge thrill to think John Higgins took the time to support my humble endeavours.
If you are a true comic fan you will recognize Higgins name as the colorist on The Watchmen, one of the true classic comic title. You might know it from a recent movie that garnered some attention too *wink.
Razorjack is Higgins own creation, where he spreads his wings and does it all, create, write and pencil, and he does it darned well too.
I have to say Higgins created a wonderfully dark, twisted and interesting world filled with dark, demonic otherworldly creatures looking to cross into ours, led by Razorjack.
“The Razorjack character was designed before I had written the complete story,” said Higgins. “I needed to visualize for my self a creature that was the essence of evil. I thought long and hard about her, redesigned her a thousand times. Once I had that sense of the protagonist, everything else revolved around her.
“I have been going through style changes since I had first started drawing comics, so every job is a learning curve and I think in Razorjack it shows more than in any other one book, as the first story arc pages were drawn 10 years ago and the last story arc pages this year.”
And of course there is the all too human pawns put into play, against the hero that has to find a way to thwart the end of our world.
While there are elements here you will have read in other comics, Higgins take remains fresh enough to stand out.
Higgins said the title was something he wanted to do because he wanted to explore his own creation for change.
“All I had wanted to do with Razorjack was to create my own world outside of what I had been commissioned to do all my professional life,” he said. “As much as I love working on Batman, Spiderman or even the Watchmen it has always been as a gun for hire.
“So the starting point for the story itself was a long time growing, and is based on what I enjoyed most and had not done yet. Then it grew into a more personal style that incorporates everything I enjoy, SF, police procedure, horror, murder mystery, this I call, ‘hard-boiled, SF noir’.”
Higgins said he used the title as a way to encompass what he personally enjoyed ads a fan of comics.
“I was literally trying to put in everything that I enjoyed doing, stuff that I had previously touched on in my work for other companies, like 2000 AD, which has that science fiction element,” he said. “Also Metal Hurlant, which was a French science fantasy comic book that I first read as an art student, that certainly influenced me.
“And most anything done by Richard Corben influenced me, horror that has an under current of humour.”
As for the art it is clean, dramatic, with shadings which capture the darkness of the storyline perfectly. You might expect that from Higgins given his resume, but trust he does not let that expectation down at all.
With Razorjack Higgins shows he is a complete creator with the ability to envision unique worlds, populate it with compelling characters, and through that combination tell a darned exciting, albeit dark tale.
Higgins then wraps it all in a nice package artistically.
So it’s not a surprise he likes the final product.
“I have always enjoyed as a reader of comic books to be shocked, delighted or amazed; to be taken to a place I have never been to before,” he said. “This is how I tried to make the world of Razorjack. I wanted to take the readers into my world were nothing is as you perceive it to be; to unsettle the readers preconceptions from page one.
“And, talking to readers at signings and conventions, who are now giving me feed back, I appear to have achieved that.”
Readers will also be thrilled to learn the story of Razorjack is not yet complete.
“I have written a new story and created new art for the collected edition. That certainly gave me an incentive to do more in the world of Razorjack,” he Higgins. “I found I still liked these characters, and want to do more. So I am just waiting for the right opportunity. The lead character Razorjack has stepped out side of the pages of the book, and now exists with in our world. She has been created by from my designs by the master sculptor Nigel Booth and formed into a prosthetic head. She is going to feature in a variety of projects. Keep checking at, www.turmoilcolour.com and http://www.facebook.com/pages/Razorjack/56068783540?ref=ts
to see where she appears next.”
Originally published as a mini series, the Collected Edition of Razorjack is a beautiful square-bound collection any comic fan should have in their collection.
Impressive in all aspects.
Look for it at http://www.comxcomics.com/titles
— CALVIN DANIELS
-- Appeared on Yorkton This Week WebXtra
Created & Written by John Higgins
Art by John Higgins
Comx Comics
All right, time to be a bit of a pure ‘fan boy’ here. While my interviews for these reviews are carried out via email, I have to say it’s still a huge thrill to think John Higgins took the time to support my humble endeavours.
If you are a true comic fan you will recognize Higgins name as the colorist on The Watchmen, one of the true classic comic title. You might know it from a recent movie that garnered some attention too *wink.
Razorjack is Higgins own creation, where he spreads his wings and does it all, create, write and pencil, and he does it darned well too.
I have to say Higgins created a wonderfully dark, twisted and interesting world filled with dark, demonic otherworldly creatures looking to cross into ours, led by Razorjack.
“The Razorjack character was designed before I had written the complete story,” said Higgins. “I needed to visualize for my self a creature that was the essence of evil. I thought long and hard about her, redesigned her a thousand times. Once I had that sense of the protagonist, everything else revolved around her.
“I have been going through style changes since I had first started drawing comics, so every job is a learning curve and I think in Razorjack it shows more than in any other one book, as the first story arc pages were drawn 10 years ago and the last story arc pages this year.”
