Hearts for Sale - Short Story
Writer/Artist: Miyuli
Reviewer: Derrick Crow
Summary: In this unique take on the idea of a broken heart, we're treated to a fairy tale of a kind Heartsmith who hides a secret when fixing broken hearts. When a man shows up on his doorstep in need of a mended heart, the biggest task this Heartsmith has endured begins.
Review: This won't be a very long review, as this is only a short story. But what a heart-breaking short story it is. Miyuli knows what she's doing to draw on the heart strings, telling the tale not to beat you over the head with its message, but she does so in subtlety so that when the final curtain falls your left feeling a sense happiness and sadness altogether.
We first meet a girl who is selling hearts, and she offers one to a young man who seems to have a broken heart. She tells him of the Heartsmith and he swiftly adventures over to this mysterious fellow's workshop. The Heartsmith himself is another young man, and the way the story plays out I thought for sure this was going to be a boys' love story, but that's not what it ends up being at all.
Merely a tale of a kind heart with only so much to give, but giving it up to the right person can save their life even at the cost of your own. Even if she didn't mean for it to be, this is a morality tale, that from a certain point of view the one saving you can the most wonderful person alive.
Miyuli's art style is very soft, it has a nice feeling to it. Not too dark, not too light, kind of just right. It might even be the color palette she uses, which are a lot of soft reds and browns, but when reading this comic you just have a sense of calmness to you. At least I did.
My only real complaint with this story is concerning the ending. I really liked how it ended, it was a nicely placed twist. But the execution of said twist was rather sudden, and took me a couple of re-reads of that scene to get what was going on. There wasn't much lead up to it, so to have it in there while not bad, could've used a bit more tweaking to the overall narrative.
Overall though, a nice little comic that is free to read on the net, so I implore you all to go check it out, and then go check out more of her work at her Facebook page and Tapastic page.
Final Score: 3 Mended Hearts (for the Price of 1) out of 5
Writer/Artist: Miyuli
Reviewer: Derrick Crow
Summary: In this unique take on the idea of a broken heart, we're treated to a fairy tale of a kind Heartsmith who hides a secret when fixing broken hearts. When a man shows up on his doorstep in need of a mended heart, the biggest task this Heartsmith has endured begins.
Review: This won't be a very long review, as this is only a short story. But what a heart-breaking short story it is. Miyuli knows what she's doing to draw on the heart strings, telling the tale not to beat you over the head with its message, but she does so in subtlety so that when the final curtain falls your left feeling a sense happiness and sadness altogether.
We first meet a girl who is selling hearts, and she offers one to a young man who seems to have a broken heart. She tells him of the Heartsmith and he swiftly adventures over to this mysterious fellow's workshop. The Heartsmith himself is another young man, and the way the story plays out I thought for sure this was going to be a boys' love story, but that's not what it ends up being at all.
Merely a tale of a kind heart with only so much to give, but giving it up to the right person can save their life even at the cost of your own. Even if she didn't mean for it to be, this is a morality tale, that from a certain point of view the one saving you can the most wonderful person alive.
Miyuli's art style is very soft, it has a nice feeling to it. Not too dark, not too light, kind of just right. It might even be the color palette she uses, which are a lot of soft reds and browns, but when reading this comic you just have a sense of calmness to you. At least I did.
My only real complaint with this story is concerning the ending. I really liked how it ended, it was a nicely placed twist. But the execution of said twist was rather sudden, and took me a couple of re-reads of that scene to get what was going on. There wasn't much lead up to it, so to have it in there while not bad, could've used a bit more tweaking to the overall narrative.
Overall though, a nice little comic that is free to read on the net, so I implore you all to go check it out, and then go check out more of her work at her Facebook page and Tapastic page.
