RoboChuck #2
TurtleBunny Productions
Written by: Chris Callahan
Art and Colors by: Chris Callahan
Reviewer: Rob Wrecks
Summary: Ink and Don go head-to-head,a turtle spies, Robo finds his first fan, and GGG stops by the fish store.
Review: Chris has done something here that makes me think it would fit in perfectly in a future time period set in something like Who Framed Roger Rabbit or Space Jam. Which is an idea that would be sad but awesome to see at the same time on the big screen. Or in comic book form. Either way is good to me! Chris' story here in a lot of ways represents a changing of the ways we see even in the real world today. And how it can tend to effect most people in either a good or a bad way. Unfortunately in the world of RoboChuck however, the effect for most has been more on the bad side since CG's pretty much came to town and the main biggest form of support the Flattoons had vanished with out a trace.
The interesting thing when it comes to Chris is the work he's done in Hollywood, and chances are if you see his art style with in this comic. You may even remember seeing it in a cartoon that he may have had a hand in. And his motion graphics art skill is clearly used well here in this comic. And if money weren't a likely factor for Chris, this would also probably be an animated cartoon as well if it isn't already by this point.
RoboChuck is one of the many in this story hit by the power that the CG and its Master Creator (Don Masshurter, which for a name like that describe him pretty well in my view) have over the entertainment industry. And despite his own Cgness, its not enough to get him good work. Work that could get him as well known as his adopted father Inksplat Magee. Or perhaps known even more then his old man. And while we got to know him a bit in the first issue along with a few others. We also learned a bit more about other characters too in the second issue. Along with seeing how ineffective and douche bag like the police force are towards one little girl who's mom went missing. And if RoboChuck is to start fighting back against the system, he's likely gonna have a hard time in just getting organized!
Torky Turtle is another of the characters we get introduced too in #2. And she seems a lot more effective then what The Galactic Green Ghost seems to be. Though whether or not his lack of effectiveness is due to what happened with his show remains to be seen. Certainly makes you feel for Inksplat too since Green Ghost is one of his helpers. Although if that's an act on Green Ghost's part, its a heck of a good show he's putting on.
I am honestly looking forward to what RoboChuck and friends do next when it comes to the fight against the big bad, along with making it big in the Entertainment world!
Editor's Note: Currently, RoboChuck is available in both print and digital. Head here to see about grabbing up yourself a copy!
TurtleBunny Productions
Written by: Chris Callahan
Art and Colors by: Chris Callahan
Reviewer: Rob Wrecks
Summary: Ink and Don go head-to-head,a turtle spies, Robo finds his first fan, and GGG stops by the fish store.
Review: Chris has done something here that makes me think it would fit in perfectly in a future time period set in something like Who Framed Roger Rabbit or Space Jam. Which is an idea that would be sad but awesome to see at the same time on the big screen. Or in comic book form. Either way is good to me! Chris' story here in a lot of ways represents a changing of the ways we see even in the real world today. And how it can tend to effect most people in either a good or a bad way. Unfortunately in the world of RoboChuck however, the effect for most has been more on the bad side since CG's pretty much came to town and the main biggest form of support the Flattoons had vanished with out a trace.
The interesting thing when it comes to Chris is the work he's done in Hollywood, and chances are if you see his art style with in this comic. You may even remember seeing it in a cartoon that he may have had a hand in. And his motion graphics art skill is clearly used well here in this comic. And if money weren't a likely factor for Chris, this would also probably be an animated cartoon as well if it isn't already by this point.
RoboChuck is one of the many in this story hit by the power that the CG and its Master Creator (Don Masshurter, which for a name like that describe him pretty well in my view) have over the entertainment industry. And despite his own Cgness, its not enough to get him good work. Work that could get him as well known as his adopted father Inksplat Magee. Or perhaps known even more then his old man. And while we got to know him a bit in the first issue along with a few others. We also learned a bit more about other characters too in the second issue. Along with seeing how ineffective and douche bag like the police force are towards one little girl who's mom went missing. And if RoboChuck is to start fighting back against the system, he's likely gonna have a hard time in just getting organized!