And of course there is the all too human pawns put into play, against the hero that has to find a way to thwart the end of our world.
While there are elements here you will have read in other comics, Higgins take remains fresh enough to stand out.
Higgins said the title was something he wanted to do because he wanted to explore his own creation for change.
“All I had wanted to do with Razorjack was to create my own world outside of what I had been commissioned to do all my professional life,” he said. “As much as I love working on Batman, Spiderman or even the Watchmen it has always been as a gun for hire.
“So the starting point for the story itself was a long time growing, and is based on what I enjoyed most and had not done yet. Then it grew into a more personal style that incorporates everything I enjoy, SF, police procedure, horror, murder mystery, this I call, ‘hard-boiled, SF noir’.”
Higgins said he used the title as a way to encompass what he personally enjoyed ads a fan of comics.
“I was literally trying to put in everything that I enjoyed doing, stuff that I had previously touched on in my work for other companies, like 2000 AD, which has that science fiction element,” he said. “Also Metal Hurlant, which was a French science fantasy comic book that I first read as an art student, that certainly influenced me.
“And most anything done by Richard Corben influenced me, horror that has an under current of humour.”
As for the art it is clean, dramatic, with shadings which capture the darkness of the storyline perfectly. You might expect that from Higgins given his resume, but trust he does not let that expectation down at all.
With Razorjack Higgins shows he is a complete creator with the ability to envision unique worlds, populate it with compelling characters, and through that combination tell a darned exciting, albeit dark tale.
Higgins then wraps it all in a nice package artistically.
So it’s not a surprise he likes the final product.
“I have always enjoyed as a reader of comic books to be shocked, delighted or amazed; to be taken to a place I have never been to before,” he said. “This is how I tried to make the world of Razorjack. I wanted to take the readers into my world were nothing is as you perceive it to be; to unsettle the readers preconceptions from page one.
“And, talking to readers at signings and conventions, who are now giving me feed back, I appear to have achieved that.”
Readers will also be thrilled to learn the story of Razorjack is not yet complete.
“I have written a new story and created new art for the collected edition. That certainly gave me an incentive to do more in the world of Razorjack,” he Higgins. “I found I still liked these characters, and want to do more. So I am just waiting for the right opportunity. The lead character Razorjack has stepped out side of the pages of the book, and now exists with in our world. She has been created by from my designs by the master sculptor Nigel Booth and formed into a prosthetic head. She is going to feature in a variety of projects. Keep checking at, www.turmoilcolour.com and http://www.facebook.com/pages/Razorjack/56068783540?ref=ts
to see where she appears next.”
Originally published as a mini series, the Collected Edition of Razorjack is a beautiful square-bound collection any comic fan should have in their collection.
Impressive in all aspects.
Look for it at http://www.comxcomics.com/titles
— CALVIN DANIELS
-- Appeared on Yorkton This Week WebXtra
Review -- SHATTERED REALM
SHATTERED REALM
Written by Robert Brewer
Art by Damion Kendrick
Damage Arts Studio
The first thing you will notice with Shattered Realm in that artist Damion Kendrick has a thing for oversized ears and swords.
A fantasy tale in the tradition of Dungeons & Dragons, Shattered Realm has a tribe of elves, with ears which remind of a kangaroo. The look may sound funny when described, but artistically, they are a rather dramatic feature that sets these elves apart from the norm.
Interestingly, another denizen looks even more like a kangaroo, minus the tail.
Then like a lot of cartoon-influenced fantasy you add some huge weapons, and arcane magical energies, and away you go in terms of the ‘feel’ of the book artistically.
The colouring here is also bright, in particular the reds and greens, so the art really hits the eye with impact.
“The artistic style is a bit americanized anime,” said Kendrick. “When I started the book, anime was a huge influence for what I was going for because I'm a super fan of Japanese animation.
“My favorite comicbook artist is Joe Madureira and he was also a big influence in my work as well.
“So I would say the look I was going for with this particular story was already planned.
“I was influenced by a lot of movies! I like a lot of fantasy stuff, so I was looking at movies like Beast Master, Krull, and Dark Crystal, just to name a couple. Then there were cartoons like He-Man, and Thundercats.”
The storyline, through one issue, is about what you would expect from a fantasy tale. Demonic bad guy, beautiful damsel in distress, unsuspecting hero drawn into the fray. Yes, it has been done.
But, in fairness the strength of the story will only become clear as writer Robert Brewer takes us through subsequent issues. The series will really live and die on his ability to elevate Shattered Realm above a cliched rehash of other storylines. Through one issue it is impossible to gauge how successful he will be.
Kendrick said the story was initially from his concepts.
“The idea for the story was sort of a process for me, cause for a while I was doing another title called ‘Chang Fury’ and I wasn't really thinking of another project to do until I drew a quick sketch of this little elf warrior character for a game of D&D,” he said. “It was actually suggested that I turn him into a comicbook character, and then boom I start working on a story. I’m not the best of writers and I had a lot of ideas for the story. So a friend of mine Robert Brewer took the liberty of turning my story into something 10-times better!”