Final Score: 3 Mended Hearts (for the Price of 1) out of 5
Adam 12 #5
G. Botic Productions Inc. 2014
Written by Gigio Longo
Illustrated by Nick Suders
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Review: We open with Adam remembering more of his past lives and how it always seems that the same women he saw in that bar were involved time and again. This time around Vergil had gotten the egg back and he beheaded the blonde but Eve was killed. It’s a nice opener and leads the boys to where the current incarnation of Eve is and the quickly realize it’s Elizabeth’s building.
I have to admit it’s been wonderful to see his transformation from regular down on his luck guy to a more confident one and there are still flashes of his old self here like when he sees Doctor Z involved in this mess. As Eve is successfully taken right out from under them as it were, the characterization from Gigio is extremely well done. I like that G is the one that who is there to talk Adam into realizing that he’s not a failure that there’s still time to get things done and save the day. I’ve been saying there’s more to him than meets the eye and the way he handled the situation after Elizabeth/Eve was taken well that kind of solidified it for me.
The President of the United States has her moment again and it also centers around what happened in part in Philadelphia. I do like the revelations that we learn this issue about the SPA Collective and their involvement with her, though she might remain unaware of being used as a pawn and I should feel for her for that but I can’t. She’s a horrible person anyway you look at it.
G. Botic Productions Inc. 2014
Written by Gigio Longo
Illustrated by Nick Suders
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Review: We open with Adam remembering more of his past lives and how it always seems that the same women he saw in that bar were involved time and again. This time around Vergil had gotten the egg back and he beheaded the blonde but Eve was killed. It’s a nice opener and leads the boys to where the current incarnation of Eve is and the quickly realize it’s Elizabeth’s building.
I have to admit it’s been wonderful to see his transformation from regular down on his luck guy to a more confident one and there are still flashes of his old self here like when he sees Doctor Z involved in this mess. As Eve is successfully taken right out from under them as it were, the characterization from Gigio is extremely well done. I like that G is the one that who is there to talk Adam into realizing that he’s not a failure that there’s still time to get things done and save the day. I’ve been saying there’s more to him than meets the eye and the way he handled the situation after Elizabeth/Eve was taken well that kind of solidified it for me.
The President of the United States has her moment again and it also centers around what happened in part in Philadelphia. I do like the revelations that we learn this issue about the SPA Collective and their involvement with her, though she might remain unaware of being used as a pawn and I should feel for her for that but I can’t. She’s a horrible person anyway you look at it.
The trip the boys take from Philadelphia to Texas is some of the strongest characterization we’ve seen for Gigio yet. I’ve really come to like his writing style and the way he manages to use characters, even the “red shirts,” the ones whose names don’t matter in the long run. Nick’s artwork he has gotten stronger, tighter and much more expressive as well this is a great example of seeing someone’s talent grow and evolve as a series progresses. He’s gotten better and I’m really becoming more impressed. Now if the backgrounds can catch up in consistency to the characters I’ll be happier but there are some wow moments.
I love meeting Zahra too as she’s a cute kid, and well, leave it to kids to speak the truth whether you want to hear it or not. Even if someone like Vergil doesn’t want him to hear it, heh.
This was cute when it started the concept strong and interesting and as the story has gone along and we’ve reached the end of issue five getting set for the final issue it’s gotten to a point where it’s complexity is seen and how much more there is to it than just one man’s attempt to get “it” right has made it go from cute to fascinating. I’d love to know how Italy and Texas remain Sovereign Nations and which others are as well.
The Chinese SPA have taken much of the world under its control so maybe when this is done a little more expanding of the world they’ve created would be nice. It really is a great concept and from what we’ve seen I’d hate to see this just disappear when it’s all said and done this new world contains a lot of potential. See this is what the guys have done, they’ve gotten me involved in their world and that’s good storytelling. Give em a try folks it’s worth it!
I love meeting Zahra too as she’s a cute kid, and well, leave it to kids to speak the truth whether you want to hear it or not. Even if someone like Vergil doesn’t want him to hear it, heh.
