Rotten Roots #1
Bad Kids Press 2015
Created, Written & Lettered by: Paul Axel
Illustrated by: Renee Majkut
Formatted by: Tom Majkut
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Summary: When Detective Mark Robles of the Osprey City Police Department is tasked with solving the death of one of the city's most influential residents, his investigation takes him back to Osprey's founding. There, he uncovers a history of scheming, betrayal, and murder - but how does it connect to the current day?
Review: Over the past year or so I’ve been extremely privileged to be reviewing so many self-published books, thanks to them and to Kickstarter and the like. I’m always up for when I’m sent something I’ve never heard of and the blurb sounds promising, in this case we get the first case of a detective from Chicago and a murder mystery as a nice welcome to town present. The victim also happens to be one of the city's biggest men so there will be a lot pressure on him to solve this quickly.
I have to say when I see a new book like this, one of the first things I do is flip through to check out the interior artwork. I will admit that at first I thought it a tad immature but then I took a really good at it and began to appreciate what I was looking at. The attention to detail in his jacket, the way the ink is strong on the linework and the way the colours seem to be washed and flow like a nice watercolour. The detail that we have in the panels that highlight what’s important to see is really rather nice. It has a unique quality about that I find charming.
I love a good mystery and this one took me a little by surprise. I like how Robles was able to see the crime scene and evaluate showing off a sharp mind and nice skills. It wasn’t hard to notice the book on the table in front of the dead man and it didn’t take a giant leap to say it is probably important in some aspect to what has happened, what I wasn’t prepared for is the age of the book and what it contains.
That there is a similar murder in the book that goes back to colonial times to one that has taken place in the present that adds a touch of the unknown and impossible, which is a nice twist. Suddenly the story seems to be more about the past intertwining with the present in some way that causes the reader to pause and think. Is there some supernatural thing going on here or is this just case of history repeating itself? We aren’t sure and that’s part of the appeal.
The past comes back to haunt the present in this new murder mystery from Paul and it’s a well crafted first issue full of weirdness and fascination. The characterization is very well done, the introduction and setup is great and the interior artwork stands out. From concept to execution this is a great offering and it only goes to show once again that sometimes you will find something that sticks with you after reading it from the most unexpected of places. This is why I encourage everyone to visit the little guys you don’t know at conventions, look for them in Previews and take a chance when reading reviews like this one.
Editor's Note: If this sounds like it would be right up your alley, then head here!
Bad Kids Press 2015
Created, Written & Lettered by: Paul Axel
Illustrated by: Renee Majkut
Formatted by: Tom Majkut
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Summary: When Detective Mark Robles of the Osprey City Police Department is tasked with solving the death of one of the city's most influential residents, his investigation takes him back to Osprey's founding. There, he uncovers a history of scheming, betrayal, and murder - but how does it connect to the current day?
Review: Over the past year or so I’ve been extremely privileged to be reviewing so many self-published books, thanks to them and to Kickstarter and the like. I’m always up for when I’m sent something I’ve never heard of and the blurb sounds promising, in this case we get the first case of a detective from Chicago and a murder mystery as a nice welcome to town present. The victim also happens to be one of the city's biggest men so there will be a lot pressure on him to solve this quickly.
I have to say when I see a new book like this, one of the first things I do is flip through to check out the interior artwork. I will admit that at first I thought it a tad immature but then I took a really good at it and began to appreciate what I was looking at. The attention to detail in his jacket, the way the ink is strong on the linework and the way the colours seem to be washed and flow like a nice watercolour. The detail that we have in the panels that highlight what’s important to see is really rather nice. It has a unique quality about that I find charming.
I love a good mystery and this one took me a little by surprise. I like how Robles was able to see the crime scene and evaluate showing off a sharp mind and nice skills. It wasn’t hard to notice the book on the table in front of the dead man and it didn’t take a giant leap to say it is probably important in some aspect to what has happened, what I wasn’t prepared for is the age of the book and what it contains.
That there is a similar murder in the book that goes back to colonial times to one that has taken place in the present that adds a touch of the unknown and impossible, which is a nice twist. Suddenly the story seems to be more about the past intertwining with the present in some way that causes the reader to pause and think. Is there some supernatural thing going on here or is this just case of history repeating itself? We aren’t sure and that’s part of the appeal.
