AARON KERR's DISSONANT CREATURES... Live Show Review MAY 4th performance, Uptown Minneapolis, Minnesota

AARON KERR's DISSONANT CREATURES
May 4, 2025 ELK's Club #34 

A REVIEW
By Alex Ness
June 16, 2025

Aaron Kerr & Dissonant Creatures play live from their new album.

The band Swallows are a highly talented group of musicians, accompanying Jeff Crandall lead vocal, as well as creating songs, in both lyrics and musical composition. The band is lovely, powerful and it is an organism all its own. Vast areas of fusion, genres, and dedication to their craft they are an invader into our calm, passive world.

Over time the group expanded their footprint in music by creating individual splinter groups. The character of each group is an expression of the Swallows member, as lead creative force. Last week I covered Jeff Crandall's J.Briozo imprint, and Brett Hansen's band Side Effects. Both are very different in result but J.Briozo's studio presence reveals members from Swallows in various roles. Side Effects is a three instrument punk band, so I've no idea how they'd incorporate members of the collective.

Similar to Swallows, Dissonant Creatures is a band of many genres, and all have aspects of something greater, perhaps even unexpected. They create new music, in doing so capture bountiful moments of awe in the listener. They work in the genres of rock, jazz, classical, opera and more. Aaron Kerr is an enormously talented composer, cellist, and more. His work is as much an individual statement of style and character, while using many instruments and genres. Band's members include those from other bands, especially that of including Swallows, as well as J. Briozo and Side Effects. Watching him direct the orchestra is fun, but when he plays as one of the collective, the project gains deeper veins of power, unique cello sounds and a direction that is joyful, building upon hope and beauty. There is in this music a tribal verve, a thunder in bass and drums, and despite a lack of lyrics, one perceives the impact and power.

There was not a single moment that the music didn't enthrall my mind, and it led to a feeling of hope and beauty, but also, a sense of a great moment composed by a creator.  How was I so fortunate to be in that moment, at that time, hearing that music? I daresay, being grateful was the highest feeling that I came away from with. It isn't to lessen any other feeling or thought, but it felt like unique sounds, a unique talent collective, and a moment of exceptional gravity.

Jazz is often thought to be smooth jazz, oriented towards groovy vibes and relaxation. Or it is thought entirely experimental, but it is not that in this case. Dissonant Creatures might well like being thought of in false genres, they tend to both exalt in rebellion, and come together in pure brilliance. This power jazz but I have no idea if that is used term. But I will say, it is the tough guy on the block, it is going to eat your lunch, and take your lunch money. If you could fall asleep to this, you have sleep deprivation and issues. I speak from having sleep deprivation, and I promise, it is not possible to sleep with this on. It is Rock, hard or otherwise, mostly yes. But if it was released to radio and had no editorial description prior to beginning, most people would call it Rock, even as  they'd be wrong in that there also. This is a group of talented creative minds and bodies who create here a powerful moment of expression. I discuss the genre, in fact, because as I am writing this because I've tried to slap a label on it, and cannot.

Two songs were amazing, equally to the rest, but stood out for me. They were Unstoppable, and Bag of Metal. Unstoppable was a moment of deep drum and bass going before the rest joined in, and it had an unique way of telling of the approach of an experience. The song itself featured each player, but more so, it demonstrated the way of composition, as Kerr no doubt used this song to send a message, of the message it said, follow and listen. Mike Norby is a very talented creator of music, in percussion and mandolin. But the song Bag of Metal featured him striking metal, with metal, and that aesthetic led to a song that was dramatic, epic, and beautiful. As the last point of this discussion suggests, it led me to creating the story of it, in poetic form. I am uncertain if I have ever been so moved in a concert. But ... I have now been so moved.

Playlist for the show
Unstoppable (not found on the album)

Bag of Metal 

Zen and Alchemy 

Scorpio Rising

Head Down, Slowly Onward

Born Bad

This is Going to Hurt a Little

Sick Fusion

Giants in the Earth

Floor of the Sky

Aaron Kerr's Dissonant Creatures' lineup includes Brett Hansen (guitar), Jonathan Townsend (drums), Chris Andresen (bass), Mike Nordby (mandolin and percussion), Jeff Crandall (guitar and piano), and Sean Egan (clarinet and piano.)

Find More at DISSONANT CREATURES

This is the poem that arose in my heart and mind during and after Bag of Metal was performed.