This was cute when it started the concept strong and interesting and as the story has gone along and we’ve reached the end of issue five getting set for the final issue it’s gotten to a point where it’s complexity is seen and how much more there is to it than just one man’s attempt to get “it” right has made it go from cute to fascinating. I’d love to know how Italy and Texas remain Sovereign Nations and which others are as well.
The Chinese SPA have taken much of the world under its control so maybe when this is done a little more expanding of the world they’ve created would be nice. It really is a great concept and from what we’ve seen I’d hate to see this just disappear when it’s all said and done this new world contains a lot of potential. See this is what the guys have done, they’ve gotten me involved in their world and that’s good storytelling. Give em a try folks it’s worth it!
Starburn #2
Markosia Enterprises
Created and Written by: Kelly Bender
Illustrations by: Brian Balondo
Inks by: Cristian Docolomansky
Colors by: Laura Lee
Letters by: Nic J. Shaw
Reviewer: Rob Wrecks
Summary: After landing on an uncharted sand planet and battling with the local army, the "STARBURN" team faces an even greater threat from under the sand itself!!
Review: In just the first two issues alone the mighty crew of the Starburn have managed to get themselves into one heck of a situation that's likely gonna want them asking for a bigger pay after all is said and done! In the first issue we are introduced to this merry bunch and the assignment they are tasked with. An assignment that has them picking up a package that is pretty lively and evidently something of a sand swimmer. Although, the sand being something like water is pretty neat, but I imagine anybody experiencing it for the first time would freak the heck out and think they are about to die by way of quicksand. I know I would be freaking out! One thing that stands out over in issue 1 is that you should NEVER learn anything about Earth from a bible. Especially if you haven't ever even been to Earth! Got to say though, Galoo'th is one ugly mother! Wonder if he's the big brother to the Sarlacc? Only with out being in one place only? Either way, I wouldn't want to be around either of those guys!
I love the comradery the group has, especially in the heat of the moment when trying to extract their package. I can imagine feminists wouldn't be happy with Saskia though for what she does at one point in this story to get some results. But at least she wasn't sleeping with the guy so there's that at least. Admittedly, their package didn't seem like a bad fella, until one panel that shows a reaction of his that just set off warning bells in my head. What this means for another character however is not pleasant and has started to make me see why he was even in jail to begin with! What our motley crew will do next is something I am honestly looking forward too!
I've noticed however that this is only a 4 issue series, and it makes me wonder if things go horribly wrong for everybody in this story. Though I certainly hope not as this could be a bunch I'd love to read about for a long time to come.
Markosia Enterprises
Created and Written by: Kelly Bender
Illustrations by: Brian Balondo
Inks by: Cristian Docolomansky
Colors by: Laura Lee
Letters by: Nic J. Shaw
Reviewer: Rob Wrecks
Summary: After landing on an uncharted sand planet and battling with the local army, the "STARBURN" team faces an even greater threat from under the sand itself!!
Review: In just the first two issues alone the mighty crew of the Starburn have managed to get themselves into one heck of a situation that's likely gonna want them asking for a bigger pay after all is said and done! In the first issue we are introduced to this merry bunch and the assignment they are tasked with. An assignment that has them picking up a package that is pretty lively and evidently something of a sand swimmer. Although, the sand being something like water is pretty neat, but I imagine anybody experiencing it for the first time would freak the heck out and think they are about to die by way of quicksand. I know I would be freaking out! One thing that stands out over in issue 1 is that you should NEVER learn anything about Earth from a bible. Especially if you haven't ever even been to Earth! Got to say though, Galoo'th is one ugly mother! Wonder if he's the big brother to the Sarlacc? Only with out being in one place only? Either way, I wouldn't want to be around either of those guys!
I love the comradery the group has, especially in the heat of the moment when trying to extract their package. I can imagine feminists wouldn't be happy with Saskia though for what she does at one point in this story to get some results. But at least she wasn't sleeping with the guy so there's that at least. Admittedly, their package didn't seem like a bad fella, until one panel that shows a reaction of his that just set off warning bells in my head. What this means for another character however is not pleasant and has started to make me see why he was even in jail to begin with! What our motley crew will do next is something I am honestly looking forward too!