While the overall impact of the title will have to wait for future issues, the art and impact of issue one makes it worth grabbing. We will hope Shattered Realm goes in the right direction to make future issues worthwhile too.
Kendrick said the title has been a process to get from idea to print.
“The book took a long while to get out and it was a planned four-part series,” he said. “This being the first I'm very happy with how the story started off, but as far as the art, I’m hard on myself about my work and when I look back at it I cringe because a lot of mistakes I see. I have drawn the next three books and the art has gotten a lot better from the first one.”
So there is more story to be told as time allows.
“Hopefully the next issue of Shattered Realm will come shortly, but there are other titles I'm working on at the moment,” said Kendrick. “I'm finishing up a comic for my buddy Eric Kemphfer who did the inking and coloring in the first Shattered Realm. This will be his first self titled project called Stray! So that's looking pretty good!”
Kendrick added he just hopes readers like where Shattered Realm goes.
“I hope everyone will enjoy my book,” he said. “I put a lot of energy into it and will do my best to excite my readers.”
Check it out. Online readers can find the book Shattered Realm at http://www.facebook.com/l/d2d44;www.comixpress.com
They can also find the preview of Shattered Realm there as well.
— CALVIN DANIELS
-- Appeared on Yorkton This Week WebXtra
Written by Robert Brewer
Art by Damion Kendrick
Damage Arts Studio
The first thing you will notice with Shattered Realm in that artist Damion Kendrick has a thing for oversized ears and swords.
A fantasy tale in the tradition of Dungeons & Dragons, Shattered Realm has a tribe of elves, with ears which remind of a kangaroo. The look may sound funny when described, but artistically, they are a rather dramatic feature that sets these elves apart from the norm.
Interestingly, another denizen looks even more like a kangaroo, minus the tail.
Then like a lot of cartoon-influenced fantasy you add some huge weapons, and arcane magical energies, and away you go in terms of the ‘feel’ of the book artistically.
The colouring here is also bright, in particular the reds and greens, so the art really hits the eye with impact.
“The artistic style is a bit americanized anime,” said Kendrick. “When I started the book, anime was a huge influence for what I was going for because I'm a super fan of Japanese animation.
“My favorite comicbook artist is Joe Madureira and he was also a big influence in my work as well.
“So I would say the look I was going for with this particular story was already planned.
“I was influenced by a lot of movies! I like a lot of fantasy stuff, so I was looking at movies like Beast Master, Krull, and Dark Crystal, just to name a couple. Then there were cartoons like He-Man, and Thundercats.”
The storyline, through one issue, is about what you would expect from a fantasy tale. Demonic bad guy, beautiful damsel in distress, unsuspecting hero drawn into the fray. Yes, it has been done.
But, in fairness the strength of the story will only become clear as writer Robert Brewer takes us through subsequent issues. The series will really live and die on his ability to elevate Shattered Realm above a cliched rehash of other storylines. Through one issue it is impossible to gauge how successful he will be.
Kendrick said the story was initially from his concepts.
“The idea for the story was sort of a process for me, cause for a while I was doing another title called ‘Chang Fury’ and I wasn't really thinking of another project to do until I drew a quick sketch of this little elf warrior character for a game of D&D,” he said. “It was actually suggested that I turn him into a comicbook character, and then boom I start working on a story. I’m not the best of writers and I had a lot of ideas for the story. So a friend of mine Robert Brewer took the liberty of turning my story into something 10-times better!”
While the overall impact of the title will have to wait for future issues, the art and impact of issue one makes it worth grabbing. We will hope Shattered Realm goes in the right direction to make future issues worthwhile too.
Kendrick said the title has been a process to get from idea to print.
“The book took a long while to get out and it was a planned four-part series,” he said. “This being the first I'm very happy with how the story started off, but as far as the art, I’m hard on myself about my work and when I look back at it I cringe because a lot of mistakes I see. I have drawn the next three books and the art has gotten a lot better from the first one.”
So there is more story to be told as time allows.
“Hopefully the next issue of Shattered Realm will come shortly, but there are other titles I'm working on at the moment,” said Kendrick. “I'm finishing up a comic for my buddy Eric Kemphfer who did the inking and coloring in the first Shattered Realm. This will be his first self titled project called Stray! So that's looking pretty good!”
Kendrick added he just hopes readers like where Shattered Realm goes.
“I hope everyone will enjoy my book,” he said. “I put a lot of energy into it and will do my best to excite my readers.”
Check it out. Online readers can find the book Shattered Realm at http://www.facebook.com/l/d2d44;www.comixpress.com
They can also find the preview of Shattered Realm there as well.