STEEL STRIKING STEEL

In a land of vast potential, a true people rose
Bearing the blood of explorers, and warriors
Striving to provide a land that was their own
This great nation of miners and steelworkers
Would be crushed for expressing a solidarity
Though great in numbers, endings were cruel
And in the echo of time, you will hear sounds
Of steel being bent to the needs of the people
Of coal being harvested, as well as the wheat
With a booming sound of steel striking stones
Of the scythe sweeping grain to feed the land
They'd rise as one, together, hearing the call
But a high ideal is often too far away to reach
The Czar's secret police made Siberia a cage
As did the Commissars and KGB in the time
The inevitable rise of this people occurred
Despite the sound of steel on steel, a cruelty
Shaking the people again, and a lead to war
The land had purpose, one that steel defines
It will call to the future, in ways to progress
It will always include the true sound of steel
Striking steel, scythe cutting grains, in hope

Alex Ness ©2025

For all your printing needs, Matt at Speed Print Inc. is amazing.

LINKS

My Poetry AlexNessPoetry.Blogspot.Com 
This place Poplitiko.Blogspot.Com

Social Media
https://bsky.app/profile/alexanderness63.bsky.social 
https://x.com/alexnesspoetry

All works are copyright the respective owners, fair use is the sole means of use asserted.

TOP SHELF productions Annouces IT RYHMES WITH TAKEI has arrived!

It Rhymes With Takei is here! What a week it has been!  Following the award-winning bestseller They Called Us Enemy, the iconic George Takei has returned to the field of graphic memoir with an even more personal story, crafted with the same creative team. It Rhymes With Takei explores the complexities of George Takei's life as a gay man, his decades in the closet, his decision to come out at age 68, and how that moment changed everything.

George Takei hits the airwaves! To celebrate the book's launch, this week Takei visited Good Morning America to discuss his journey through LGBTQ+ history. Now you can watch the full clip here! It Rhymes With Takei's Received Buckets of Praise! ★ "This uplifting, encouraging, and inspiring narrative powerfully demonstrates how Takei’s lifelong experiences led him to be a voice for those who struggle." — Booklist (starred review) ★ "Unflinchingly honest… ultimately an inspiring illustration of love—love of oneself and of others—conquering all. A bold and introspective memoir that will resonate with fans of pop culture history and LGBTQIA+ narratives." — Library Journal (starred review) "Thanks to Star Trek and his political activism, George Takei is known for taking a stand. But this book, about his decision to come out at the age of 68… proves there is more to learn about him." — The New York Times "This invigorating autobiography effortlessly mixes inspiration with insight." — Publishers Weekly "A heartwarming journey that, yes, goes boldly where few men have gone before." — Kirkus Reviews "The outstanding graphic autobiography of a principled man who became a cultural icon because of his passion for improving the world for others." — Foreword Reviews "George Takei offers a profoundly personal and unflinching view of his life, weaving historical context that also provides a portrait of America. Heavily tinged with Takei’s own personality, the book is a cheerful reminder that while things are difficult, we need to have the courage to defend what is important to us." — Comics Beat "It’s more than a biography; this book also helps readers understand what it was like to be gay for most of the 20th century and why it’s important to know." — The Washington Blade "Well-paced, thoughtful, and beautifully illustrated by Harmony Becker, It Rhymes With Takei offers a bittersweet perspective on the highs and lows of life as a gay Asian American in modern American history. I felt grateful for the historic context on our current moment. I wish it weren’t so relevant and important right now, but once again, Takei has shown up for us when we really need him." — The Geekiary Following the award-winning bestseller They Called Us Enemy, George Takei’s new full-color graphic memoir reveals his most personal story of all—told in full for the first time anywhere! Looking back on his own astonishing life on both sides of the closet, George Takei presents a charismatic and candid witness to how far America has come… and how precious that progress is. It Rhymes with Takei by George Takei, Harmony Becker, Steven Scott, and Justin Eisinger $99.99 (US) | ISBN 978-1-60309-575-4 336 pages | 6.5” x 9” full-color hardcover graphic memoir Browse preview images | Available now from all fine stores! Watch the animated trailer for It Rhymes With Takei! Celebrate It Rhymes With Takei in style with the deluxe limited edition — signed by George Takei! This Top Shelf signed and numbered edition, limited to 1,000 individually-numbered copies worldwide, features an exclusive iridescent cover finish and a sewn-in letterpress bookplate signed by George Takei. It Rhymes with Takei (SIGNED & NUMBERED EDITION)  by George Takei, Harmony Becker, Steven Scott, and Justin Eisinger $99.99 (US) | ISBN 978-1-60309-575-4 336 pages | 6.5” x 9” full-color hardcover graphic memoir with iridescent cover and signed bookplate Browse preview images | Shipping June 24th, 2025! Meet George Takei on both coasts! Takei is celebrating the book (and Pride Month) with a series of live Q&As, personal appearances and book signings throughout June in New York and California. See the links below for details about each event and to reserve your spot! Sat, Jun 14 RESCHEDULED to July 10 — Japanese American National Museum (Los Angeles) in conversation with Jonathan Kaji Sun, Jun 15 — Barnes & Noble at The Grove (Los Angeles) in conversation with Dr. Alexander Cho Fri, Jun 20 — Vroman's Bookstore (Pasadena) Sun, Jun 22 — Japan Society (New York City) in conversation with Kenji Yoshino Wed, Jun 25 — Barnes & Noble at Union Square (New York City) in conversation with Meg Lemke

Live performance Barely Brother's Records, Saint Paul, MN: J. Briozo & The Side Effects May 31

Review and comments 

by Alex Ness

June 9 2025



Barely Brother's Records, St. Paul MN A vinyl retailer, offering live music, and refreshments.  Appearing May 31, 2025.