I've noticed however that this is only a 4 issue series, and it makes me wonder if things go horribly wrong for everybody in this story. Though I certainly hope not as this could be a bunch I'd love to read about for a long time to come.
Zombie Tramp vol. 3 #10 - 11
Action Lab: Danger Zone
Writers: Dan Mendoza, Jason Martin
Pencilers: 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: I'm just gonna combine these two issues together in one big review, mainly cause I read them together but it also helps that they feature a mini-arc. And let me just say, both of these issues, together and separate, are damn good. I had a blast reading them, I enjoyed the execution, the humor, the villain, the well written cameos by Vampblade, and the action. I also enjoyed that there was at least a bit of a follow up to last chapter's strange inclusion of Janey at a strange man's house with a baby. This explained that a bit better, which I was happy about.
I'm really happy about these issues as it had felt like the series fell into a tiny lull except for the important stuff. This arc was able to handle the small stuff while seamlessly building up the big stuff to come. I'm expecting a really good payoff to come out of this though, nothing like a guy wanting to make nuggets out of our Tramp. Oi.
I found Walt to be a sympathetic villain, which was a real nice touch after the assholes we've been served for the last few months. Janey herself is an asshole, but she's still an anti-hero. She was going to kill Walt without a moment's notice, which is understandable he was going to harm her, but upon learning that he wasn't necessarily a bad person she sat out to help him. I find that to be admirable, and I'm glad she ended up owning up to her mistake (kind of) by helping him out.
Action Lab: Danger Zone
Writers: Dan Mendoza, Jason Martin
Pencilers: 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: I'm just gonna combine these two issues together in one big review, mainly cause I read them together but it also helps that they feature a mini-arc. And let me just say, both of these issues, together and separate, are damn good. I had a blast reading them, I enjoyed the execution, the humor, the villain, the well written cameos by Vampblade, and the action. I also enjoyed that there was at least a bit of a follow up to last chapter's strange inclusion of Janey at a strange man's house with a baby. This explained that a bit better, which I was happy about.
I'm really happy about these issues as it had felt like the series fell into a tiny lull except for the important stuff. This arc was able to handle the small stuff while seamlessly building up the big stuff to come. I'm expecting a really good payoff to come out of this though, nothing like a guy wanting to make nuggets out of our Tramp. Oi.
I found Walt to be a sympathetic villain, which was a real nice touch after the assholes we've been served for the last few months. Janey herself is an asshole, but she's still an anti-hero. She was going to kill Walt without a moment's notice, which is understandable he was going to harm her, but upon learning that he wasn't necessarily a bad person she sat out to help him. I find that to be admirable, and I'm glad she ended up owning up to her mistake (kind of) by helping him out.
It's these kind of moments I like so much, because I don't want every single villain to be such a bad person, and I don't want a hero that's a complete asshole. The fight was pretty cool though, and it was great seeing Janey use her magic to combine a bunch of zombies into one, big mutated beast. I want to see more of that.
TMChu kills it on the art just like usual, I love his style so much. And these issues are some of his clearest when it comes to positioning of panels and placing characters where you can see what's going on perfectly. I really like his anime style, which I've mentioned before, but I just feel like stating it again. His characters are nicely rounded, his women are sexy as hell, and his movements in his characters are nearly flawless here. You go Chu!
There's also references made to the anime movie Akira, the Hulk, and Mortal Kombat which I enjoyed.
Okay, so let me just tell you that back in issue #8 it didn't even phase me that the girl in the book shop where the kid from that issue tried to sell the Necronomicon was Vampblade... Like, seriously that went right over my head so the revelation here actually ended up working really well. I like Vampblade in these issues, being able to gauge her personality a bit more here, being able to see her kick ass and take names. But I also liked that she didn't take over the story, her cameos were relegated more in the background of the main story and that is admirable writing from Mendoza and Martin.