— CALVIN DANIELS
-- Appeared on Yorkton This Week WebXtra
Review -- MILLENNIA WAR
Millennia War
Created & Written by Ashley A. Woods
Art by Ashley A. Woods
Indie
Combining elements of fantasy into a modern day setting requires a creative vision that is not easily realized.
Ashley A. Woods does an excellent job of carrying it off in her series Millennia War.
The storyline has elves actually existing. They have been pushed to the fringes by past conflict. Not surprisingly they aren’t real happy with the situation.
As a result of an age old conflict which seems to percolating to the surface again, this is a story of political intrigue as much as anything.
Five issues into the series there are more questions being unveiled than answers, which certainly makes the reader want to be around as Woods starts filling in the blanks.
As a storyteller, it is rather obvious Woods has a long-term vision of where she is going with the story. She has an excellent sense of timing with her writing. She is taking her time letting out the story a little at a time, not rushing things for the sake of climactic effect.
Of course Woods worked with the idea for Millennia War for two years before getting it to publication, so she should have a rather detailed vision.
“I began conceptualizing early 2004, round March or April, and kept refining the look and story of Millennia War until I finally published it March of 2006,” she said. “I didn't sell the first copies (issue #0) until May 2006 …
“Back in early 2004, I began drawing random designs for characters and I started becoming attached to them. So I created a story that would link all of their personal stories together. I was always a big fan of fantasy and action genres and I wanted to express that in my own story, too.”
As for her writing, Woods said she uses a number of influences to inspire her work.
“I like to study different storytelling styles in video games, anime, and movies and try to put what I learned into my own work or even take it a step further and create a whole different style for myself,” she said.
The art has a subdued, almost watercolour feel to it, which works well since the story is in a sense subdued as well. The use of muted, generally earth tone colours is also a nice touch given the connection to nature being brought to the forefront as the story of the elves is brought into tighter focus.
Again, there is an intimacy to the art work that tells you Woods has had a detailed idea for the story visually as well.
“I get inspired by my friends and even strangers,” said Woods. “I like to people watch so I try to study different characteristics they may have. I also gather inspiration from different artists Joshua Middleton, Jo Chen, Hiroaki Samura, as well as various anime such as Eureka Seven and Fullmetal Alchemist.”
Carrying both the writing and the art, Woods said both can prove the most challenging aspect of the book at different times.
“It depends on my mood,” she said. “Lately drawing has been harder for me, but I think it's because I've been spending a lot of time coloring that it feels weird for me to try to sketch at times. However during times like these I still force myself to take time out and draw a little so my hand won't continue to feel weird.
“Sometimes writing is harder for me but every once in a while the ideas come flowing out into my notebook so freely which of course gets me fired up even more to give those ideas form in my comics.”
As the book’s creator Woods said she is generally satisfied with Millennia War so far.
“In some ways yes but I know and feel that I can always become better,” she said. “I use every issue of Millennia War to practice my art.
“A lot of people have taken notice to this, too, and even come tell me how my art has gotten better with each issue. It lets me know that I'm doing something right.”
This is an excellent comic series that doesn’t fit into the mainstream because of the more ‘story’ oriented approach. This is not superheros, nor horror, nor comedy. While not fitting the traditional comic sub genres, it is definitely worth reading for those wanting something different, something more cerebral from a comic read.
The official site for the series, www.millenniawar.com
There, you can purchase copies of the comics, as well as read character bios, take a sneak peek at upcoming issues, and visit Woods’ blog to see more of her art and pics of various conventions she attends.
— CALVIN DANIELS
-- Appeared on Yorkton This Week WebXtra
Created & Written by Ashley A. Woods
Art by Ashley A. Woods
Indie
Combining elements of fantasy into a modern day setting requires a creative vision that is not easily realized.
Ashley A. Woods does an excellent job of carrying it off in her series Millennia War.
The storyline has elves actually existing. They have been pushed to the fringes by past conflict. Not surprisingly they aren’t real happy with the situation.
As a result of an age old conflict which seems to percolating to the surface again, this is a story of political intrigue as much as anything.
Five issues into the series there are more questions being unveiled than answers, which certainly makes the reader want to be around as Woods starts filling in the blanks.
As a storyteller, it is rather obvious Woods has a long-term vision of where she is going with the story. She has an excellent sense of timing with her writing. She is taking her time letting out the story a little at a time, not rushing things for the sake of climactic effect.
Of course Woods worked with the idea for Millennia War for two years before getting it to publication, so she should have a rather detailed vision.
“I began conceptualizing early 2004, round March or April, and kept refining the look and story of Millennia War until I finally published it March of 2006,” she said. “I didn't sell the first copies (issue #0) until May 2006 …
“Back in early 2004, I began drawing random designs for characters and I started becoming attached to them. So I created a story that would link all of their personal stories together. I was always a big fan of fantasy and action genres and I wanted to express that in my own story, too.”
As for her writing, Woods said she uses a number of influences to inspire her work.
