Zombie Tramp vs. Vampblade #2 (of 3)
Action Lab: Danger Zone
Writers: Dan Mendoza, Jason Martin
Pencilers: Winston Young
Reviewer: Derrick T. Crow
Summary: From the pages of ZOMBIE TRAMP comes a clash of titans, as the Queen of the dead takes on the stalker of the night, Vampblade, in a match that will stand the test of time. Or at least the dead of night. Who will come out on top when these two hot headed ladies get together for some fearsome all-night action? Find out in this steamy, action paced mini-series!!
[SPOILERS!!]
Review: Two issues in and this event continues its fun romp through its 90's team-up homage as the comedy duo swap bodies and suits as they attempt to get to the bottom of how they switched, and also how to fix the situation.
It's rather fun seeing these two get to know and riff on each other. It's also a nice change of pace seeing a team-up event where the two don't fight each other when they meet. It was also hilarious seeing VB in ZT's body tying herself up in order to question ZT in VB's body (I'll just let you attempt to decipher that statement, perhaps I'll even give you a cookie.)
Martin's creation of Vampblade has continued to pique my interest, and I'm rather curious to learn more about her world. I think the suit coming from her blades is rather interesting, and I'm glad to see we're learning new things about her world along with her. I rather like Janey's version of the Vampblade outfit, it's rather 90's chic.
There aren't many actual events in this issue, as most of it is taken up with Vampy and Janey sitting in a room discussing what could've possibly happened to them, and we get a re-introduction into the origin story of Janey turning into the Zombie Tramp. While it could've been better if more happened this issue, I do enjoy that these characters are getting to talk and are also not acting like teenagers who hate each other. As other writers would've probably written them.
Each girl feels written, and wholly dimensional, and it was great getting to see them both tear into those Vampires and having a blast doing it. I hope Mendoza and Martin can eventually find more room to offer a team-up between these two characters once this event ends, as their chemistry together just works.
As I said, what would've made this comic perfect would've been if more had actually happened, but what we got was a fun ride, and not as raunchy as past stories have been. There definitely keeping with the comedy that is already well established in Zombie Tramp's series and I very much appreciate that.
One more issue to go until the final showdown, and I'm really curious to see what Mendoza and Martin come up with to turn our characters back and to also discover once and for all which of the two women is the better fighter. I'm already really excited.
And as ever, Winston Young's art is gorgeous. Keep him around you two.
Final Score: 4 Bondage Queens out of 5
Action Lab: Danger Zone
Writers: Dan Mendoza, Jason Martin
Pencilers: Winston Young
Reviewer: Derrick T. Crow
Summary: From the pages of ZOMBIE TRAMP comes a clash of titans, as the Queen of the dead takes on the stalker of the night, Vampblade, in a match that will stand the test of time. Or at least the dead of night. Who will come out on top when these two hot headed ladies get together for some fearsome all-night action? Find out in this steamy, action paced mini-series!!
[SPOILERS!!]
Review: Two issues in and this event continues its fun romp through its 90's team-up homage as the comedy duo swap bodies and suits as they attempt to get to the bottom of how they switched, and also how to fix the situation.
It's rather fun seeing these two get to know and riff on each other. It's also a nice change of pace seeing a team-up event where the two don't fight each other when they meet. It was also hilarious seeing VB in ZT's body tying herself up in order to question ZT in VB's body (I'll just let you attempt to decipher that statement, perhaps I'll even give you a cookie.)
Martin's creation of Vampblade has continued to pique my interest, and I'm rather curious to learn more about her world. I think the suit coming from her blades is rather interesting, and I'm glad to see we're learning new things about her world along with her. I rather like Janey's version of the Vampblade outfit, it's rather 90's chic.
There aren't many actual events in this issue, as most of it is taken up with Vampy and Janey sitting in a room discussing what could've possibly happened to them, and we get a re-introduction into the origin story of Janey turning into the Zombie Tramp. While it could've been better if more happened this issue, I do enjoy that these characters are getting to talk and are also not acting like teenagers who hate each other. As other writers would've probably written them.
Each girl feels written, and wholly dimensional, and it was great getting to see them both tear into those Vampires and having a blast doing it. I hope Mendoza and Martin can eventually find more room to offer a team-up between these two characters once this event ends, as their chemistry together just works.
As I said, what would've made this comic perfect would've been if more had actually happened, but what we got was a fun ride, and not as raunchy as past stories have been. There definitely keeping with the comedy that is already well established in Zombie Tramp's series and I very much appreciate that.
One more issue to go until the final showdown, and I'm really curious to see what Mendoza and Martin come up with to turn our characters back and to also discover once and for all which of the two women is the better fighter. I'm already really excited.
And as ever, Winston Young's art is gorgeous. Keep him around you two.
