Martian Comics #2
Martian Lit 2014
Written by: Julian Darius
Illustrated by: Sergio Tarquini
Coloured by: R.L. Campos
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Summary: When the Devil calls, Izzy and Rita go to Dallas. Plus, the introduction of Lazarus!
Review: After the first issue's exploration of Isabella and that her body is inhabited by another woman from Mars and the subsequent revelation to her sister of who she is, it’s nice to see that this issue continues on from there. Julian is doing an amazing job telling this story and revealing her character through the characterization we see here. It all seems like a natural progression after discovering herself and the journey she’s taking.
A charisma field is an interesting concept and to see it put in action almost innocently as the sisters sit on a bench was nicely done. It’s like Isabella is the kind of person a stranger can stop and talk to and hear advice from that makes sense and unsolicited. This is important since it comes into play later in the issue and that fact really showcases that Julian isn’t afraid to put it out there and makes it something integral to the character.
This a then and now type story only the then is like a few days earlier and the now is that the sisters are in Dallas, Texas for a meeting. Jonathan Skilling has set up a meeting with Isabella Montoya on the pretense that his company would like an Online Spokesperson and after seeing her video he’d like Isabella. Oh my sweet goodness the dialogue here is outstandingly good. Listening to his spiel and then hearing Isabella’s response this has to be some of the best verbal sparring around today.
The intelligence of the conversation astounds me. It’s fantastic, I’m thoroughly enjoying it and as I re-read it it just gets better. The reasoning, the whole wait lets me think, absorb and redirect what’s going on and then the big question at the end of it which leads directly into another story that’s also background but nothing to do with Isabella. This is why I read self-published books because you can’t find this kind of writing and thought provoking material so passionately done outside a creator owned project.
Lazarus, a leper was cured by Jesus but not everything is as it appears to be. The man was dead and brought back to life only the man inside the body is not the man who had been there. Because he isn’t the same as he was, he sought out Jesus again to understand his new life and wasn’t prepared for what he was told. All the miracles that Jesus performed were misinterpreted by the primitive understanding man had at that time for his body may have belonged to Joseph and Mary’s son, but his spirit was that of a man from Mars.
I’m sorry, but the originality of all this is freaking incredible to read. There’s so much fun going on here that it almost appears insane. Hell even Sergio’s interiors are good and make this a joy to read. The backgrounds are nicely done and the body proportions are spot on, the building in Dallas is modern with a twist, everything he brings us here is really putting emotion and feeling to the reader. Even Jonathan and his evil persona comes through in contrast to the more trusting and innocent Isabella.
Editor's Note: If this has caught your interest, head here to check it out!
Martian Lit 2014
Written by: Julian Darius
Illustrated by: Sergio Tarquini
Coloured by: R.L. Campos
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Summary: When the Devil calls, Izzy and Rita go to Dallas. Plus, the introduction of Lazarus!
Review: After the first issue's exploration of Isabella and that her body is inhabited by another woman from Mars and the subsequent revelation to her sister of who she is, it’s nice to see that this issue continues on from there. Julian is doing an amazing job telling this story and revealing her character through the characterization we see here. It all seems like a natural progression after discovering herself and the journey she’s taking.
A charisma field is an interesting concept and to see it put in action almost innocently as the sisters sit on a bench was nicely done. It’s like Isabella is the kind of person a stranger can stop and talk to and hear advice from that makes sense and unsolicited. This is important since it comes into play later in the issue and that fact really showcases that Julian isn’t afraid to put it out there and makes it something integral to the character.
This a then and now type story only the then is like a few days earlier and the now is that the sisters are in Dallas, Texas for a meeting. Jonathan Skilling has set up a meeting with Isabella Montoya on the pretense that his company would like an Online Spokesperson and after seeing her video he’d like Isabella. Oh my sweet goodness the dialogue here is outstandingly good. Listening to his spiel and then hearing Isabella’s response this has to be some of the best verbal sparring around today.
