Original Graphic Novel, "THE WRATH OF KARAPACE," is Now Available at Amazon and Bookshop.org

Hi, It's Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You (Patreon).  My first original graphic novel, THE WRATH OF KARAPACE: A BIG SPIRITS EPIC, which is published by Candle Light Press.  Co-created by Carter J. Allen, (Warning Comics), The Wrath of Karapace is now on sale at Amazon and Barnes and Noble online.  Also, have some milk and cookies while reading this wonderful graphic novel.

Other online shops that are selling "The Wrath of Karapace" include the following:

- AmazonUK;

- Bookshop.org;

- ElmStreetBooks;

- the German book shop, OrrellFussli;

- Powells.com;

- Russell Books.com;

- SuperBookDeals.com;

- Walmart online.

Of note, The Wrath of Karapace is also available on eBay from a few different sellers.

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"The Wrath of Karapace" also a "Google Books" listing.

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Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

#IReadsYou Review: ECTYRON VS. DES MOINES

ECTYRON VS. DES MOINES

CANDLE LIGHT PRESS/Warning Comics

STORY/ART: Carter Allen

DIALOGUE: John Ira Thomas

LETTERS: John Ira Thomas

COVER: Tyler Sowles

BACK COVER: Will Grant

MISC ART: Jeremy Smith

ISBN: 2370001579941; paperback (July 2023)

68pp, Color, $10.00 U.S.

Comic book writer-artist and graphic novelist, Carter Allen, has been publishing a series of comic books and graphic novels featuring a “kaiju” character known as “Ectyron! The Radioactive Chicken!”  Candle Light Press and Allen's Warning Comics have previously published several Ectyron comic books:  Ectyron Against Lagaxtu (2017), Ectyron: Rise of Nemehiss (2018), and Ectyron: The Invasion from the Red Star Nebula (2019), as well as the Ectyron Omnibus Vol. 1 (2022).

Ectyron is back on the attack in the recently released original graphic novel, Ectyron vs. Des Moines.  It is written, drawn, colored, and lettered by Allen, with dialogue written by John Ira Thomas.

All three Ectyron comics employ particular elements of various Japanese science fiction sub-genres.  “Kaiju” is a term used to describe a genre of Japanese films that feature giant monsters, and the term is also used to describe the giant monsters themselves.  [Godzilla is an example of a kaiju.]  In this case, Ectyron is a giant-sized chicken.  This series also includes elements of “tokusatsu,” also known as “mecha” or giant robot superheroes.  [“Power Rangers” are an example of “tokusatsu.”]

Ectyron vs. Des Moines opens in Des Moines, Iowa.  The state's most populous city and its state capital is about to experience a most unnatural natural phenomenon.  The other-dimensional conqueror, Angerine, arrives, and his weapon of choice is a box that can multiple into other boxes called “Monks.”  The Monks are connected like a titanic Medusa, and even Ectyron struggles against them.  Can the new musician-superhero, Madam Madamn, help stem the tide of Des Moines' destruction?  Or is it over before it started?

THE LOWDOWN:  I have been receiving review copies of Carter Allen's comic books and graphic novels for almost two decades.  We are also collaborating on an upcoming graphic novel, but I am happy to see that he is still creating new Ectyron comics.

Allen uses watercolors to produce his art and storytelling in Ectyron vs. Des Moines, and that gives the story a tone that is decidedly different from previous entries in the Ectyron series – at least to me.  The story seems more consequential.  The previous stories were playful monster comic books that recalled Japanese kaiju fiction, Marvel Comics' monster comics for the 1950s and 60s, and Marvel's early superhero comics like Fantastic Four.

Ectyron vs. Des Moines is very much in the pulpy, sci-fi, Japanese roots of its predecessors, but I find it more thoughtful about what comes after the thunder and lightning of monster fights.  The battles are more difficult for the heroes, and saving-the-day comes with high costs and damage that cannot be reversed.  The villains are excellent, and the kooky Monks are inventive, imaginative, and quite lovely.  John Ira Thomas, a frequent collaborator of Allen's, offers pitch perfect dialogue, as he always does.