“I like to study different storytelling styles in video games, anime, and movies and try to put what I learned into my own work or even take it a step further and create a whole different style for myself,” she said.
The art has a subdued, almost watercolour feel to it, which works well since the story is in a sense subdued as well. The use of muted, generally earth tone colours is also a nice touch given the connection to nature being brought to the forefront as the story of the elves is brought into tighter focus.
Again, there is an intimacy to the art work that tells you Woods has had a detailed idea for the story visually as well.
“I get inspired by my friends and even strangers,” said Woods. “I like to people watch so I try to study different characteristics they may have. I also gather inspiration from different artists Joshua Middleton, Jo Chen, Hiroaki Samura, as well as various anime such as Eureka Seven and Fullmetal Alchemist.”
Carrying both the writing and the art, Woods said both can prove the most challenging aspect of the book at different times.
“It depends on my mood,” she said. “Lately drawing has been harder for me, but I think it's because I've been spending a lot of time coloring that it feels weird for me to try to sketch at times. However during times like these I still force myself to take time out and draw a little so my hand won't continue to feel weird.
“Sometimes writing is harder for me but every once in a while the ideas come flowing out into my notebook so freely which of course gets me fired up even more to give those ideas form in my comics.”
As the book’s creator Woods said she is generally satisfied with Millennia War so far.
“In some ways yes but I know and feel that I can always become better,” she said. “I use every issue of Millennia War to practice my art.
“A lot of people have taken notice to this, too, and even come tell me how my art has gotten better with each issue. It lets me know that I'm doing something right.”
This is an excellent comic series that doesn’t fit into the mainstream because of the more ‘story’ oriented approach. This is not superheros, nor horror, nor comedy. While not fitting the traditional comic sub genres, it is definitely worth reading for those wanting something different, something more cerebral from a comic read.
The official site for the series, www.millenniawar.com
There, you can purchase copies of the comics, as well as read character bios, take a sneak peek at upcoming issues, and visit Woods’ blog to see more of her art and pics of various conventions she attends.
— CALVIN DANIELS
-- Appeared on Yorkton This Week WebXtra
Review -- LAZERMAN
Lazerman
Created & Written by Alan Hebert Jr.
Art by Chris Hebert
HB Comics
Talk about a retro feel to a comic, I got that in spades when I read the first four issues of Lazerman created by Alan Hebert Jr.. The story had a sort of early Spiderman feel, mixed with a touch of DC’s Booster Gold, partly because of Lazerman’s yellow costume, but also because of the use of humour as a major element of the storyline.
Humour can be one of the toughest things to carry off, whether as a stand up comic, in a movie, or in a comic book, and Hebert does it rather well.
The story is also about a young man realizing he suddenly has superpowers. He finds out being the hero he always dreamed of being is not as easy as one might expect, even if you have powers. Yes that was the early premise of Spidey, but that element has long been lost in mainstream comics. That innocence is refreshing again with Lazerman.
Alan Hebert said he wanted to create something of a throwback title.
“It really comes down to a love for classic superheros, particularly the classic Marvel and the DC heroes,” he said. “Super heroes made in the last 20 years are not like those iconic characters. I wanted something that reflected them, not the more modern, grittier heroes. My sense of humor made me also want something that I could satire those heroes with. Lazerman is the perfect mix of those two aspects …
“As I stated before, the “classic” heroes are the biggest influences. I’m a huge fan of Stan Lee’s early Marvel work. The writer who had the most influence on me though was Peter David. His run on Incredible Hulk is what got me into comics.”
Alan Hebert said as a result he actually looks at the character as something that has developed since his youth.
“It actually took us 15 years from a development standpoint,” he said. “We've gone through multiple scripts and drafts, but what ultimately happened is we grew up with the characters. We learned a lot during that development phase, and we taught ourselves how to create comics in the process. I think we ended up with a much better book as a result.
“Fifteen years is a long time to work on a character. It’s enough time to think about just about every aspect of him. What we had, before the first issue even hit, was a fully developed character. We knew exactly who Lazerman, and the characters around him were, as well as where we wanted to go and what we wanted to do with him.”
Chris Hebert’s art is perfect for the story. It has a ‘cartoon’ look, reminiscent of Archie comics, and it’s a nice contrast to the ‘steroid-enhanced superhero-look’ of most comics in the genre today.
Matching art-style to the writing is important, and with Lazerman they have achieved that balance.
Chris Hebert said the series brought focus to his work.
“Well, when I first started Lazerman, my own style was very much in flux,” he said. “I had spent a lot of time trying to emulate Jim Lee and what I considered the "standard" comic book style. As I started Lazerman, I had just begun to accept that my own style was a leaning a bit more towards the ‘cartoony’ side, and instead of fighting it had finally decided to embrace what was coming naturally to me.
“Ironically, Joe Maduera and Ed Mcguinist had just come into the limelight at the time, and they have been my strongest influences ever since.”