BAND 1: 

J.Briozo  
Genres: Americana, Folk with Rock edges, 
Soft Jazz, Alt Country

 

J.Briozo is a side project of Jeff Crandall, of The Swallows. They are a collective of sorts, and Swallow members play on the projects of one another. I’ve mentioned the Swallows many times, and I am moved by their quality and willingness to go deep in interviews. Jeff Crandall was accompanied by Swallows member lead guitarist Brett Hansen and this appearance featured a performance of two guitars, one electric, the other acoustic. 

I’m most often moved in music by the sincerity of it, in the lyrics, in the performance, or in the talents displayed in voice or instrument. As when Billy Corgan snarled in lyrics “Crucify the insincere”, it was the sort of angry youthful voice that I rather identified with, as a person as sedate as someone like me can be. But I've grown older since then, and sincerity is more than that. 

Technically speaking, Brett was the whole of the backing vocals, music other than the guitar, and more sounds I can't explain, but added layers to voices, and more. When Jeff sang the lyrics, it was with artist quality of narrative truth. Clear, concise but also, properly emotive in all the right places. It was sincere, truly.

The combination of technical mastery and narrative voice excellence, felt more warm close than too close, and natural or casual rather than forced or formal. 

Within the overall context of the J.Briozo vibe,  these are songs that find or express feeling of being home, of searching for and finding one's place, and being an independent being within all that invades our thoughts. As such the two performing delivered the music better live, than perhaps on CD. I don't know that I've ever experienced that. 

It felt more like honesty about life than most entertainment I’ve experienced.
 
The rapture of beautiful music slayed me. It offered much, and lifted my ideas and shared thoughts, in a format nearly spiritual in beauty. In the aftermath of this show, my heart and emotions were afire. I'd experienced the beauty of sound, the depth of words, accompanied by a master of the sound, and the narrator's voice cut straight to my heart.

The songs in order: 


1. Deep in the Waves: 
 Staring out on a great pattern of the mist and waves, the ocean and emotions collide, and the narrative voice speaks from within the fluid. Moments rising and then falling, like emotions and ocean tides. An encompassing and alluring journey of existence, more than anything else.



2. Broken Bones
: We all grow older, and time has a cost. The mind struggles with isolation, and loss. A whispered fear, and final contemplation of the worth and value of love, and relationships. Fights or struggle lead to mental broken bones. A song with deft lyrics that describe possible finding one in perfect despair. Getting old, getting broken by life, isn’t an easy thing, nor is it fun to view.

3. Beautiful Mess: A work that was emotionally worn on the sleeve, and soft and sweet. Reminiscent of a song to break up the heavier songs, but ambushes the heart with a deeper emotive journey.  Beautiful, gentle and kindness in the depths of love or deep like.
 


4. The Big Parade: 
Welcome to the spectacle and glamor of being in a group, creating moments to join one to another, rise as one, to serve the greater "truth" This song is about patriotism, or not, about one for all and all for one, but not really. Politics is the perfect word to describe it. And it hits very directly.



5. Blue: 
This is about as beautiful as the insidiousness of Seasonal Affective Disorder can be, the darker and colder, the more lost and frigid the mind. This is a song about the utter fight to stay out of depression it can be, to live where we do, as much as we love this place.



6. Las Cruces
: A ballad of being intimate and the silence of greater hopes, and a haunted past. The glory of lyrics

...

"And in the bright, clear sunlight 

When we aren't moved by star shine

Hard lines reveal the truth 

Miles and miles from our youth "



... close in and tell you, listen, as they crack you in the noggin'. And at this point, it isn't music, it is something playing in the moments of a life, one you might have lived, or it feels like it in your deep places. The guitars weave a background that is hopeful and driving, even as the lyrics ask what do we do to recover from self afflicted wounds?



7. Star Chaser: 
In banter, Jeff and Brett chat that this song is new, but what the hell, lets do it. But it sounded like anything but new or unrehearsed... I confess, the ideas and final meaning were less clear to me as being in awe of the moment, but the song was powerful in many ways, as it evoked a feeling of warmth and comfort, or really, being home.  