The intelligence of the conversation astounds me. It’s fantastic, I’m thoroughly enjoying it and as I re-read it it just gets better. The reasoning, the whole wait lets me think, absorb and redirect what’s going on and then the big question at the end of it which leads directly into another story that’s also background but nothing to do with Isabella. This is why I read self-published books because you can’t find this kind of writing and thought provoking material so passionately done outside a creator owned project.
Lazarus, a leper was cured by Jesus but not everything is as it appears to be. The man was dead and brought back to life only the man inside the body is not the man who had been there. Because he isn’t the same as he was, he sought out Jesus again to understand his new life and wasn’t prepared for what he was told. All the miracles that Jesus performed were misinterpreted by the primitive understanding man had at that time for his body may have belonged to Joseph and Mary’s son, but his spirit was that of a man from Mars.
I’m sorry, but the originality of all this is freaking incredible to read. There’s so much fun going on here that it almost appears insane. Hell even Sergio’s interiors are good and make this a joy to read. The backgrounds are nicely done and the body proportions are spot on, the building in Dallas is modern with a twist, everything he brings us here is really putting emotion and feeling to the reader. Even Jonathan and his evil persona comes through in contrast to the more trusting and innocent Isabella.
Editor's Note: If this has caught your interest, head here to check it out!
Super #3
Jay Crow Comics
Writer: Jay Crow
Artist: Bruno Chiroleu
Colorist: Josh Burcham
Letters: Chas! Pangburn
Reviewer: Rob Wrecks
Summary: Mark gets involved in a hostage situation.
Review: When I first saw preview pages of Super, it immediately had my interest and nicely enough Jay was kind enough to allow me an opportunity to check out all three issues he and his team have out so far. And what a fantastic read its been so far in my view. Mark Bauer is a kid who's got abilities and something of an unhappy past that us readers come to learn about here and there as the story goes on. The only plus in his life seems to be his abilities, such as flight and invulnerability. Whether or not he has more than that remains to be seen, but at least he's using them to do what good he can in another country that's pretty much going to Hell in a handbasket thanks to war. A war America wants in on since they feel like they might be able to help out in some way. Course one good deed for Mark can go in a bad direction as we learn in these issues. And it makes me wonder if the woman might try to get revenge on him despite the fact it was an accident.
Course the guy was a bit of an a-hole but even I wouldn't say a knife to the gut was a deserved thing. A beating yes, but not that and it serves a lesson for Mark to learn from that there are some things he just shouldn't get involved with as sometimes an accident can happen. Although I kinda think the guy had the wrong idea about his wife since she didn't have a whole lot of time to explain things to him. But after this little encounter and if he survives, he just might be willing to listen to her.
An intervention on Mark's part during another hostage crisis is likely to earn some respect if not a bit of suspicion from the husband of the reporter we get to see in this story once things are a bit more calmer. A husband a friend of mine described as looking a bit Lex Luthor-ish. For those of you who have read this title might see that or you might not, just depends really on your personal view of things.
Jay's got himself a fine creative team on this book and I hope they stick around for a good long while to come. Mark could easily become the world's greatest threat and who knows what could stop him if that were to happen. I definitely look forward to where Jay takes young Mark on his journey as he deals with having powers and troubling family issues. This is a title I recommend checking out even if you aren't much of a fan of real world based stuff.
Editor's Note: To find out when and where you can grab up a copy of Super #3 and the first two issues, head here!
Jay Crow Comics
Writer: Jay Crow
Artist: Bruno Chiroleu
Colorist: Josh Burcham
Letters: Chas! Pangburn
Reviewer: Rob Wrecks
Summary: Mark gets involved in a hostage situation.