The past comes back to haunt the present in this new murder mystery from Paul and it’s a well crafted first issue full of weirdness and fascination. The characterization is very well done, the introduction and setup is great and the interior artwork stands out. From concept to execution this is a great offering and it only goes to show once again that sometimes you will find something that sticks with you after reading it from the most unexpected of places. This is why I encourage everyone to visit the little guys you don’t know at conventions, look for them in Previews and take a chance when reading reviews like this one.
Editor's Note: If this sounds like it would be right up your alley, then head here!
Sevara #1
Broken Icon Comics
Writer: Damian Wampler
Artist: Andre Siregar
Colorist: Anang Setyawan
Letterer: Steve Wands
Reviewer: Derrick Crow
Summary: In a future so distant, it looks like our past... A shape shifting immortal awakens from a ten thousand year sleep to find that evil, long thought erased from the Earth, has returned.
Review: Reading Sevara, you get the feeling that there is a underlying mystery to everything, and perhaps not everything you see is as it seems. This definitely becomes more evident as we continue to learn more about Sevara's seemingly Godlike and universally unending powers. Is there a limit to what she can do? If not, then why does she keep her powers hidden away until the time is needed?
It's been quite awhile since I read and reviewed issue #0, which I remember enjoying, so I came into this issue with the idea that I'll remember more as I go and we'll just see where the experience takes us. Well, that didn't really end up happening but it didn't make the experience any less than what it was.
I enjoyed issue #1, and I'm curious to discover more about Sevara and this world she's awoken too. I felt the art stepped up since #0, this issue was a lot clearer about the goings on; although the panel placement or should I say lack of panels in some places, did cause for a bit of confusion at times.
The new enemies are interesting as well. A tyrannical King and his civilization that thrives by the 'Book of Muldoon', a bible-esque book that dictates every major action taken in the Kingdom. It has them look down on Witches and 'Runaways' – slaves who escape captivity – and also seems to have a rather interesting connection to Sevara. It's almost as if evil seeped back into this world because of her...?
Only time will tell when all the mysteries are explained, I just hope Wampler and Siregar have a few neat tricks up their sleeves when it comes time for that payoff. That being said, this is only issue #1 so I can't jump down anyone's throat just yet. I must let the story play out first.
Siregar's art really does remind me of the 90's era of comics though, something I believe I said in my #0 review. A blend of realism with fiction, as if trying to smash to two extremes together, along with Setyawan's dark palette colors, it's really hard not to walk away from this and not think of the 90's.
Although if this comic came out in the 90's, it would already seem like a cut above the rest. Siregar's art isn't a bad thing though, I do believe he needs to get better about making sure the story flows properly, especially in the most important scenes. But I believe that will come in time. Here it isn't a hindrance, but it is slightly irritating.
As for the story, I feel that Wampler is cooking up something that will just have to be seen, until then things may seem like they're being thrown in from left to right, but I'm staying hopeful that isn't the case. Only time will tell on this as well. Go check out Sevara, the world building is interesting, the characters are interesting, and the ideas are sound. All that's left is to see how they end up being tied together.
Final Score: 3 Acts of Witchcraft out of 5
Editor's Note: Interested in checking out Sevara for yourself? Then head here for all your needs!
Broken Icon Comics
Writer: Damian Wampler
Artist: Andre Siregar
Colorist: Anang Setyawan
Letterer: Steve Wands
Reviewer: Derrick Crow
Summary: In a future so distant, it looks like our past... A shape shifting immortal awakens from a ten thousand year sleep to find that evil, long thought erased from the Earth, has returned.
Review: Reading Sevara, you get the feeling that there is a underlying mystery to everything, and perhaps not everything you see is as it seems. This definitely becomes more evident as we continue to learn more about Sevara's seemingly Godlike and universally unending powers. Is there a limit to what she can do? If not, then why does she keep her powers hidden away until the time is needed?
It's been quite awhile since I read and reviewed issue #0, which I remember enjoying, so I came into this issue with the idea that I'll remember more as I go and we'll just see where the experience takes us. Well, that didn't really end up happening but it didn't make the experience any less than what it was.