If you wish to support J.Briozo, go to the addresses below. 
Band Camp
The Swallows



BAND 2:
The Side Effects 
Genre: Punk, Power trio, Post Punk
Brett Hansen Lead Guitar, Brandon Hagemeyer Drums/Percussion, & Sylvia Izabella Bass



BRETT HANSEN’s band, THE SIDE EFFECTS is a power trio featuring, a bass, guitar and drums, with turns taken being lead vocalist by Brett and Sylvia. 

Aside from all the music I enjoyed, as a young angry feller... British punk and new wave especially, I confess that my main favorite music from my teens to later 20s, all loud, with less pop sympathies as punk. I didn’t do metal, but did do Husker Du, the Magnolias, the Replacements and more. My enjoyment of the Side Effects isn’t a surprise for me. I trust Brett’s skills going in, so there too, I am not surprised that his band was so good. 

Now this was an absolute fun ride, and I have no complaint, only... As a stodgy much older man than I was years ago, listening to such driving music for 45 minutes too often might kill me. It was an electric experience.

1. Snakes: Brett Hansen vocals This is a song presented with power about a highly effective speaker of the House... it is amazingly moving, and thoughtful. It presents both a sound and higher level of thought from song 1 compared to most bands I liked of this genre and format so very long ago. But again, I shouldn't be surprised...Brett knows music.

2. Walk Away: Vocals by Sylvia The use of drums and a back and forth dialog with Brett, this is a fun, loud, moment stripped from the best of the Power punk era. I liked it live but it was more easily translated in the digital form. But live music is live due to that possibility.

3. Let It Kill You: Vocals by Sylvia, this was a fast, hard ass kicking of glorious loud guitars and bashing drums... the song actually had me smirking for how pure this was. Anyone liking punk could only love this, it bangs on level red. 

4. Mystery: This was a song both clever and deep, with a sound that evoked a variety of best punk over the last 20 years and managed with echoing vocals and powerful guitars to be new. New? New.

5. B-Jam: Honestly, a much more powerful, greater voice, stronger presence of the lyrics, but the power was there, too. It was sincere. 

6. Meadowlark: My favorite of the play list. This work is effective on all levels.  Driving, it goes one step over the line, with abandon. It shows deft use of the 3 instruments and strong vocals.

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-side-effects/1589159789
https://thesideeffectsmpls.bandcamp.com/album/the-side-effects-ep

THANKS to the VENUE Barely Brothers!

https://www.barelybrothersrecords.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BarelyBrothersRecords

Pride, TPBs we need and Games from Book settings

PRIDE & MORE
By Alex Ness
June 4, 2025

The Month is June, and we celebrate many cultural groups through the year, and June is the month we celebrate the LGBTIQ communities. I've been blessed by various members of that community. I am grateful to have known Jeffrey Catherine Jones, who as you might perceive by her name, was known as a male artist, primarily but late in life transitioned to reflect what she had felt most of her existence. Her talents as a painter was immense, and I was a fan since I first saw her work. I got to know her in the late 2000s, and she enjoyed my poems that I shared by email, even suggesting she'd love illustrate a poem I'd given her to read. That never happened, she died prior to that, but her kindness, honest spoken views, and appreciation of the works of others, made me hold of her in the highest esteem. 

Pride is a time to see members of the LGBTIQ and appreciate their presence, their works, and the community.  I wish them all celebratory month, and beyond.

Jeffrey Catherine Jones sadly passed away in May of 2011. It was especially sad, as they were someone who was kind, bright, talented, and had only started understanding her being, inside and out. I will never forget her, the thought of such a talented person painting to accompany a poem of my own, was a way to light my fire in inspiration and bold hope. 

FOUR TPB CANDIDATES

I received a number of emails giving suggestions for future TPB works from the large number of series left uncollected.  The large number of suggestions gave me reason to continue in mentioning works I think ought to be collected.

DEFENDERS 1-12
Volume 2, 2001
MARVEL COMICS
Writer Kurt Busiek
Artist Erik Larsen

I loved this series, and it came before my greater involvement in comic book fan press and fandom. The series was responded to with a less than an excited embrace. It was about the tone, the overall story told and more. But the series had a meaning that embraced the original series, and showed it in ways that were more modern. I enjoyed it, found it humorous, and would like to have it collected for a new audience to read.

FREAK FORCE 1-20
Volume 1, 1993
IMAGE COMICS
Keith Giffen Plots and layouts
Erik Larsen Writer
Vic Bridges Pencils

The Freak Force began its existence as a group of oddly talented people, working for the Chicago police department. They were meant to defeat the powered beings who were not upon the good side, and who were trying to take down every day society. The group finds itself abandoned by the authorities who hired them, and eventually try to fight crime and mutant weirdo's for the reason of doing the right thing. They do better in this, but find it difficult to do so without support and approval. I'd argue this is a work similar to few others, because it is one thing to gather bad guys to fight worse bad guys... and another in gathering good guys who don't win every fight. It was fun, way more than most books of the time.

