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