Torky Turtle is another of the characters we get introduced too in #2. And she seems a lot more effective then what The Galactic Green Ghost seems to be. Though whether or not his lack of effectiveness is due to what happened with his show remains to be seen. Certainly makes you feel for Inksplat too since Green Ghost is one of his helpers. Although if that's an act on Green Ghost's part, its a heck of a good show he's putting on.
I am honestly looking forward to what RoboChuck and friends do next when it comes to the fight against the big bad, along with making it big in the Entertainment world!
Editor's Note: Currently, RoboChuck is available in both print and digital. Head here to see about grabbing up yourself a copy!
Unmade (One Shot)
Reasonably Priced Comics 2015
Written by: Brandon Barrows
Illustrated by" Johnnie Christmas
Coloured by: Josh Jensen
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Summary: Al Vacarro is a made-man, with all the honors and responsibilities that entails. But after a lifetime of violence in service of the Castella crime family, the mob no longer holds any allure for Al. For the sake of his own family and his very soul, he needs out of "the life." But how does a man escape the only world he's ever known? UNMADE is a tale of blood and desperation, and these are the last twenty-four hours of life as Al knows it.
Review: I’d never heard of this until recently, and was given the opportunity to read and review it. And if y’all know me through my reviews by now, you’ll know I love small independent press books, so I was happy to review this. We’ve got a guy named Al who works for a mobster and throughout this one shot, a series of events happens that lead up to him wanting to get out of the game. However, if you know anything about mob life you don’t get out. Not really, unless say you’ve been pinched and kept your mouth shut then you can be trusted to remain silent. But then you’re known and pretty useless to the organization.
Brandon writes a very solid story here there’s no mistaking that. But for me it was missing a few things. We didn’t really get a sense of how much time Al was in the organization or why now at his age this is all weighing down on him more heavily. Some background information or flashbacks showcasing how he got to this point would have been a good thing. I realize that Benny is a pain in the ass punk who thinks he’s more than he’s worth, but it had to have been building up to something. But we don’t get that here and that’s a tad disappointing. Delve a little more earlier on into how he’s coming to his decision is all I advise.
Benny’s characterization is spot on; he’s a creep, more than a little stupid, and out to make a name for himself but you know that he’s a prime example of a short lived mobster enforcer. He’s reckless and over eager to get in the boss' good graces so he’ll end up making that one mistake that will either get him killed or pinched and you see that almost immediately. While that characterization goes a long way to Al’s decision, it doesn’t hurt either.
I was kind of hoping Al wouldn’t be a typical stereotype with a girl on the side but it’s okay that he is. It does kind of add to the drama when Benny turns on him. It also nicely demonstrates a midlife crisis with his wife and kids at home and him feeling that something in his life is missing. Now that Benny has gone ballistic and things have escalated and with Al having done what he did on the last page, it sets things up for what’s to come next. If Brandon does plan for more that is.
All things considered this is a well crafted and solid story about Al’s life and what he’s going through. Trying to break away from the past and leave the stress of that life behind, which isn’t easy. Plus he’s got this psychopathic partner to deal with making his life even crazier. The straw that breaks the camel's back? Oh yeah it’s a big one. So it will be interesting to see where Brandon takes it from here.
The interior artwork is extremely well done as well. Consistent, solid. and the attention to detail in each panel is nice to see. Not to mention that each character’s personality comes to life through their faces making things much more recognizable for the reader.
Support the little guys, it’s books like this that show us why we love comics and that when creators love what they do we do too.
Editor's Note: If this sounds like it would appeal to you, Unmade is available in both print and digital!
Reasonably Priced Comics 2015
Written by: Brandon Barrows
Illustrated by" Johnnie Christmas
Coloured by: Josh Jensen
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Summary: Al Vacarro is a made-man, with all the honors and responsibilities that entails. But after a lifetime of violence in service of the Castella crime family, the mob no longer holds any allure for Al. For the sake of his own family and his very soul, he needs out of "the life." But how does a man escape the only world he's ever known? UNMADE is a tale of blood and desperation, and these are the last twenty-four hours of life as Al knows it.