SPECTRE 1-31
Volume 2, 1987
DC Comics
Writer Doug Moench
Artist Gene Colan

I did buy most of the run of this work, and I found it good, but not great. I think Doug Moench is a fine writer, having written a favorite work of mine, Master of Kung Fu, and I think Gene Colan was a great in the comics world. But if it was not my favorite book, it provided solid stories, and characters who were well constructed. It isn't the Spectre of John Ostrander, which was a brilliant run, but it is a more human character, and had different means of addressing the story. It was worth reading, and a collection would be worth considering.  

ELECTRIC WARRIOR 1-18
Volume 1, 1986
DC Comics
Writer Doug Moench
Artist Jim Baikie

As I've a great fear of AI, the future, and cybernetic alteration of the human body, this work should be one that instills fear in me. I liked it, and think it should be collected, as nothing really is similar on the shelves. It is a work that is unique, with a dystopia of the future, on an earthlike world, on fire between the occupants, all seem to be utilizing cybernetic enhancement and AI. The ability to succeed is largely divided with the wealthy of course able to buy their way into being dominant. The Electric Warrior is someone who resembles a robot wearing a headdress, evoking a Native American. Fighting for communities left out of the benefits of high tech, as well as being against the aliens, gangs, and elites, his role is both as a lone source of justice, and a being who is honorable for honor's sake.  Collecting this offers a world and characters that you can't find elsewhere.

TO LIVE IN THE FICTIONAL SETTING you just read and loved

In the past I've mentioned Robert Adams' Horseclans, Conan by Robert E. Howard, and the Humanx universe of Alan Dean Foster, for their excellence and fun, Steve Jackson Games offers other ways to enjoy them. Utilizing GURPS, an rpg system that allows all sorts of role play gaming, each of these settings offer wonderful play, in worlds the books have introduced. They also allow solitaire format, and truly capture the flavor of each other's settings. Conan is more than a hack and slash RPG, it uses the works of REH to offer adventure with a purpose, showing that Conan is much more than a dullard with muscles and a sword. I realize that not everyone digs Conan, but I do, and I enjoyed these modules and uses of the character.  The only thing I am not a fan of, is the need for someone to either time travel and buy them new, or find them on EBAY or a similar market. Find them at SJGAMES 

In the meantime, for all your printing needs, Matt at Speed Print Inc. is amazing.

LINKS

My Poetry AlexNessPoetry.Blogspot.Com 
This place Poplitiko.Blogspot.Com

Social Media
https://bsky.app/profile/alexanderness63.bsky.social
https://x.com/alexnesspoetry

All works are copyright the respective owners, fair use is the sole means of use asserted.

Going to the Quantum Con

My Next Convention
By Alex Ness
May 12, 2025

QUANTUM CON 2025

I am a guest at a convention that is entering its third year, and have hopes to sell many of my new works. As any media guest likely has similar hopes, my hope is, also, that many people attend, support the con, visit my table and chat my books, and buy them.  Note as well, please the image shown, and check out my archive of work on my Poetry blog. 

I did works that focused on short prose stories with friends who can write well, perhaps better me. I respect them all as humans, friends and writers, so it isn't about whoever I can wrangle, much more than that. It is joy to gather and create, even if it is hard, and I make only a little after all the costs are tallied. The genres of books are science fiction, AI, Sasquatch encounters, Cthulhu horror, and two full size books, one of Viking era poetry, SIGR and the other, Tales of Lost Kingdoms with Peter Urkowitz, focused upon the lost worlds and those great stories from myth and legends, such as Atlantis and Mu. This work collects both poems and images of the those lands, in both public domain images of that subject but also, those created or gathered by me from public domain free sources.

I think there is potential in this convention, it is held at a incredibly comfortable and lovely setting, with people who have interest in pop media, paranormal, gaming, and literature. I hope it does well, as it is a rare place that digs arts, poetry, and fantasy, pop culture media as much as my diverse tastes also share.

VISIT MY MAIN BLOG

UNTIL NEXT TIME

I have much going on.  In the meantime, for all your printing needs, Matt at Speed Print Inc. is amazing.

LINKS

My Poetry AlexNessPoetry.Blogspot.Com 
This place Poplitiko.Blogspot.Com

Social Media
https://bsky.app/profile/alexanderness63.bsky.social
https://x.com/alexnesspoetry

All works are copyright the respective owners, fair use is the sole means of use asserted.

TOP SHELF PRODUCTIONS announces Love Languages by James Albon

The brilliant James Albon returns with a sweet and sophisticated queer romance! Plus, welcome two newcomers from Italy as we open pre-orders  for The Land of Unfinished Dreams, a captivating fairy-tale adventure for — and about — families of all ages!