Chris said the art may not have started out as the vision of the comic, but it has evolved to fit what they are doing with the title.
“It's funny, because Alan has always been a traditional guy,” he said. “I know he always pictured the most ‘classic’ look for what he crafted to be a ‘classic’ feeling character; like a George Perez or a Romita Sr.
“Of course then I came along with a very animation-esque style, something that I think is very different from that classic feel I know Alan favours.
“Ultimately I think like any good collaboration, or developing idea, it takes on a life of its own, and evolves.
“Now I don't think I could picture Lazerman looking any other way.”
So what’s next for the titles? Apparently zombies.
“We have so much planned for Lazerman, and our whole universe,” said Alan Hebert. “Lazerman’s next story arc ‘Night of the Necrolord’, going from issue #5 to issue #7, will involve zombies. I believe we have a completely original take on zombies, and I can’t wait till we publish the issues.”
This is not the best comic I have read in recent months, but for sheer fun it’s up near the top of the list.
It is also enough of a throwback to a subtler time in superhero stories that it is a welcome contrast to what passes as the norm these days.
You can follow Lazerman at http://www.facebook.com/l/cd83e;www.hbcomics.com, and they also run a weekly production blog, entitled the ‘LAZERBLOG’. You can find that on our MySpace page at http://www.facebook.com/l/cd83e;www.myspace.com/surge38
— CALVIN DANIELS
-- Appeared on Yorkton This Week WebXtra
Created & Written by Alan Hebert Jr.
Art by Chris Hebert
HB Comics
Talk about a retro feel to a comic, I got that in spades when I read the first four issues of Lazerman created by Alan Hebert Jr.. The story had a sort of early Spiderman feel, mixed with a touch of DC’s Booster Gold, partly because of Lazerman’s yellow costume, but also because of the use of humour as a major element of the storyline.
Humour can be one of the toughest things to carry off, whether as a stand up comic, in a movie, or in a comic book, and Hebert does it rather well.
The story is also about a young man realizing he suddenly has superpowers. He finds out being the hero he always dreamed of being is not as easy as one might expect, even if you have powers. Yes that was the early premise of Spidey, but that element has long been lost in mainstream comics. That innocence is refreshing again with Lazerman.
Alan Hebert said he wanted to create something of a throwback title.
“It really comes down to a love for classic superheros, particularly the classic Marvel and the DC heroes,” he said. “Super heroes made in the last 20 years are not like those iconic characters. I wanted something that reflected them, not the more modern, grittier heroes. My sense of humor made me also want something that I could satire those heroes with. Lazerman is the perfect mix of those two aspects …
“As I stated before, the “classic” heroes are the biggest influences. I’m a huge fan of Stan Lee’s early Marvel work. The writer who had the most influence on me though was Peter David. His run on Incredible Hulk is what got me into comics.”
Alan Hebert said as a result he actually looks at the character as something that has developed since his youth.
“It actually took us 15 years from a development standpoint,” he said. “We've gone through multiple scripts and drafts, but what ultimately happened is we grew up with the characters. We learned a lot during that development phase, and we taught ourselves how to create comics in the process. I think we ended up with a much better book as a result.
“Fifteen years is a long time to work on a character. It’s enough time to think about just about every aspect of him. What we had, before the first issue even hit, was a fully developed character. We knew exactly who Lazerman, and the characters around him were, as well as where we wanted to go and what we wanted to do with him.”
Chris Hebert’s art is perfect for the story. It has a ‘cartoon’ look, reminiscent of Archie comics, and it’s a nice contrast to the ‘steroid-enhanced superhero-look’ of most comics in the genre today.
Matching art-style to the writing is important, and with Lazerman they have achieved that balance.
Chris Hebert said the series brought focus to his work.
“Well, when I first started Lazerman, my own style was very much in flux,” he said. “I had spent a lot of time trying to emulate Jim Lee and what I considered the "standard" comic book style. As I started Lazerman, I had just begun to accept that my own style was a leaning a bit more towards the ‘cartoony’ side, and instead of fighting it had finally decided to embrace what was coming naturally to me.
“Ironically, Joe Maduera and Ed Mcguinist had just come into the limelight at the time, and they have been my strongest influences ever since.”
Chris said the art may not have started out as the vision of the comic, but it has evolved to fit what they are doing with the title.
“It's funny, because Alan has always been a traditional guy,” he said. “I know he always pictured the most ‘classic’ look for what he crafted to be a ‘classic’ feeling character; like a George Perez or a Romita Sr.
“Of course then I came along with a very animation-esque style, something that I think is very different from that classic feel I know Alan favours.
“Ultimately I think like any good collaboration, or developing idea, it takes on a life of its own, and evolves.
“Now I don't think I could picture Lazerman looking any other way.”
So what’s next for the titles? Apparently zombies.