Review: When I first saw preview pages of Super, it immediately had my interest and nicely enough Jay was kind enough to allow me an opportunity to check out all three issues he and his team have out so far. And what a fantastic read its been so far in my view. Mark Bauer is a kid who's got abilities and something of an unhappy past that us readers come to learn about here and there as the story goes on. The only plus in his life seems to be his abilities, such as flight and invulnerability. Whether or not he has more than that remains to be seen, but at least he's using them to do what good he can in another country that's pretty much going to Hell in a handbasket thanks to war. A war America wants in on since they feel like they might be able to help out in some way. Course one good deed for Mark can go in a bad direction as we learn in these issues. And it makes me wonder if the woman might try to get revenge on him despite the fact it was an accident.
Course the guy was a bit of an a-hole but even I wouldn't say a knife to the gut was a deserved thing. A beating yes, but not that and it serves a lesson for Mark to learn from that there are some things he just shouldn't get involved with as sometimes an accident can happen. Although I kinda think the guy had the wrong idea about his wife since she didn't have a whole lot of time to explain things to him. But after this little encounter and if he survives, he just might be willing to listen to her.
An intervention on Mark's part during another hostage crisis is likely to earn some respect if not a bit of suspicion from the husband of the reporter we get to see in this story once things are a bit more calmer. A husband a friend of mine described as looking a bit Lex Luthor-ish. For those of you who have read this title might see that or you might not, just depends really on your personal view of things.
Jay's got himself a fine creative team on this book and I hope they stick around for a good long while to come. Mark could easily become the world's greatest threat and who knows what could stop him if that were to happen. I definitely look forward to where Jay takes young Mark on his journey as he deals with having powers and troubling family issues. This is a title I recommend checking out even if you aren't much of a fan of real world based stuff.
Editor's Note: To find out when and where you can grab up a copy of Super #3 and the first two issues, head here!
Zombie Tramp vol. 3 #12 - Ongoing
Action Lab: Danger Zone
Writers: Dan Mendoza
Pencilers: Victoria Harris & TMChu
Reviewer: Derrick T. Crow
Summary: She used to be Hollywood's hottest high priced call girl, until the bite of an undead john changed her into something deadly different! Now Janey Belle – the street walking dead with supernatural abilities and a copy of the infamous Necronomicon – roams the highways searching for answers as the... ZOMBIE TRAMP!
[SPOILERS!!]
Review: Mister Dan Mendoza takes over solo writing reigns of this issue to bring us curiously one of the strongest issues this series has offered us so far. In what turned out to be equally as fun as it was interesting, at least in the last few pages, this issue sees Janey attempt to get get her anger issue under control by doing a simple experiment on herself: Can she handle a 6 hour flight to Miami, FL on a plane?
To many, this is a real test of patience. Getting through hours of mind boggling security, as well as being stuck in a tiny compartment with people to each side of you who equally don't give two turds about you as you don't with them. Generally kids are screaming and the parents are doing absolutely nothing to calm them down, and heaven help you if you get the middle seat.
These are particularly the exact scenarios Janey finds herself attempting to overcome as well as adding in the fact that she gets to sit next to a “Club Promoter” who's only interest lies in Janey's, um, natural physique. However, Janey isn't taking it which leads to a really cool reveal that then leads to a very entertaining fight right after. This issue is mostly set up for what's to come, but also acts as its own awesome story along the way.
First we got to see Werewolves, and now Gremlins, I finally feel like Mendoza and co. are starting to show their dedicated world building skills as we slowly start to see the world of the supernatural open up to Janey. And I truly hope at some point we get to see Janey jump down the rabbit hole straight into the world of the bizarre and she gets to meet (and possibly build a supporting cast) with a bunch of supernatural creatures. I would honestly love nothing more.
That being said, we do see the return of a character I had been wondering an awful lot about. Ever since I finally got to read issue #4 of vol. 2 - “The Taint Train of Terror” - I've been really wondering what happened between the time gap of that issue, the FCBD issue, and then issue #1. That story arc seemed to leave on a sort of very awkward, and still unanswered cliffhanger. Hopefully next issue we'll get that answer and more... But I'm not holding my breath.