Slip into another tongue with Love Languages! Two foreigners in France reach across language barriers and turn each other’s lives upside down in this stunningly beautiful queer romance graphic novel painted in dazzling watercolor. “James Albon’s decadent cartooning and delicate watercolors perfectly capture the beauty and loneliness of wandering through new places that are supposed to be your home, and the specific halting beauty of intense connections forged across language barriers. I'm especially charmed by Sarah and Ping's emoji-strewn text conversations and their sinuous overlapping word bubbles as they gain fluency with each other. I loved this book!” — Shing Yin Khor (The Legend of Auntie Po) “Love Languages is beautiful to look at, highly original, inventive and full of sharp observation. James Albon’s vivid, flowing images tell the story of English Sarah and Cantonese Ping and how languages can connect, but also divide and how learning a foreign language can lead to intimacy…but also to muddle and misunderstanding.” — Posy Simmonds (Cassandra Darke) “Opening with a painfully awkward multilingual friendship, this delightful graphic novel soon made me laugh out loud and even brought me to tears. A masterfully painted celebration of languages and love!” — Rumi Hara (Nori) Sarah Huxley has moved from London to Paris, only to find a lonely life of corporate drudgery and disappointment—a far cry from her romantic expectations of the city. She collides with Ping Loh, a young woman working as an au pair to a wealthy family of Hong Kong expats, and the two bond over their shared struggle with the French tongue. In museums and markets, over text messages and translation apps, Ping and Sarah slowly begin to learn each other’s languages, communicating in a rich and ever-shifting blend of English, French, and Cantonese. As their friendship blooms, so does their private dialect—a personal linguistic patchwork, a shared secret just for them. But when their feelings for each other start to deepen, they discover that the simplest words to translate can be the hardest words to say. In these sumptuously painted pages, award-winning graphic novelist James Albon (The Delicacy) presents a dazzling love story about cross-cultural connection, the bewildering sensation of feeling one’s brain rewrite itself, and the intoxicating rush of the foreign becoming familiar. Love Languages by James Albon ISBN 978-1-60309-557-0 | Diamond Code: FEB251226 $19.99 (US) | 176 pages | Full-color softcover graphic novel with flaps | 8" x 10" Browse preview pages | In stores today! Watch the Love Languages animated trailer! In August, travel to The Land of Unfinished Dreams! Once upon a time, there was a brave hero named …Grandpa?! What’s he doing in this story? Ned is a retired literature teacher without much excitement in his life, but when his grandkids come to visit, he loves to tell them bedtime stories. Every evening, the clumsy knight tries to save the princess in new and different ways, but they never reach the end of the story. On one fateful night, Ned is shocked to wake up inside his fantasy world — full of the characters from his stories, plus many more new friends and foes. And when a terrifying darkness rises, Ned will have to look within himself to confront a threat beyond his imagination. In their first collaboration, Italian creators Marco Daeron Ventura and Marco Ferraris present a thrilling and poignant graphic novel, bursting with color and creativity, about stories, family, growing old, and staying young. The Land of Unfinished Dreams by Marco Daeron Ventura and Marco Ferraris $19.99 (US) | ISBN 978-1-60309-555-6 Diamond Code: MAY250966 | 160 pages | 7.75" x 10.75" Full-color HARDCOVER graphic novel for all ages Browse preview pages | In stores August 5th/6th, 2025!

Comics Fantasy Worlds, Anti Heroes, Heroes and More

FANTASY COMICS
By Alex Ness
May 7, 2025

This week's article focuses upon how some settings, characters or how well they were created linger in memory, and particularly those with heroes, villains, monsters and fantasy elements. I don't tell you in this, that they were often the best works. It is a rare event that fantasy comics last long, or have a single artist or pair who create a long run. However, those that are great, are worth finding and reading.

FIRST, MY FAVORITES:

Warlord by Mike Grell places a modern man into a fantasy medieval era world. Every story has a purpose, and this goes well beyond telling a brief story. They are chapters in a book that tells of Colonel Travis Morgan's desire to create an uprising against the evil who sit in power. The lead character is not a peacemaker, he battles and brings a moral compass to his new world, Skartaris. It has never ending action and is beautiful to behold.

Conan by Timothy Truman is a quality run that presents the Conan from the works of Robert E. Howard. The issue I've had before and after Truman on Conan, is that however good or bad it might have been, it often pales in comparison to the books of Robert E. Howard. I've read everything Conan the Barbarian by REH and when asked why I didn't equally pursue and enjoy the Conan comic from Marvel, as it was a popular work, it just wasn't Conan. It didn't replicate real Conan, it strip-mined that for their words and names, the short tropes used, and more, all came from the REH source. Roy Thomas was a fine writer, and John Buscema was a fine artist. But the book was a pile of leftovers, if one was to have feasted on REH works. Everything by Truman felt new because he refused to rehash the work of others.