“We have so much planned for Lazerman, and our whole universe,” said Alan Hebert. “Lazerman’s next story arc ‘Night of the Necrolord’, going from issue #5 to issue #7, will involve zombies. I believe we have a completely original take on zombies, and I can’t wait till we publish the issues.”
This is not the best comic I have read in recent months, but for sheer fun it’s up near the top of the list.
It is also enough of a throwback to a subtler time in superhero stories that it is a welcome contrast to what passes as the norm these days.
You can follow Lazerman at http://www.facebook.com/l/cd83e;www.hbcomics.com, and they also run a weekly production blog, entitled the ‘LAZERBLOG’. You can find that on our MySpace page at http://www.facebook.com/l/cd83e;www.myspace.com/surge38
— CALVIN DANIELS
-- Appeared on Yorkton This Week WebXtra
Review -- LEPRECHUAN
Leprechaun
Written by Zach Hunchar
Art by Kris Carter
Bluewater Comics
Leprechaun is a story readers will at least be familiar with on some level given the character is drawn from the world of movies. Leprechaun is a Lions Gate film property, one of the horror tales which has made it to the big screen.
With the comic version, at least after having read issue #3 of the series, the story line is not heavily horror. The art as well is far from dark, or with a horror mood.
The storyline here is far more mainstream, with the Leprechaun character appearing more as a hero, fighting old tribal enemies set against a modern city landscape.
The storyline is interesting, although I will hedge that by reiterating I have seen only one issue, part way into the storyline.
Writer Zach Hunchar said the idea for the story inspiration was twofold.
“There is the easy answer and then there is the more complex answer,” he said. “The easy one is this series was pulled directly from the horror film franchise of the same name from Lions Gate Films.
“The more complex answer developed from numerous conversations from publisher Darren Davis and myself. We began working with one another when we were both working for Lions Gate so there was shared history involving the characters. We wanted to be as true as possible to our time there but also wanted to create something that lent itself to a mini- or ongoing-series.”
The characters developed at different paces through the creation process, said Hunchar.
“It varied by character. The hardest was the Leprechaun (named Iubdan) himself,” he said. “It was incredibly challenging maintaining the violent and horrific tendencies of the film version, yet finding subtle facets of the character that might show some vulnerability and regret. With a self-contained story, you are less interested in finding a hook to get the reader/viewer to come back again. With serialized stories, little bursts of chaos will eventually bore the reader.
“The human protagonists start out with sort of stereotypical attributes but we worked very hard to have them grow and evolve. We're talking small movement but enough to avoid the sense of stagnation.”
As for the art by Kris Carter, it is clean and crisp, especially for the fantasy races in the story. The look of the humans works a bit less for me.
Still, overall, I think the art works for the way the story line is being developed.
Hunchar said he sees places he could have improved the book, but being a creative person that is always the case.
“From a creative stand-point, I think I'm like most creative types I'm never finished tweaking it. That being said, I think it's still very cool,” he said.
There is more story to be told too.
“Well, I think that there are more adventures ahead with them trying to beat the newest curse placed upon the Leprechaun. Plus more humor and a bit of romance thrown in,” said Hunchar.
The story blends the existing world we live in, and fantasy world of the Leprechaun very smoothly. It is the strength of the story.
Certainly worth checking it out at www.bluewaterprod.com
-- CALVIN DANIELS
-- Appeared on Yorkton This Week WebXtra
Written by Zach Hunchar
Art by Kris Carter
Bluewater Comics
Leprechaun is a story readers will at least be familiar with on some level given the character is drawn from the world of movies. Leprechaun is a Lions Gate film property, one of the horror tales which has made it to the big screen.
With the comic version, at least after having read issue #3 of the series, the story line is not heavily horror. The art as well is far from dark, or with a horror mood.
The storyline here is far more mainstream, with the Leprechaun character appearing more as a hero, fighting old tribal enemies set against a modern city landscape.
The storyline is interesting, although I will hedge that by reiterating I have seen only one issue, part way into the storyline.
Writer Zach Hunchar said the idea for the story inspiration was twofold.
“There is the easy answer and then there is the more complex answer,” he said. “The easy one is this series was pulled directly from the horror film franchise of the same name from Lions Gate Films.
“The more complex answer developed from numerous conversations from publisher Darren Davis and myself. We began working with one another when we were both working for Lions Gate so there was shared history involving the characters. We wanted to be as true as possible to our time there but also wanted to create something that lent itself to a mini- or ongoing-series.”
The characters developed at different paces through the creation process, said Hunchar.
“It varied by character. The hardest was the Leprechaun (named Iubdan) himself,” he said. “It was incredibly challenging maintaining the violent and horrific tendencies of the film version, yet finding subtle facets of the character that might show some vulnerability and regret. With a self-contained story, you are less interested in finding a hook to get the reader/viewer to come back again. With serialized stories, little bursts of chaos will eventually bore the reader.