Final Score: 4 Bondage Queens out of 5
WesternNoir #1
Accent UK 2012
Written by: Dave West
Illustrated & Lettered by: Gary Crutchley
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Review: I contacted Accent UK and expressed a desire to look at what they have to offer and do some reviews of their books. I came into this completely unaware of what they’ve done and who they are but seeing something out by them in passing made me curious. Also here in the United States we aren’t as exposed to comics from around the world as they tend to be so I was extremely happy and excited to receive a handful of books from them in the mail. They sent five issues in this series to me and I just read the first one and had to write down my thoughts on it and share them with everyone.
I’m always intrigued by the UK’s fascination and depiction of the American Old West and this one doesn’t disappoint. This series introduces us to Josiah Black, lawman, bounty hunter, killer for hire he’s been a number of things and his past has shaped who he has become and we learn what event it was that set him on his current course.
The name of this story is The Woman with the Dead Eyes and there’s a reason for that as a woman has sought him out. Mrs. Anderson is looking for one Jim Wilson who had come into her home and murdering her entire family for a few trinkets while she wasn’t home. Josiah looks into her eyes and sees that they are devoid of emotion at seeing trauma that has forever changed her and left her cold. It’s a fair assessment after hearing her story and with the details she’s given him and that she’s tracked him to this town and the likelihood he’ll do the same to a family here he’s naturally going to take the job to find Wilson. Though he doesn’t guarantee he’ll kill him as the man has something of a code and some ethics it would appear.
Gotta give props where they are due and Dave does one hell of a job in taking what seems to be a straight up story and turns it into something far unexpected. Josiah goes on about the mission to find Wilson and discovers that Mrs. Anderson’s story rings true as he finds the man has killed many of the Plunketts already and interrupts him killing the last two. Not seeing much of a choice he ends Mr. Wilson’s life and heads back into town and collects his pay in the form of strange coins from Mrs. Anderson and then disappears. Quite faster than you’d think she possibly could.
Wilson’s employer comes calling on Josiah and informs him that since he’s killed the man he’s now obligated to continue the work he was doing. For a more indepth look at that work and what it entails you’ll have to read the story for yourself but suffice it to say it’s pretty much why I think Dave’s a very smart man and talented writer. The way it travels from what it was to what it will be is amazingly well done and the writing, plot development, and characterization is spectacular.
I’m also a fan of Gary’s interior artwork. There’s a nice simplicity to it that really works extremely well in black and white work. The linework, attention to detail, grey tones, and shading all create a nice Old West feel and the faces and expressions he brings to the book are really very well done. This book wouldn’t be as entertaining and delightful without him bringing it to life like he has.
Here’s my advice, take a look at what’s being done across the pond and discover a whole new way of enjoying quality storytelling that will take you on an unexpected journey.
Editor's Note: To see about gaining yourself a copy of WesternNoir #1 and other ACCENT UK goods, head here!
Accent UK 2012
Written by: Dave West
Illustrated & Lettered by: Gary Crutchley
Reviewer: Steven Leitman
Review: I contacted Accent UK and expressed a desire to look at what they have to offer and do some reviews of their books. I came into this completely unaware of what they’ve done and who they are but seeing something out by them in passing made me curious. Also here in the United States we aren’t as exposed to comics from around the world as they tend to be so I was extremely happy and excited to receive a handful of books from them in the mail. They sent five issues in this series to me and I just read the first one and had to write down my thoughts on it and share them with everyone.
I’m always intrigued by the UK’s fascination and depiction of the American Old West and this one doesn’t disappoint. This series introduces us to Josiah Black, lawman, bounty hunter, killer for hire he’s been a number of things and his past has shaped who he has become and we learn what event it was that set him on his current course.
The name of this story is The Woman with the Dead Eyes and there’s a reason for that as a woman has sought him out. Mrs. Anderson is looking for one Jim Wilson who had come into her home and murdering her entire family for a few trinkets while she wasn’t home. Josiah looks into her eyes and sees that they are devoid of emotion at seeing trauma that has forever changed her and left her cold. It’s a fair assessment after hearing her story and with the details she’s given him and that she’s tracked him to this town and the likelihood he’ll do the same to a family here he’s naturally going to take the job to find Wilson. Though he doesn’t guarantee he’ll kill him as the man has something of a code and some ethics it would appear.
Gotta give props where they are due and Dave does one hell of a job in taking what seems to be a straight up story and turns it into something far unexpected. Josiah goes on about the mission to find Wilson and discovers that Mrs. Anderson’s story rings true as he finds the man has killed many of the Plunketts already and interrupts him killing the last two. Not seeing much of a choice he ends Mr. Wilson’s life and heads back into town and collects his pay in the form of strange coins from Mrs. Anderson and then disappears. Quite faster than you’d think she possibly could.