Review: I’d never heard of this until recently, and was given the opportunity to read and review it. And if y’all know me through my reviews by now, you’ll know I love small independent press books, so I was happy to review this. We’ve got a guy named Al who works for a mobster and throughout this one shot, a series of events happens that lead up to him wanting to get out of the game. However, if you know anything about mob life you don’t get out. Not really, unless say you’ve been pinched and kept your mouth shut then you can be trusted to remain silent. But then you’re known and pretty useless to the organization.
Brandon writes a very solid story here there’s no mistaking that. But for me it was missing a few things. We didn’t really get a sense of how much time Al was in the organization or why now at his age this is all weighing down on him more heavily. Some background information or flashbacks showcasing how he got to this point would have been a good thing. I realize that Benny is a pain in the ass punk who thinks he’s more than he’s worth, but it had to have been building up to something. But we don’t get that here and that’s a tad disappointing. Delve a little more earlier on into how he’s coming to his decision is all I advise.
Benny’s characterization is spot on; he’s a creep, more than a little stupid, and out to make a name for himself but you know that he’s a prime example of a short lived mobster enforcer. He’s reckless and over eager to get in the boss' good graces so he’ll end up making that one mistake that will either get him killed or pinched and you see that almost immediately. While that characterization goes a long way to Al’s decision, it doesn’t hurt either.
I was kind of hoping Al wouldn’t be a typical stereotype with a girl on the side but it’s okay that he is. It does kind of add to the drama when Benny turns on him. It also nicely demonstrates a midlife crisis with his wife and kids at home and him feeling that something in his life is missing. Now that Benny has gone ballistic and things have escalated and with Al having done what he did on the last page, it sets things up for what’s to come next. If Brandon does plan for more that is.
All things considered this is a well crafted and solid story about Al’s life and what he’s going through. Trying to break away from the past and leave the stress of that life behind, which isn’t easy. Plus he’s got this psychopathic partner to deal with making his life even crazier. The straw that breaks the camel's back? Oh yeah it’s a big one. So it will be interesting to see where Brandon takes it from here.
The interior artwork is extremely well done as well. Consistent, solid. and the attention to detail in each panel is nice to see. Not to mention that each character’s personality comes to life through their faces making things much more recognizable for the reader.
Support the little guys, it’s books like this that show us why we love comics and that when creators love what they do we do too.
Editor's Note: If this sounds like it would appeal to you, Unmade is available in both print and digital!
Monster Home #2
Dead Bride Comics
Created, Written, Colored, and Lettered by: Dan Barnes
Art by: Stefano Cardoselli
Reviewer: Rob Wrecks
Summary: Follow the newest addition to the asylum, (Abraham Van Helsing) as he goes deeper into The Monster Home.
Reviewer: Now when Dan Barnes first brought this title to life many a month ago, I was honestly intrigued by what he had in mind for this. And now, having recently read the first two issues of this series. I can safely say that it is a very intriguing idea. As after all, how often do you see a story where monsters and the like are stuck living in an Asylum? Along with the man (Abraham Van Helsing) who once hunted them as well? Rarely if ever! Unless I've just not been looking in the right places anyway. The first two issues pretty much feature a who's who of the monster world as Van Helsing gets the grand tour of the place by the man who runs the whole thing. Monsters like the Wolf Man, Frankenstein's servant Ygor (Though I always thought it was Igor?), The Mummy, The Creature of the Lagoon, and several others.
Now what Dan has me curious about, is whether or not Van Helsing's here undercover at this place. And if its not an undercover thing, how exactly did he come to be staying here for the foreseeable future? Perhaps the world finally no longer having a use for him led to this moment? I certainly don't know, but I'm darned eager to find out! Though I know one thing, Van Helsing has certainly managed to alienate his fellow inmates quite well! Something that could prove quite deadly for him should a break out happen.
Likely deadly for the head of the place too since he seems kind of jerkish but well meaning despite that. I have to admit that Dan really makes you wonder as you read this. Were the monsters and those they served really as bad as it seems they were? Or did Van Helsing really did have just cause to go after them? There's always two sides to every story and its clear to see that its very present here.