I enjoyed issue #1, and I'm curious to discover more about Sevara and this world she's awoken too. I felt the art stepped up since #0, this issue was a lot clearer about the goings on; although the panel placement or should I say lack of panels in some places, did cause for a bit of confusion at times.
The new enemies are interesting as well. A tyrannical King and his civilization that thrives by the 'Book of Muldoon', a bible-esque book that dictates every major action taken in the Kingdom. It has them look down on Witches and 'Runaways' – slaves who escape captivity – and also seems to have a rather interesting connection to Sevara. It's almost as if evil seeped back into this world because of her...?
Only time will tell when all the mysteries are explained, I just hope Wampler and Siregar have a few neat tricks up their sleeves when it comes time for that payoff. That being said, this is only issue #1 so I can't jump down anyone's throat just yet. I must let the story play out first.
Siregar's art really does remind me of the 90's era of comics though, something I believe I said in my #0 review. A blend of realism with fiction, as if trying to smash to two extremes together, along with Setyawan's dark palette colors, it's really hard not to walk away from this and not think of the 90's.
Although if this comic came out in the 90's, it would already seem like a cut above the rest. Siregar's art isn't a bad thing though, I do believe he needs to get better about making sure the story flows properly, especially in the most important scenes. But I believe that will come in time. Here it isn't a hindrance, but it is slightly irritating.
As for the story, I feel that Wampler is cooking up something that will just have to be seen, until then things may seem like they're being thrown in from left to right, but I'm staying hopeful that isn't the case. Only time will tell on this as well. Go check out Sevara, the world building is interesting, the characters are interesting, and the ideas are sound. All that's left is to see how they end up being tied together.
Final Score: 3 Acts of Witchcraft out of 5
Editor's Note: Interested in checking out Sevara for yourself? Then head here for all your needs!
Binary Gray #8
Assailant Comics
Writer and Creator: Chris Charlton
Pencils and Inks: Rowel Roque
Letters: Brant W. Fowler
Colors: Anthonie Wilson
Reviewer: Rob Wrecks
Summary: The secret history of Alex’s father is finally revealed while Alex and his mother find themselves captives of The Agency.
Review: Now its been a good long while since I covered some Binary Gray, matter of fact the last time I did was back when I was still with InvestComics. So that should tell ya something right there. Life for Alex Gray has gone from mundane and boring to outright crappy after he gains the power to be one with technology. And it all began with some snooping about while looking for information earlier on in the story. Said snooping brought him unwanted attention by the Agency, a group that wants to keep strong and somewhat unpleasant tabs on super human individuals and all for the good of America's continued well being. Though I'm sure if America knew of this group's actions they'd be out of jobs pretty darn quick! Heck, Alex is certainly wishing he still had a boring and mundane life as something of an IT guy where he works. Or at least having actually asked out the hot co worker who seemed interested in him. Though I can't blame him for not going for it since he didn't think he had much of a chance.
Self doubt is a serious pain the butt for sure when it comes to a girl you're interested in. I like that Alex isn't jumping right into super heroics and that Chris Charlton (creator and writer of this fair story) is making things feel a bit realistic when it comes to the dangers of the super life. From innocents getting in the cross fire like Alex's mom or retired heroes getting hurt pretty badly for example. And the second Cross is certainly a young man who has yet to grow in his role as a hero as well. But I imagine when this is all over with, he'll certainly have grown quite a bit and be less likely to go off on someone when things aren't going too well. Though his dad being hurt is an understandable reason to not exactly be all that happy.
Issue 8 saw more trouble developing for young Chris and even a little loss as well. What he does next will be interesting to see now that he's laid down the smackdown on a few Agency members despite the loss he suffers during it. I imagine though the head lady chick of the Agency is not going to be willing to take all that's gone on laying down either. Though she and this horrible Agency of hers are something I look forward to seeing biting the dust. This issue we even get to learn a bit more about Alex's father who'd died when our lead man was just a kid. An interrogation scene in this issue also gets you wondering about the moment when Alex's dead died and if you've been reading this, you'll get what I mean. Course once you get to this point after having read the first volume, along with the 7th and this 8th issue, you'll see what I mean as well and likely be wondering the same thing.