My biggest question now is where the Zombie Tramp vs. Vampblade mini-series will take place in between this issue and next? An answer I should be finding out really soon...
Final Score: 4.5 Well Written Zombie Stories out of 5
TMChu kills it on the art just like usual, I love his style so much. And these issues are some of his clearest when it comes to positioning of panels and placing characters where you can see what's going on perfectly. I really like his anime style, which I've mentioned before, but I just feel like stating it again. His characters are nicely rounded, his women are sexy as hell, and his movements in his characters are nearly flawless here. You go Chu!
There's also references made to the anime movie Akira, the Hulk, and Mortal Kombat which I enjoyed.
Okay, so let me just tell you that back in issue #8 it didn't even phase me that the girl in the book shop where the kid from that issue tried to sell the Necronomicon was Vampblade... Like, seriously that went right over my head so the revelation here actually ended up working really well. I like Vampblade in these issues, being able to gauge her personality a bit more here, being able to see her kick ass and take names. But I also liked that she didn't take over the story, her cameos were relegated more in the background of the main story and that is admirable writing from Mendoza and Martin.
My biggest question now is where the Zombie Tramp vs. Vampblade mini-series will take place in between this issue and next? An answer I should be finding out really soon...
Final Score: 4.5 Well Written Zombie Stories out of 5
Rapid City: Below Zero #1
Monolith, Llc. 2014
Written by Josh Dahl
Illustrated by Shawn Langely
Coloured by Micah Faulkner
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Summary: Two super-villains are betrayed and left for dead deep under ground. Icicle and Claw Hammer must fight their way to the surface if they plan to get revenge on their double-crossing, former ally, Coil.
Review: Previously, ambitious super criminal, Coil, assembled a crew of villains to steal an ancient and mysterious crown. Black Flag, the Cut, the young lovers Icicle and Pile-Diver, and Claw Hammer escaped underground with the stolen loot, but Coil has one more surprise for them.
I’m thankful for the opportunities given to me that allow me access to small unknown books like this one. I found the story to be very well written and the characterization is extremely good. This issue is a mix of current and flashbacks that allow us to get to know the young woman known as Icicle. This is a different look at a story with the focus on villains and what they go through when betrayed by one of their own. It’s also interesting to note that this world they live in is ready for people with powers but how they handle them well that’s another story entirely.
Icicle and her lover Pile-Driver were ready to take off and roam the world together after this job with Coil paid off. As the crew, sans Coil, make the getaway they discover they’ve been double crossed as Coil has replaced the bag that supposed to hold the crown with explosives that go off.
From the darkness, literal darkness of the tunnel, we see a young girl watching boys building a fort out of snow. Not wearing proper winter wear and looking like a neglected child, underfed and the like, she explores what they’ve built and gets trapped there. That feeling of being trapped is probably what triggered an instinct to coat herself with ice saving her from the explosion. She isn’t the only one to survive as Claw Hammer manages to live through the explosion as well but getting out of their predicament isn’t going to be easy even with their powers.
Monolith, Llc. 2014
Written by Josh Dahl
Illustrated by Shawn Langely
Coloured by Micah Faulkner
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Summary: Two super-villains are betrayed and left for dead deep under ground. Icicle and Claw Hammer must fight their way to the surface if they plan to get revenge on their double-crossing, former ally, Coil.
Review: Previously, ambitious super criminal, Coil, assembled a crew of villains to steal an ancient and mysterious crown. Black Flag, the Cut, the young lovers Icicle and Pile-Diver, and Claw Hammer escaped underground with the stolen loot, but Coil has one more surprise for them.