Turok by Paul S. Newman and Rex Mason When Turok and Andar, native people, are lost in a Lost Valley, they have to use their skill and talents to fight dinosaurs, angry ass primal humans and other tribes, to escape. The world they live in is dangerous, and every comic read featured a new and exciting adventure. Although new versions of Turok have come out, the original was the best.  As maybe a couple of you might remember, the first comic I bought was a Turok comic from the Milwaukee Hospital my father was in after his heart attack. It introduced me to a world of excitement and danger.

MANY OTHER COMICS OF THE FANTASY GENRE WORTH READING:
Click the image to enlarge

Fantasy comics belong to a grouping of stories that feature life in an epic story telling. Whether as a warrior, spell user or beast, the world's are locations of adventure. The settings themselves are just as intriguing as any plot. They feature stark, unique worlds where only the strong survive or just as curious or anomalous worlds, full of danger.

They often share a problem when evil beings try to grab power and dominance, and a single being will find his way to the path to challenge, and a story will begin. But they also feature adventures in realms that you've never experienced or seen. They are, in a way legendary tales, but also, escapist works.

Fantasy comics often feature heroes, powerful magic users, leaders, followers, villains, and monsters. You can chuckle or be made motivated or moved by a last stand as your lead character saves others by standing in the doorway and letting no invader horde to go beyond. Perhaps at the cost of one's life.

We live in an amazing world, so I am not saying our every day existence is boring, but it surely could be. I am saying, my love of fantasy comics and concepts within, allow me to go to new lands, experience people who are unique to their time. Some people dislike most all aspects of fantasy. But this isn't about saying this is better than others or not. This is purely to suggest that fantasy as a genre can do different things with the time it takes to tell a story.

Growing up I loved knights, and read King Arthur tales, Beowulf and so much more. Fantasy may have qualities you do not enjoy. But we all read for different reasons. Barbarians and Knights, Magic using people and martial artists, all allow the reader to join in, mentally.

FOR SOME POEM ACTION GO TO:

UNTIL NEXT TIME

I have much going on.  In the meantime, for all your printing needs, Matt at Speed Print Inc. is amazing.

LINKS

My Poetry AlexNessPoetry.Blogspot.Com 
This place Poplitiko.Blogspot.Com

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All images all respective owners © or used in fair use.
All content is copyright respective creative ©2025 Alex Ness

In Memory of Jackson Butch Guice, Artist

By Alex Ness
May 1, 2023

Jackson Guice, nicknamed Butch, was an artist who provided art for many works I enjoyed, read, and collected. He did more than those I have read, but many others. He had recent health issues, and sadly passed. I met him twice over the years, but it was only a moment, and unlike many comic people I admire, it never grew beyond a fan saying hey.

Jackson "Butch" Guice started in the late 1970s and early 80s, right in my comic book love Golden era. I tried to collect his works. Especially, his action scenes and smooth lines fascinated my 16 year old imagination. Eventually, as with everyone's work I like, soon there were more issues published than I could collect, but I enjoyed each work. There were many critically well thought of works over his active era. The link for an obit and more is found here.

REST IN PEACE.

The following images are some great covers he created over time. These are copyright their publishers and creative owners, and are not my copyright, used only in fair use distinction, and no rights over them are attested. ©

COMICS: TPBs That Should Be and Elseworlds, worlds that never were

Read & COLLECT THESE BOOKS
By Alex Ness
April 30, 2025

Times have changed, and in the present all the comic book reading public and well aimed collector or investor buyer have so many options that they should never be stuck for something to read, and to revel in. This article considers some interesting DC and tangential imprint works for TPB sales, and then I am going chat a bit about Elseworlds from DC with repeated read potential, from the first to others I only read in the 2015s and above. The combination of the two focuses exclude Image, Dark Horse or Marvel, but does include Fawcett from the 1950s, and Eclipse from the joyous 1980s and 1990s. Next time I do a tpb request, it will be for more Indies or whatever I decide to cover, or not. I do plan to write about the Godzilla vs Marvel books out on the stand currently.

A TPB list of books to do:

The world of comics went from single issue and collections were rare, to single issues and numerous collected versions of the series or mini series in hardcover, softcover. Also, larger collections of important or popular works of recent and vintage age allowed publishers to remind collectors and readers of some of their best works. The owners of the intellectual property, (publishers, owners of the trademark and copyright, original creative) are obviously also able to benefit from new sales from older works.

This article includes a long forgotten or uncollected work that has collector interest from the people who can't afford to collect, nor even read the original comics. Most of my previous articles were more about new comics or mini series that finished and had a built in need, to collect them for various reasons.