Binary Gray is a story that will grab your interest and leave you wanting more, especially with the great great creative team that Chris Charlton has with him when it comes to the art and colors. And I firmly believe that Brant's lettering works comes out the best when it comes to the character known as The Moth. Who's a rather likable fellow as well and doesn't allow himself to brood about his tragic past as he is likely aware of the fact it would do him no good to dwell on things he had no control over. I definitely look forward to seeing where Chris and the gang take this story next as Alex looks to go into hiding as he tracks down someone named Scaldron. And if Alex ever decides to make do with one heck of a revelation? Well, it'd only be some seriously sweet justice for all the very likely horrible things The Agency have done over the years.
So be sure to grab a copy of Binary Gray today and take part in the journey of Alex Gray!
Editor's Note: Head here to grab yourself a copy of Binary Gray #8 or previous issues! Available in both print and digital!
Assailant Comics
Writer and Creator: Chris Charlton
Pencils and Inks: Rowel Roque
Letters: Brant W. Fowler
Colors: Anthonie Wilson
Reviewer: Rob Wrecks
Summary: The secret history of Alex’s father is finally revealed while Alex and his mother find themselves captives of The Agency.
Review: Now its been a good long while since I covered some Binary Gray, matter of fact the last time I did was back when I was still with InvestComics. So that should tell ya something right there. Life for Alex Gray has gone from mundane and boring to outright crappy after he gains the power to be one with technology. And it all began with some snooping about while looking for information earlier on in the story. Said snooping brought him unwanted attention by the Agency, a group that wants to keep strong and somewhat unpleasant tabs on super human individuals and all for the good of America's continued well being. Though I'm sure if America knew of this group's actions they'd be out of jobs pretty darn quick! Heck, Alex is certainly wishing he still had a boring and mundane life as something of an IT guy where he works. Or at least having actually asked out the hot co worker who seemed interested in him. Though I can't blame him for not going for it since he didn't think he had much of a chance.
Self doubt is a serious pain the butt for sure when it comes to a girl you're interested in. I like that Alex isn't jumping right into super heroics and that Chris Charlton (creator and writer of this fair story) is making things feel a bit realistic when it comes to the dangers of the super life. From innocents getting in the cross fire like Alex's mom or retired heroes getting hurt pretty badly for example. And the second Cross is certainly a young man who has yet to grow in his role as a hero as well. But I imagine when this is all over with, he'll certainly have grown quite a bit and be less likely to go off on someone when things aren't going too well. Though his dad being hurt is an understandable reason to not exactly be all that happy.
Issue 8 saw more trouble developing for young Chris and even a little loss as well. What he does next will be interesting to see now that he's laid down the smackdown on a few Agency members despite the loss he suffers during it. I imagine though the head lady chick of the Agency is not going to be willing to take all that's gone on laying down either. Though she and this horrible Agency of hers are something I look forward to seeing biting the dust. This issue we even get to learn a bit more about Alex's father who'd died when our lead man was just a kid. An interrogation scene in this issue also gets you wondering about the moment when Alex's dead died and if you've been reading this, you'll get what I mean. Course once you get to this point after having read the first volume, along with the 7th and this 8th issue, you'll see what I mean as well and likely be wondering the same thing.
Binary Gray is a story that will grab your interest and leave you wanting more, especially with the great great creative team that Chris Charlton has with him when it comes to the art and colors. And I firmly believe that Brant's lettering works comes out the best when it comes to the character known as The Moth. Who's a rather likable fellow as well and doesn't allow himself to brood about his tragic past as he is likely aware of the fact it would do him no good to dwell on things he had no control over. I definitely look forward to seeing where Chris and the gang take this story next as Alex looks to go into hiding as he tracks down someone named Scaldron. And if Alex ever decides to make do with one heck of a revelation? Well, it'd only be some seriously sweet justice for all the very likely horrible things The Agency have done over the years.
So be sure to grab a copy of Binary Gray today and take part in the journey of Alex Gray!
Editor's Note: Head here to grab yourself a copy of Binary Gray #8 or previous issues! Available in both print and digital!