I’m thankful for the opportunities given to me that allow me access to small unknown books like this one. I found the story to be very well written and the characterization is extremely good. This issue is a mix of current and flashbacks that allow us to get to know the young woman known as Icicle. This is a different look at a story with the focus on villains and what they go through when betrayed by one of their own. It’s also interesting to note that this world they live in is ready for people with powers but how they handle them well that’s another story entirely.
Icicle and her lover Pile-Driver were ready to take off and roam the world together after this job with Coil paid off. As the crew, sans Coil, make the getaway they discover they’ve been double crossed as Coil has replaced the bag that supposed to hold the crown with explosives that go off.
From the darkness, literal darkness of the tunnel, we see a young girl watching boys building a fort out of snow. Not wearing proper winter wear and looking like a neglected child, underfed and the like, she explores what they’ve built and gets trapped there. That feeling of being trapped is probably what triggered an instinct to coat herself with ice saving her from the explosion. She isn’t the only one to survive as Claw Hammer manages to live through the explosion as well but getting out of their predicament isn’t going to be easy even with their powers.
The background we get on her really sets the stage for what we see from her today. The feelings of abandonment, inadequacy and fear of enclosed spaces all are demonstrated nicely as we see her grow up. It’s extremely well tied into how she behaves now that she’s in costume and on her own again. All her experiences have forged the woman she’s become and with this latest twist in her life she’s found a new purpose but what happens if she sees it through what then? Sure revenge against the man who betrayed and her killed her lover lights a fire in her and as we continue to see what she’s capable of whom will she be at the end of it all is the real question.
I liked this it’s interesting, well done and the pacing and characterization really hit the reader where it counts, in their minds. You can empathize with her and what’s she gone through that has made her a villain. Very well done Josh very well done indeed.
The interiors are black and white and are also very nicely done. It’s detailed, expressive and full of life, emotions and substance. Shawn demonstrates some really good solid talent here and he really helps to draw you into this world.
Head to www.rapidcity.com and find out how you can read this gem of a find.
I liked this it’s interesting, well done and the pacing and characterization really hit the reader where it counts, in their minds. You can empathize with her and what’s she gone through that has made her a villain. Very well done Josh very well done indeed.
The interiors are black and white and are also very nicely done. It’s detailed, expressive and full of life, emotions and substance. Shawn demonstrates some really good solid talent here and he really helps to draw you into this world.
Head to www.rapidcity.com and find out how you can read this gem of a find.
Satanic Hell #4
Zeno Telos Press/Alterna Comics
Writer: Grigoris Douros
Artist: Kevin Enhart
Additional Art by: Newel Anderson
Colorist: Jimmy Kerast
Letterer: E. T. Dollman
Reviewer: Rob Wrecks
Summary: Broke and directionless, the three members of the metal band Satanic Hell arrive in Texas for a chance tour set up by a mysterious promoter named Sam. Death Priest, Dante, and Exodus quickly find trouble in the bizarre world of Texas, now an authoritarian Christian state controlled by a council of religious fanatics.
Reviewer: Holy crap did Grigoris and the gang up the ante in this issue by pretty much not holding back! Only things left out was a full on riot, topless girls, and perhaps a sex scene or two! But the riot is bound to happen at some point in the next 3 issues so that's something to look forward too. Especially when the band's fans happen to find out what's going on with the guys or when they themselves break free and decide that enough is enough. I am really loving the work of Kevin and Newel's art, along with Jimmy's colors in this book. It all gives this particularly not happy vibe through out the book, which helps to really sell the over bearing presence of the Religious control the state of Texas is in and the crap the band has to deal with while they are there.
One particular preacher in this issue sets into motion a few things that help in upping the ante in how bad things are getting due to the presence of Satanic Hell. Even going so far as us readers seeing one girl loose her life cause of these close minded jerks after the preacher brings in what is basically a very unpleasant get 'er done kind of guy. I have to wonder though if the guy is so ugly even his momma wouldn't love him due to how he hides his face. And hopefully the boys get some payback on the guy, or at least on the preacher for sending the guy after them. Its also at least nice to know that at least one padre seems like a genuinely good guy out of all the crazy jerks running around in Texas spouting Religous rhetoric to control the masses.
