I can be found at alexanderness63@gmail.com if you wish me to consider your work for review. If you prefer to send digital I might cover it, but also reserve the right not to do so. If you contact me for me street address and send me print material, I will cover it.
I should say, I used to try to sift through the vast numbers of comics to review and present the ones I had most enjoyed, and it seemed that I had loved every comic ever produced. It was not the case. In the most awesome months I received dozens and dozens of items for review. It didn't mean I could cover that many, so I did try to harvest the best of the offerings.
I do not promise positive reviews, for example, someone once sent me what would be a considered an amateurish collection of self drawn porn that had no story. I wasn't interested in reviewing that. So I wrote him explaining why not, and offered to send the product back. He never responded.
All items presented, and art from them are copyright that of the creative artists or the publishers of them. Click on images to make larger. All review items provided by publisher.)
SONATA Volume 1: Valley of the Gods
By David Hine, Brian Haberlin, Geirrod Vandyke Published by Shadowline/Image
I'd been familiar with Hine and Haberlin from Spawn and other works. I appreciated their efforts on Spawn a great deal, but I am a fan of Hine's various works at different publishers most especially. Sonata came to my attention when interviewing David Hine. The first look images from the work reminded me of Arzach from Moebius, Nausicaa from Hiyao Miyazaki and Taarna from Heavy Metal. But if there was a similarity of look, there was in this is a complex thoughtful work. A world system is occupied by two different species. Avoiding the easy stereotype, the look of each is not a guarantee of moral ethic found in the species. Rans and Tayans live in something less than a happy coexistence. There is no guarantee of trust, far less of cooperation. The world they live upon is contested, for it and various regions have become to each race/species their perceived chosen and promised land.
This isn't a comic fantasy version of the state of Palestine/Israel versus the Arab/Islamic world. Even as much as it might be easy to attempt to apply a real world label upon it, it is a story about discovery, new creatures or old gods, whichever version appeals to you, and a forbidden beginning of a romance between a rebel and a possible villain.
What I think
The premise: This is a legendary tale, told with depth and grace. I want to know far more.
The writing: I think that there is a complexity in the concept that goes a long way, that is highly appropriate for the creation of a new sort of fantasy. That we find adventure and romance? That is a piece of the story telling that functions as comfort food.
The art: Nothing here that I say about the art should be taken as my being dismissive or negative. It's clean, clear, emotive, and worthy of appreciation. More so, I see it as being perfectly apt for a fantasy tale, exhibiting action and world views that are powerful. Yes I like the art of this work, it tells a story well, in classic form, and remains masterfully detailed.
MARKED Volume 1: Fresh Ink
By David Hine, Brian Haberlin, Geirrod Vandyke Published by Shadowline/Image
They are an ancient group, an order of magic, of sorts, of tattooed people have powers related to the ink etched upon their skin. As a first look at this book I figured I was in for a combination plate of Ray Bradbury's The Illustrated Man, and equal portions of DC's Tattooed Man (as found in the Vertigo/DC Comics title Skin Graft among appearances in the DC Universe.) I was wrong mostly, but not entirely. And that is a good thing. The idea that powers coming from the image on their body is not wrong. But The Marked follows an ancient order, devoted to a fight against evil, but, not by the norm found in the comic book superhero world, that is, by muscles and testosterone (didn't even need spellcheck on that word), rather by magic, by emotional intuition, and intelligent response. The ancient extent of their order means that while the present generation has a fascination with body ink, this draws from the historical, fictional, and human species experience with the power of image, especially when placed upon the body. When the order chooses an enemy that is part of a certain government, there is a mental smirk, as, there is a powerful amount of information found when a country's government is seen by the authors as the source of evil, if it is corrupted, or if it is by design. And by that choice of an enemy, the goodness of the order seems to fight for a righteousness that goes beyond the black and white short hand PC world that the politically divided sides of America have been mindwiped to accept.
What I think:
The premise: The premise of the power of ink is worthy of being explored, if for no other reason, than the human experience, and the power of magic.
The writing: I would use the word glib to suggest that the dialogue is quick, hard hitting and apt, but, quite differently than Sonata, it isn't nearly so lyrical, or dramatic. It leads to a reading that is quick and effective, but, less beloved, on my part at least. However, it reads easily for the fact that it is well done.
The art: The art style is complimented by the colors used, as would seem to me to be ideal for a comic about body art, animated or otherwise. I would say, however, that while the fantasy positive art in Sonata felt almost timeless in the perfection of image, it didn't work as well in The Marked when showing the action demanded by the story. It seemed like faces and emotions were done well, but action seems less well done.
BLACK GHOST: The Hard Revolution
By Alex Segura, Monica Gallagher, Greg Lockard, Greg Smallwood, George Kambadais, Marco Finnegan, Ellie Wright, Taylor Esposito Published by New Wave Comics
Whatever you might think about a costumed hero, or villain for that matter, in order to read a comic book featuring the same it requires an immediate acceptance of the concept, or it will never work. I love comics, have loved superheroes and villains, and for the most part I accept that as part of the whole. A suspension of disbelief or belief is always necessary in fiction, since it tells us a story we hope to never have heard before. As there is in this many changes from normal comic book fare, I believe to appeal to and pursue the new audiences for comics, women lead characters, lesbian love, internet and intrigue, all could be seen as being a politically correct venture. But look beyond that to at least give the assembled work a chance.
In this story you find a Crime reporter who follows the exploits of a costumed vigilante called The Black Ghost. The search for the truth moves quickly in a rush hour frenetic car chase way. The story telling makes one want to know much more. There is a dark attraction, an information web of false hopes and secrets, innuendo, romantic false beliefs, and the evil love affair with alcohol, no matter how much it is a cheating lover. And that the main players are women, adds to a certain level of discomfort of our expected archetypes, and that there is lesbianism, adds to a layer of outsider. In the end, ask yourself, in the current normal, what kind of vigilante behavior could exist that would thrill the outside world, challenge the corporate mindset, and drive a mystery to be solved?
What I think:
The premise: I think if I had to purchase this book rather than had been given it to review, I might well have given it a pass. As a 56 year old old fart I am open to change, open to new things, but, when it is my money, I rarely follow a new opportunity. Especially in the present of changed worlds, I think we pursue comfort in our relaxation. So, even had I missed it if making the purchase, I am glad now to have read it.
The writing: I liked the writing on this most of all. The characters seem well created, if they also speak like comic book characters they also reflect real life. That and the new heroes and ideals, offers a different kind of comic experience.
The art: Some might describe the art style of The Black Ghost as dynamic and exciting. I'd suggest it is less than that. I see it as simple, in a seemingly pure form of art. That isn't a complaint. It reveals action and nuance of emotion well, which is is a good thing. I will say, I am not a person who needs the art to be the highest form of quality to enjoy a comic. While this is a style that worked, it has a way to go before I'd enjoy it as much as the current master of similar style, Mike Oeming. As a matter of fact, this work's look and modern sensibilities reminds me of Powers, a work Mike Oeming brought to life in art.
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