“The human protagonists start out with sort of stereotypical attributes but we worked very hard to have them grow and evolve. We're talking small movement but enough to avoid the sense of stagnation.”
As for the art by Kris Carter, it is clean and crisp, especially for the fantasy races in the story. The look of the humans works a bit less for me.
Still, overall, I think the art works for the way the story line is being developed.
Hunchar said he sees places he could have improved the book, but being a creative person that is always the case.
“From a creative stand-point, I think I'm like most creative types I'm never finished tweaking it. That being said, I think it's still very cool,” he said.
There is more story to be told too.
“Well, I think that there are more adventures ahead with them trying to beat the newest curse placed upon the Leprechaun. Plus more humor and a bit of romance thrown in,” said Hunchar.
The story blends the existing world we live in, and fantasy world of the Leprechaun very smoothly. It is the strength of the story.
Certainly worth checking it out at www.bluewaterprod.com
-- CALVIN DANIELS
-- Appeared on Yorkton This Week WebXtra
Review -- EMASTE 8
Emaste 8
Written by Jere
Art by Jere
Pyramid Graphic Novels
There is nothing about Emaste 8 by Jere that I don’t like.
The storyline through the first two issues is intriguing to say the least. There are enough story hooks to keep readers wanting more, more, more.
The characters are on the darker edge of society, a place that always seems the richest place from which to mine good stories.
Interestingly, Jere said he draws from real life for the characters.
“The characters are all based on my siblings and close friends, the hardship and trials we’ve gone through over the years,” he said.
Jere said the book took several years to formulate, growing from a initially perceived solo storyline through to the team title it is now.
As a writer Jere said he draws from both comics and movies.
“My first influences were Chris Claremont, and John Byrne from Uncanny X-Men Brian Azzarello, and from there endless influence including writer/directors like Quentin Tarentino and Martin Scorsese,” he said.
The black and white art is rendered wonderfully as well. There is a darkness which fits the story perfectly.
Jere said the dark film noir look is a definite influence for his art.
This is one of those cases where you can see how the creator Jere has a perfect handle on what he wants from the story, both in terms of text, but equally having an artistic vision which compliments his writings.
I am particularly impressed by the strong facial expressions of the work, and the overall Gothic feel. The results are drop dead gorgeous female characters and strong male leads to balance the story.
Jere said he generally finds writing his greatest challenge.
“It goes back and forth,” he said. “I think the writing is challenging, but I love it. I consider myself a writer who can draw.”
Jere said the story to-date is something he is very satisfied with, adding the response has been generally positive.
“Yes I’m pretty satisfied with the completed look,” he said. “I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback. The negative was mostly geared towards the story content.”
The story of Emaste 8 is far from complete said Jere, and that’s good news because readers will want more, much more. He said the characters will be “saving the world from absolute destruction, then after doing so, be hunted down for doing just that.”
Check it out at http://www.myspace.com/pyramidgraphicnovels
-- CALVIN DANIELS
-- Appeared on Yorkton This Week WebXtra
Written by Jere
Art by Jere
Pyramid Graphic Novels
There is nothing about Emaste 8 by Jere that I don’t like.
The storyline through the first two issues is intriguing to say the least. There are enough story hooks to keep readers wanting more, more, more.
The characters are on the darker edge of society, a place that always seems the richest place from which to mine good stories.
Interestingly, Jere said he draws from real life for the characters.
“The characters are all based on my siblings and close friends, the hardship and trials we’ve gone through over the years,” he said.
Jere said the book took several years to formulate, growing from a initially perceived solo storyline through to the team title it is now.
As a writer Jere said he draws from both comics and movies.
“My first influences were Chris Claremont, and John Byrne from Uncanny X-Men Brian Azzarello, and from there endless influence including writer/directors like Quentin Tarentino and Martin Scorsese,” he said.
The black and white art is rendered wonderfully as well. There is a darkness which fits the story perfectly.
Jere said the dark film noir look is a definite influence for his art.
This is one of those cases where you can see how the creator Jere has a perfect handle on what he wants from the story, both in terms of text, but equally having an artistic vision which compliments his writings.
I am particularly impressed by the strong facial expressions of the work, and the overall Gothic feel. The results are drop dead gorgeous female characters and strong male leads to balance the story.
Jere said he generally finds writing his greatest challenge.
“It goes back and forth,” he said. “I think the writing is challenging, but I love it. I consider myself a writer who can draw.”
Jere said the story to-date is something he is very satisfied with, adding the response has been generally positive.
“Yes I’m pretty satisfied with the completed look,” he said. “I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback. The negative was mostly geared towards the story content.”
The story of Emaste 8 is far from complete said Jere, and that’s good news because readers will want more, much more. He said the characters will be “saving the world from absolute destruction, then after doing so, be hunted down for doing just that.”
Check it out at http://www.myspace.com/pyramidgraphicnovels
-- CALVIN DANIELS
-- Appeared on Yorkton This Week WebXtra
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