Automatic Kafka By Joe Casey & Ashley Wood Wildstorm/DC

I am a big fan of the artist, and the writing of this comic was quite fun. The character Kafka is an android who was once part of super hero group, and his then desire to experience trying to know human life. He attempts to experience human experience and exist through drugs, sex, fame, and more traits and behaviors. This was enormous fun for me, as Ashley Wood creates a look that allows one to look at life, from an artificial set of eyes, by looking at life from their side of p.o.v. Wood creates moody and wild existence, as Joe Casey tells a story by questioning our distinctly human outlooks and views on outsiders, upon if the human p.o.v. is even good to have. I found it a wild ride, and one worth reading. And found it, especially disappointed to not continue along its path.

Arion Lord of Atlantis Paul Kupperberg & Jan Duursema, DC

This series had well told tales from a distant time far from the present. It is rather well done in the sense that for an adventure and fantasy work, it doesn't resort to tropes or fantasy cliche. The lead character, who is Arion, from the title. The stories allow magic, but a reasonable amount, not a limitless sort, and never so much that it makes every adventure have a happy without cost victory.  The style of writing tells stories that are different than most and feel new. Jan Duursema's art makes this book worth buying, and due notice to the publisher, this title was fun and well done. Duursema did many Star Wars comics and her style always seemed a perfect accompaniment to the script. The story is centered in ancient Atlantis with no connection to the activities of the DC universe, until the Crisis on Infinite Earths. But I'd love a big collection of this.

Scarab John Smith & Scot Eaton, Vertigo/DC

This work began as an alternative take upon Golden Age Doctor Fate for Vertigo. The original character possesses magic powers, greater strength, flight and more. Eventually, as the early development went through different angles upon the character, so far that it was decidedly not about Dr Fate. As such, rather than start with a version of Fate that had little to do with Fate the creative team began an entirely new character concept. The character was dark, and was retired super hero. He was also a collector of unique and historic items. One gave Scarab a power, seeped in magic and ancient myth beings and events from the past. The art in this 8 issue run by Scot Eaton was absolutely lovely, and writing was such that readers would desire more tales in this setting. New entries and the original series in collected form have not appeared. It was spooky fun, and would fit well in the present.

Prowler By Timothy Truman & John K Snyder III, Eclipse

The pulp era of novels and heroes, allowed people to have a form of hero and story that played the same role as comics of their golden era. As such the character The Prowler is meant to be an analogue to the works of that present (80s - 90s). Truman and Snyder are able to catch a certain amount of excitement and nostalgia in their work. Snyder's work is more stylized and less detailed than Truman's own art, but Truman's writing allows readers to taste an era and enjoy it for its glory, but also, emotive character development. I'd glory in this, and know if it has been collected, it wasn't a big collection and yet to reach more people in the market.

Captain Marvel Adventures By many hands, Fawcett

This grouping represents a different reason for TPB or collected works. Some comics are great, some are fun if not particularly great in quality but... One reason to collect a far older work is not to tell people this was classic or great, but to pay attention to the portion of a comic run that didn't get reached over time. That is, many great collections are captured in 12 out of 50 or 100 issues, and don't keep being revealed, but follow a logic, that earlier editions will reach more people, than a dwindled number, due to the same reasons that many comics become cancelled. Few comics go on forever, so it makes sense that collections have followed a similar mindset. But that mindset is absolutely why expanded and dedicated collecting works have a valid purpose.  
 

ELSEWORLDS

I've truly enjoyed many and at least liked all the Elseworlds DC comics I have read. They feature a setting and more, the characters who are playing each of the analogues found in the other world. Particularly, I have enjoyed the Batman takes that I've read. Others are fine but Batman's origins, character defects and abilities tend to shine. The art is never a complaint for me, and some were exceptional. Click the image and see for yourself who did these works, and appreciate what the creative talents did.

QUANTUM CON GO TO QUANTUM-CON.org

I'm a guest here, and will sell many of the new books that have come out over the last 2 years. Many will have their official debut at QuantumCon. If you want more details click the link, or send me a an email. I can be found at AlexanderNess63@gmail.com Don't send me spam.

CONCLUSION

I'll be back in a couple weeks.  In the meantime, for all your printing needs, Matt at Speed Print Inc. is amazing.

LINKS

My Poetry AlexNessPoetry.Blogspot.Com 
This place Poplitiko.Blogspot.Com
Personal: AlexNessFiction.Blogspot.Com/

Social Media
https://bsky.app/profile/alexanderness63.bsky.social
https://x.com/alexnesspoetry

ALL WORKS SHOWN AND DISCUSSED are used in fair use, and are owned by the copyright owners, creators,
or the published works, with my words and reviews remain my own. 2025© No copyright infringement intended.