Yes, I want more of the Monks and more Ectyron.  Still, I cannot help but ponder how Ectyron vs. Des Moines ponders the nature of evil, the burdens of heroism, and the devastation of death and destruction.  It is as if Allen rebooted Ectyron with a new nature.

But the fun is not gone, and I think readers will welcome the new character find, Madam Madamn, as I do.  I think all Carter Allen's fans will want to grab a hold of Ectyron vs. Des Moines.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of kaiju and of Carter Allen's kaiju comic books will want Ectyron vs. Des Moines.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

Readers can purchase Ectyron vs. Des Moines using the Square checkout service here.

http://www.warningcomics.com/

http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/

https://twitter.com/attila71

https://twitter.com/candlelightpres

https://www.facebook.com/Warning-Comics-194471080646766/

https://www.deviantart.com/vectorattila

The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: ECTYRON OMNIBUS, Vol. 1

ECTYRON OMNIBUS VOL. 1
CANDLE LIGHT PRESS/Warning Comics

STORY: Carter Allen; Austin Allen Hamblin; Leroy Douresseaux
SCRIPT: John Ira Thomas; Austin Allen Hamblin; Leroy Douresseaux
ART: Carter Allen
LETTERS: John Ira Thomas
COVER: Carter Allen
BACK COVER: Carter Allen
MISC ART: Will Grant; Christopher Martinez
ISBN: 978-0-9895371-8-6; paperback (June 21, 2022)
136pp, Color, $24.95 U.S.

Comic book writer-artist and graphic novelist, Carter Allen, has been publishing a series of comic books and graphic novels featuring a “kaiju” character known as “Ectyron! The Radioactive Chicken!”  Candle Light Press and Allen's Warning Comics published three Ectyron comic books:  Ectyron Against Lagaxtu (2017), Ectyron: Rise of Nemehiss (2018), and Ectyron: The Invasion from the Red Star Nebula (2019).

Now, CLP and Warning Comics have collected together for the first time the first three Ectyron comic books in the graphic novel and trade paperback collection, Ectyron Omnibus Vol. 1.  This book also includes the numerous full color as illustrations that Allen has committed for this series.

Ectyron Omnibus Vol. 1 also includes bonus material.  There is a new Ectyron short story, entitled “General Clucker vs. Ectyron” written by Austin Allen Hamblin and drawn by Carter Allen.  Then, Carter and I (yes, me, Leroy Douresseaux) introduce Carter's newest kaiju, “Karapace” and our wacky superhero team, “The Big Spirits.”  This five-page preview is entitled, “Karapace: Prelude to Big Spirits” and is drawn by Carter and written by me.

All three Ectyron comics employ particular elements of various Japanese science fiction sub-genres.  “Kaiju” is a term used to describe a genre of Japanese films that feature giant monsters, and the term is also used to describe the giant monsters themselves.  [Godzilla is an example of a kaiju.]  In this case, Ectyron is a giant-sized chicken.  There is also an example of “tokusatsu” the “mecha” or giant robot superheroes.  [“Power Rangers” are an example of “tokusatsu.”]

Here is a recap of the first three Ectyron books:

Ectyron Against Lagaxtu (2017):  Here, comes the super-cyborg warrior hero, AtoM.I.K.E.  He is always on the lookout for the kind of giant monster that hides beneath the Earth before finally surfacing to wreak havoc.  Lagaxtu is one of those monsters, a “kaiju,” a beast like Japan's Godzilla.  AtoM.I.K.E. (a “tokusatsu” like character) can kick some monster butt, but he will need help from another behemoth beast, one that can sense evil.  Here, comes Ectyron!

Ectyron: Rise of Nemehiss (2018):  From the Great Basin Desert, Jake and the kaiju fighters of “Sustenatione Stabilitas Base” take on the giant-goose kaiju, “Nemehiss.”  Victory is not assured, however, unless they can get help from... Ectyron!

Ectyron: The Invasion from the Red Star Nebula (2019): The kaiju fighters of Sustenatione Stabilitas Base join the kaiju fighting mecha, “AtoM.I.K.E.”  They take on a mecha version of Ectyron, vicious alien invaders from the Red Star Nebula, and “Men in Black” agents.  But where is the real Ectyron?