Plus the excellent artwork of Stefano Cardoselli gives everyone their own fantastic looks. And as some of you may know by now, I have always enjoyed Stefano's work and am pleased to see it yet again. I like how he's managed to keep us from fully seeing how Van Helsing currently looks. And it makes me wonder if all the years of hunting took a pretty bad effect on him physically. Its clear to see that by issue two, both the Wolf Man and Ygor have a serious grudge to bear against our fair hero. And in the Wolf Man's case I can definitely see why he would want the man dead.
This story of Dan's could take a very interesting route that's filled with a horrendous amount of gore. Or it could not even go that way at all. And I'm honestly eager as crap to see what happens next! So if you've always wanted to see your favorite monster in an asylum, now's your chance!
Editor's Note: Currently, Monster Home #'s 1 and 2 are only available in digital format. Head here to grab yourself a copy!
Dead Bride Comics
Created, Written, Colored, and Lettered by: Dan Barnes
Art by: Stefano Cardoselli
Reviewer: Rob Wrecks
Summary: Follow the newest addition to the asylum, (Abraham Van Helsing) as he goes deeper into The Monster Home.
Reviewer: Now when Dan Barnes first brought this title to life many a month ago, I was honestly intrigued by what he had in mind for this. And now, having recently read the first two issues of this series. I can safely say that it is a very intriguing idea. As after all, how often do you see a story where monsters and the like are stuck living in an Asylum? Along with the man (Abraham Van Helsing) who once hunted them as well? Rarely if ever! Unless I've just not been looking in the right places anyway. The first two issues pretty much feature a who's who of the monster world as Van Helsing gets the grand tour of the place by the man who runs the whole thing. Monsters like the Wolf Man, Frankenstein's servant Ygor (Though I always thought it was Igor?), The Mummy, The Creature of the Lagoon, and several others.
Now what Dan has me curious about, is whether or not Van Helsing's here undercover at this place. And if its not an undercover thing, how exactly did he come to be staying here for the foreseeable future? Perhaps the world finally no longer having a use for him led to this moment? I certainly don't know, but I'm darned eager to find out! Though I know one thing, Van Helsing has certainly managed to alienate his fellow inmates quite well! Something that could prove quite deadly for him should a break out happen.
Likely deadly for the head of the place too since he seems kind of jerkish but well meaning despite that. I have to admit that Dan really makes you wonder as you read this. Were the monsters and those they served really as bad as it seems they were? Or did Van Helsing really did have just cause to go after them? There's always two sides to every story and its clear to see that its very present here.
Plus the excellent artwork of Stefano Cardoselli gives everyone their own fantastic looks. And as some of you may know by now, I have always enjoyed Stefano's work and am pleased to see it yet again. I like how he's managed to keep us from fully seeing how Van Helsing currently looks. And it makes me wonder if all the years of hunting took a pretty bad effect on him physically. Its clear to see that by issue two, both the Wolf Man and Ygor have a serious grudge to bear against our fair hero. And in the Wolf Man's case I can definitely see why he would want the man dead.
This story of Dan's could take a very interesting route that's filled with a horrendous amount of gore. Or it could not even go that way at all. And I'm honestly eager as crap to see what happens next! So if you've always wanted to see your favorite monster in an asylum, now's your chance!
Editor's Note: Currently, Monster Home #'s 1 and 2 are only available in digital format. Head here to grab yourself a copy!
Vreckless Vrestlers #3
Vreckless Comics
Written by: Lukasz Kowalczuk
Art and Colors by: Lukasz Kowalczuk
Reviewer: Rob Wrecks
Summary: What happens when a drakkar collides with an armoured vehicle?Shall The Eye manage with just a hook and a harpoon in the clash with the most dreadful vegan in the entire Universe?
If you consider quater-finals savage, then you have seen nothing yet! Melee weapons, barbed wire, casualties among the spectators...
It's just a small fraction of the attractions awaiting for the audience. Here violence always has its reasons, cheats and low blows are warmly welcomed and every mistake can be lethal!