Course whether or not his niceness is just a front or a real genuine thing remains to be seen, and I am somewhat curious to see what his reaction would have been after witnessing the boys in action. Perhaps that'll be something Grigoris will give us in the remaining issues. One of the things that honestly appalls me in this issue is the rearing of abortion's ugly head. Something I would have thought even those in charge in this comic's world would have been against but it seems not. The whole talk of restoration later on involving her worries me as well and has me thinking she's not going to be the same young lady ever again afterwards. Grigoris leaves us with one hell of a cliffhanger regarding the fates of the boys (leading into earlier comments of mine about a potential riot that could happen) who wind up undergoing some very cruel treatments courtesy of Whacko Scudder.
Someone I look forward to seeing get his comeuppance and hopefully in a rather brutal way too. I'm also really loving the interview we see at the end of this book as it really helps to make the band in this title feel like a real one. I won't spoil any of that but I have to say its a real hoot! So if you're ready to see the ante being upped and some unpleasant happenings, then go grab yourself a copy today!
Zeno Telos Press/Alterna Comics
Writer: Grigoris Douros
Artist: Kevin Enhart
Additional Art by: Newel Anderson
Colorist: Jimmy Kerast
Letterer: E. T. Dollman
Reviewer: Rob Wrecks
Summary: Broke and directionless, the three members of the metal band Satanic Hell arrive in Texas for a chance tour set up by a mysterious promoter named Sam. Death Priest, Dante, and Exodus quickly find trouble in the bizarre world of Texas, now an authoritarian Christian state controlled by a council of religious fanatics.
Reviewer: Holy crap did Grigoris and the gang up the ante in this issue by pretty much not holding back! Only things left out was a full on riot, topless girls, and perhaps a sex scene or two! But the riot is bound to happen at some point in the next 3 issues so that's something to look forward too. Especially when the band's fans happen to find out what's going on with the guys or when they themselves break free and decide that enough is enough. I am really loving the work of Kevin and Newel's art, along with Jimmy's colors in this book. It all gives this particularly not happy vibe through out the book, which helps to really sell the over bearing presence of the Religious control the state of Texas is in and the crap the band has to deal with while they are there.
One particular preacher in this issue sets into motion a few things that help in upping the ante in how bad things are getting due to the presence of Satanic Hell. Even going so far as us readers seeing one girl loose her life cause of these close minded jerks after the preacher brings in what is basically a very unpleasant get 'er done kind of guy. I have to wonder though if the guy is so ugly even his momma wouldn't love him due to how he hides his face. And hopefully the boys get some payback on the guy, or at least on the preacher for sending the guy after them. Its also at least nice to know that at least one padre seems like a genuinely good guy out of all the crazy jerks running around in Texas spouting Religous rhetoric to control the masses.
Course whether or not his niceness is just a front or a real genuine thing remains to be seen, and I am somewhat curious to see what his reaction would have been after witnessing the boys in action. Perhaps that'll be something Grigoris will give us in the remaining issues. One of the things that honestly appalls me in this issue is the rearing of abortion's ugly head. Something I would have thought even those in charge in this comic's world would have been against but it seems not. The whole talk of restoration later on involving her worries me as well and has me thinking she's not going to be the same young lady ever again afterwards. Grigoris leaves us with one hell of a cliffhanger regarding the fates of the boys (leading into earlier comments of mine about a potential riot that could happen) who wind up undergoing some very cruel treatments courtesy of Whacko Scudder.
Someone I look forward to seeing get his comeuppance and hopefully in a rather brutal way too. I'm also really loving the interview we see at the end of this book as it really helps to make the band in this title feel like a real one. I won't spoil any of that but I have to say its a real hoot! So if you're ready to see the ante being upped and some unpleasant happenings, then go grab yourself a copy today!