Bonus stories:

General Clucker vs. Ectyron (2022):  Karl Clucker is the heir to the legacy of the “General Clucker's Chicken” fried chicken restaurant franchise.  Unfortunately for Clucker, however, people seem to be eating less chicken out of respect for Ectyron.  Embittered, Clucker decides to make himself just the kind of man or kaiju that can take on Ectyron … with unexpected results.

Karapace: Prelude to Big Spirits (2022):  Aboard a fishing boat, a sleeping psychic receives a warning about the natural world's ultimate kaiju of vengeance and balance.  But can the young woman gather enough help to stop Karapace?!

THE LOWDOWN:  Ectyron: The Invasion from the Red Star Nebula is, thus far, my favorite Ectyron publication.  It easily surpasses the first two releases, Ectyron: Rise of Nemehiss (the second) and Ectyron Against Lagaxtu (the first), which were quite good themselves.

A cartoonist and graphic designer, Carter Allen, fills his comic books with Godzilla-sized creations, which includes monsters, beasts, machines, and contraptions.  However, there also improbable heroes of all shapes, colors, genders, and sizes.  In black and white and in full color, Ectyron comics are pure comic book fun rendered in texture pencil illustrations, pencil and ink; software, and marker.  Allen recreates the wild, the weird, and the wonderful of traditional American superhero, science fiction, horror, monster, and action-adventure comic books – with the infusion of Japanese sci-fi, fantasy, and superhero, of course.

In “General Clucker vs. Ectyron,” Allen's illustrative and coloring style and techniques take a turn, which is a way that he keeps his comic books fresh.  He has also found a kindred spirit in writer Austin Allen Hamblin, as this short captures the spirit of the original Ectyron comics.  Allen's dynamic art, with it energetic array of angles, and Hamblin's mix of B-movie and monster comics elements come together to create a colorful tale of pugnacious characters that deserves an encore.

As for Carter Allen and Leroy's collabo, “Karapace: Prelude to Big Spirits,” it is a sweet sample of our comic book masala, made of ingredients from old comics and cartoons.  There is more to come.

Meanwhile, Ectyron Omnibus Vol. 1 is the best way to experience Carter Allen's way-out-there inventions of imagination.  His Ectyron comic books, like many of his works, are a sequence of unexpected events.  Allen is great solo, but Ectyron Omnibus Vol. 1 provides a look at his quirky group of collaborators.  Some of them joined him on the original Ectyron comic books and showed their originality.  And that is what Ectyron is about – originality in the spirit of originals.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of kaiju and of Carter Allen will want Ectyron Omnibus Vol. 1.

A

★★★★+ out of 4 stars

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


Buy Ectyron Omnibus Vol. 1:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Ectyron-Omnibus-Carter-Allen/dp/0989537188/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=FPC4RCGP5FQL&keywords=ectyron+omnibus&qid=1657192587&sprefix=%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ectyron-omnibus-carter-allen/1141688819;jsessionid=4050D43796BC5832D603E92F478ED155.prodny_store02-atgap09?ean=9780989537186

Powells: https://www.powells.com/book/ectyron-omnibus-9780989537186


http://www.warningcomics.com/
http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/
https://twitter.com/attila71
https://twitter.com/candlelightpres
https://www.facebook.com/Warning-Comics-194471080646766/
https://www.deviantart.com/vectorattila


The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: ECTYRON: The Invasion from the Red Star Nebula

ECTYRON: THE INVASION FROM THE RED STAR NEBULA
CANDLE LIGHT PRESS/Warning Comics – @candlelightpres @attila71

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Carter Allen
SCRIPT: John Ira Thomas
ART: Carter Allen – @attila71
LETTERS: John Ira Thomas
COVER: Carter Allen and Christopher Martinez
BACK COVER: Will Grant
ISBN: 2370009462269; paperback
28pp, Color, $5.00 U.S. (2019)

Ectyron: The Invasion from the Red Star Nebula is a 2019 comic book published by Candle Light Press (CLP).  It is written by CLP stalwarts Carter Allen (story) and John Ira Thomas (script/letters) and drawn by Allen.  This comic book focuses on a group of monster fighters:  Ectyron, a giant-sized chicken; Jake and Iowa of “Sustenatione Stabilitas Base,” and AtoM.I.K.E.