Review: Ahh.. Wrestling, a sport that has kept many entertained for many a year. Whether it was because of some high flying move, a heart stopping return of a fan favorite, some comedy goodness, or some other variation. And with Lukasz' Vreckless Vrestlers, he's upped the ante on the crazy madness that can happen in wrestling. Only with his title, we're not seeing the type you may see in a wrestling match. Oh no, we're getting Eye guys, Hippie Killers, Vegan Cats, Viking Daughters with Beards, Reptile men, and Crab folk. Some have history with one another while others don't. We even get an attempted love connection at one point in this series! Pity Barbarica didn't see it that way however! The interesting thing about this book (aside from the various wrestlers we see here), is the near lack of dialogue in this title. And often times you may see a speech bubble with images used instead of words.
Its genius and not particularly hard to tell in whats being said. Plus, death is a gauranteed likelyhood in this world that Lukasz has come up with here. And while that's always been a possibility in the world of wrestling, the certainty of it here is a lot more real and way more violent.
I'm assuming that in addition to the art chores, Lukasz also did the coloring for this book. Which he nicely managed to keep it as a nice mix of white, black, and green. And everyone of his characters all stood out pretty well. I do feel though that this would have benefitted a bit for some actual dialogue. Like commentator dialogue. As I can only imagine what sort of hilarity there might be from them during the matches.
Lukasz has even mentioned that things like Wrestling, Cartoons, Toys, and what not of the 80's and 90's was a source of inspiration for him. And that is clearly seen here. Which gives me another bout of appreciation for the internet cause with out that, myself and others wouldn't be able to read/view this wild ride of wrestling insanity. So if you think you can enjoy a wrestling comic that involves monsters and aliens duking it out for the championship and the greed of one man who runs it all. Plus little to no dialogue, come on down and grab it up!
Editor's Note: To find out how you can acquire either a print or digital copy of Vreckless Vrestlers, head here!
Vreckless Comics
Written by: Lukasz Kowalczuk
Art and Colors by: Lukasz Kowalczuk
Reviewer: Rob Wrecks
Summary: What happens when a drakkar collides with an armoured vehicle?Shall The Eye manage with just a hook and a harpoon in the clash with the most dreadful vegan in the entire Universe?
If you consider quater-finals savage, then you have seen nothing yet! Melee weapons, barbed wire, casualties among the spectators...
It's just a small fraction of the attractions awaiting for the audience. Here violence always has its reasons, cheats and low blows are warmly welcomed and every mistake can be lethal!
Review: Ahh.. Wrestling, a sport that has kept many entertained for many a year. Whether it was because of some high flying move, a heart stopping return of a fan favorite, some comedy goodness, or some other variation. And with Lukasz' Vreckless Vrestlers, he's upped the ante on the crazy madness that can happen in wrestling. Only with his title, we're not seeing the type you may see in a wrestling match. Oh no, we're getting Eye guys, Hippie Killers, Vegan Cats, Viking Daughters with Beards, Reptile men, and Crab folk. Some have history with one another while others don't. We even get an attempted love connection at one point in this series! Pity Barbarica didn't see it that way however! The interesting thing about this book (aside from the various wrestlers we see here), is the near lack of dialogue in this title. And often times you may see a speech bubble with images used instead of words.
Its genius and not particularly hard to tell in whats being said. Plus, death is a gauranteed likelyhood in this world that Lukasz has come up with here. And while that's always been a possibility in the world of wrestling, the certainty of it here is a lot more real and way more violent.
I'm assuming that in addition to the art chores, Lukasz also did the coloring for this book. Which he nicely managed to keep it as a nice mix of white, black, and green. And everyone of his characters all stood out pretty well. I do feel though that this would have benefitted a bit for some actual dialogue. Like commentator dialogue. As I can only imagine what sort of hilarity there might be from them during the matches.
Lukasz has even mentioned that things like Wrestling, Cartoons, Toys, and what not of the 80's and 90's was a source of inspiration for him. And that is clearly seen here. Which gives me another bout of appreciation for the internet cause with out that, myself and others wouldn't be able to read/view this wild ride of wrestling insanity. So if you think you can enjoy a wrestling comic that involves monsters and aliens duking it out for the championship and the greed of one man who runs it all. Plus little to no dialogue, come on down and grab it up!
Editor's Note: To find out how you can acquire either a print or digital copy of Vreckless Vrestlers, head here!