Wilson’s employer comes calling on Josiah and informs him that since he’s killed the man he’s now obligated to continue the work he was doing. For a more indepth look at that work and what it entails you’ll have to read the story for yourself but suffice it to say it’s pretty much why I think Dave’s a very smart man and talented writer. The way it travels from what it was to what it will be is amazingly well done and the writing, plot development, and characterization is spectacular.
I’m also a fan of Gary’s interior artwork. There’s a nice simplicity to it that really works extremely well in black and white work. The linework, attention to detail, grey tones, and shading all create a nice Old West feel and the faces and expressions he brings to the book are really very well done. This book wouldn’t be as entertaining and delightful without him bringing it to life like he has.
Here’s my advice, take a look at what’s being done across the pond and discover a whole new way of enjoying quality storytelling that will take you on an unexpected journey.
Editor's Note: To see about gaining yourself a copy of WesternNoir #1 and other ACCENT UK goods, head here!
The Cursed and the Damned #1
N.A.S Studios
Story by: David Sandoval
Written by: Luis M. Cruz
Interior Pencil and Inks by: Francesco Iaquinta
Colors by: Jasen Smith
Reviewer: Rob Wrecks
Review: Now this is something I've had sitting on my digital shelf a good long while. So long of a while in fact that the copy I have of this is book isn't even finished completely. Mostly where the colors are concerned. But that's okay cause I still got enough enjoyment out of reading this. As hey, who doesn't love a comic about Werewolves and other Were creatures!? Crazy folk that's who! Now you might be thinking that this is about werewolves and vampires, but you are only half right. “What!? Half right!? How can that be!?” You might exclaim indignantly.
Well calm yourself down and I'll tell ya why! While part of it is about werewolves since you know, they are a bit on the cursed side even if they can control it. But the damned part is about a completely different thing. That thing being about zombies. “Zombies!? But we got enough of that out there! Heck even the former Govahnatah is getting in on it!”
And you would be completely right too! BUT! David and Luis go into this story with the zombie angle from a different perspective of how it gets started. And naturally, its the fault of a few individuals looking to improve their lot in life despite the very obvious benefits they have with their Were sides. This book will remind you of that old saying about good intentions and the road to Hell. As there's just somethings that shouldn't be messed with, no matter what you are intending for.
You know, you would think a normal human being would be at least a little scared about getting bitten by a freakin' werewolf of all things. Especially when she's a test subject for something that might not even work! And since well meaning intentions caused a new problem to crop up, its gonna be interesting to see where David and Luis take this story to its conclusion. Whether or not the folks we've already met in this first issue survive is another matter entirely.
Now, put up 5 bucks (or seven even if you want the variant cover) and grab yourself a copy of this Thrills and Screams book! As not only will you be getting a new and sweet title to immerse yourself in, but you'll be helping out David and the gang!
Editor's Note: The Cursed and the Damned will be available on September 9th! So you've got plenty of time to buy, buy, buy unless you wanna do so right away!
N.A.S Studios
Story by: David Sandoval
Written by: Luis M. Cruz
Interior Pencil and Inks by: Francesco Iaquinta
Colors by: Jasen Smith
Reviewer: Rob Wrecks
Review: Now this is something I've had sitting on my digital shelf a good long while. So long of a while in fact that the copy I have of this is book isn't even finished completely. Mostly where the colors are concerned. But that's okay cause I still got enough enjoyment out of reading this. As hey, who doesn't love a comic about Werewolves and other Were creatures!? Crazy folk that's who! Now you might be thinking that this is about werewolves and vampires, but you are only half right. “What!? Half right!? How can that be!?” You might exclaim indignantly.
Well calm yourself down and I'll tell ya why! While part of it is about werewolves since you know, they are a bit on the cursed side even if they can control it. But the damned part is about a completely different thing. That thing being about zombies. “Zombies!? But we got enough of that out there! Heck even the former Govahnatah is getting in on it!”
And you would be completely right too! BUT! David and Luis go into this story with the zombie angle from a different perspective of how it gets started. And naturally, its the fault of a few individuals looking to improve their lot in life despite the very obvious benefits they have with their Were sides. This book will remind you of that old saying about good intentions and the road to Hell. As there's just somethings that shouldn't be messed with, no matter what you are intending for.
You know, you would think a normal human being would be at least a little scared about getting bitten by a freakin' werewolf of all things. Especially when she's a test subject for something that might not even work! And since well meaning intentions caused a new problem to crop up, its gonna be interesting to see where David and Luis take this story to its conclusion. Whether or not the folks we've already met in this first issue survive is another matter entirely.
Now, put up 5 bucks (or seven even if you want the variant cover) and grab yourself a copy of this Thrills and Screams book! As not only will you be getting a new and sweet title to immerse yourself in, but you'll be helping out David and the gang!
Editor's Note: The Cursed and the Damned will be available on September 9th! So you've got plenty of time to buy, buy, buy unless you wanna do so right away!