The art in this issue is the cartooniest it's been yet, but that's okay because I'm thoroughly convinced that Mendoza and co. can do no wrong when hiring a new artist for this series. All the artists up until this point have been stellar, and Harris simply adds to that impressive resume with her unique style that is very Looney Tune-esque in some panels, and definitely in certain cases where Janey is concerned. I actually quite liked it, and her style ended up adding a lot to the humor of this issue.
TMChu also gets ina few pages there at the end to help set up the coming storm of next issue. Even though he isn't on art duty for next issue, it was rather nice to see him still tagging along. His art is just as good as ever, so there isn't much I can say on that front.
Overall, a pretty great issue, and I'm excited to see where it all leads to next.
Final Score: 4.5 Gremlins on a Plane out of 5
Action Lab: Danger Zone
Writers: Dan Mendoza
Pencilers: Victoria Harris & TMChu
Reviewer: Derrick T. Crow
Summary: She used to be Hollywood's hottest high priced call girl, until the bite of an undead john changed her into something deadly different! Now Janey Belle – the street walking dead with supernatural abilities and a copy of the infamous Necronomicon – roams the highways searching for answers as the... ZOMBIE TRAMP!
[SPOILERS!!]
Review: Mister Dan Mendoza takes over solo writing reigns of this issue to bring us curiously one of the strongest issues this series has offered us so far. In what turned out to be equally as fun as it was interesting, at least in the last few pages, this issue sees Janey attempt to get get her anger issue under control by doing a simple experiment on herself: Can she handle a 6 hour flight to Miami, FL on a plane?
To many, this is a real test of patience. Getting through hours of mind boggling security, as well as being stuck in a tiny compartment with people to each side of you who equally don't give two turds about you as you don't with them. Generally kids are screaming and the parents are doing absolutely nothing to calm them down, and heaven help you if you get the middle seat.
These are particularly the exact scenarios Janey finds herself attempting to overcome as well as adding in the fact that she gets to sit next to a “Club Promoter” who's only interest lies in Janey's, um, natural physique. However, Janey isn't taking it which leads to a really cool reveal that then leads to a very entertaining fight right after. This issue is mostly set up for what's to come, but also acts as its own awesome story along the way.
First we got to see Werewolves, and now Gremlins, I finally feel like Mendoza and co. are starting to show their dedicated world building skills as we slowly start to see the world of the supernatural open up to Janey. And I truly hope at some point we get to see Janey jump down the rabbit hole straight into the world of the bizarre and she gets to meet (and possibly build a supporting cast) with a bunch of supernatural creatures. I would honestly love nothing more.
That being said, we do see the return of a character I had been wondering an awful lot about. Ever since I finally got to read issue #4 of vol. 2 - “The Taint Train of Terror” - I've been really wondering what happened between the time gap of that issue, the FCBD issue, and then issue #1. That story arc seemed to leave on a sort of very awkward, and still unanswered cliffhanger. Hopefully next issue we'll get that answer and more... But I'm not holding my breath.
The art in this issue is the cartooniest it's been yet, but that's okay because I'm thoroughly convinced that Mendoza and co. can do no wrong when hiring a new artist for this series. All the artists up until this point have been stellar, and Harris simply adds to that impressive resume with her unique style that is very Looney Tune-esque in some panels, and definitely in certain cases where Janey is concerned. I actually quite liked it, and her style ended up adding a lot to the humor of this issue.
TMChu also gets ina few pages there at the end to help set up the coming storm of next issue. Even though he isn't on art duty for next issue, it was rather nice to see him still tagging along. His art is just as good as ever, so there isn't much I can say on that front.
Overall, a pretty great issue, and I'm excited to see where it all leads to next.
Final Score: 4.5 Gremlins on a Plane out of 5