Ectyron: The Invasion from the Red Star Nebula is the third book in the “Ectyron” series.  All three books employ certain elements of particular Japanese science fiction sub-genres.  There is “kaiju,” a term used to describe a genre of Japanese films that feature giant monsters, and the term is also used to describe the giant monsters themselves.  [Godzilla is an example of a kaiju.]  AtoM.I.K.E. is “tokusatsu” which includes the “mecha” or giant robot superheroes.  [The American franchise, “Power Rangers,” is based on tokusatsu.].

Ectyron: The Invasion from the Red Star Nebula opens on Main Street in an unnamed American small town.  The country is in an uproar over America's “kaiju problem,” and American's favorite faux news and reactionary-corporate propaganda network is the most uproarious.  When his power warns him of an impending kaiju attack, AtoM.I.K.E. does more than talk, as he takes to the skies.

Meanwhile, in the Great Basin Desert at the “Sustenatione Stabilitas Base,” a convoy of black SUVs arrives carrying a squad of black-suited men that look like MiB agents.  When the agents try to infiltrate the base, Jake and Iowa try some penetrating of their own with laser pistols and mecha.  With our heroes hands full on two fronts, the question is where is Ectyron?  Guest stars include Maddy Coil, Mectyron, and Ogon' Podsolnukh.

Ectyron: The Invasion from the Red Star Nebula is, thus far, my favorite Ectyron title.  It easily surpasses the previous releases, Ectyron: Rise of Nemehiss (the second) and Ectyron Against Lagaxtu (the first).

Once again, cartoonist, designer, and comic book creator, Carter Allen, fills one of his comic books with Godzilla-sized creations, which includes monsters, beasts, machines, contraptions, and heroes.  It is all pure comic book fun.  This time, however, he draws the story entirely in pencil; with the exception of a few chapter heads slash faux-covers, this comic book is pencil-art glory.  A skilled illustrator, Carter uses his pencils to create shades, textures, and gradations that are finer than a welfare check on Christmas Day.  The underbelly of Mectyron's armor and the peacock-like wonders of Ecytron's feathers are simply beautiful examples of inking and “feathering.”

Writer John Ira Thomas delivers some of his most sparkling dialogue, communicated to us via his classic lettering fonts.  This is truly a funny comic book, but Thomas' script also offers a deft mix of action and adventure that will keep readers glued to the story.

Ectyron: The Invasion from the Red Star Nebula certainly strikes me as something that would make excellent source material for either live-action or animated television and film and also for a novel.  Best of all, this comic book seems to be the perfect realization of Ectyron, so I hope we get more like it.  I heartily recommend Ectyron: The Invasion from the Red Star Nebula to those who read Godzilla and Power Rangers comic books and are in need of some real kaiju and tokusatsu comic book power.  Oh, and I like Will Grant's back cover illustration.

10 out of 10

http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/
www.warningcomics.com

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: MAN IS VOX: Paingels (Expanded Edition)

MAN IS VOX: PAINGELS (Expanded Edition)
CANDLE LIGHT PRESS – @candlelightpres

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: John Ira Thomas – @johnirathomas
ARTIST: Carter Allen – @attila71
PENCILS: Carter Allen
INKS: Carter Allen; Jeremy Smith (“Dessert” story)
LETTERS: John Ira Thomas
COVER: Carter Allen
ISBN: 978-0-9895376-9-3; paperback – 7.5 x 0.8 x 9.2 inches dimensions (September 18, 2017)
292pp, B&W and Color $39.95 U.S.

Man is Vox: Paingels is a 2004 original graphic novel published by Candle Light Press (CLP) and created by writer John Ira Thomas and artist Carter Allen.  Last year, CLP released an updated edition of the graphic novel, Man is Vox: Paingels (Expanded Edition).

This is a kind of overview.  Man is Vox: Paingels follows a man who is essentially a killer on the search for a psycho who kills some women.  He abuses in terrible ways those women that he does not kill.  The Fearsome Shade, Mr. Way, the Shotgun Bride, the Husband, Samdy Lockney, The Beacon, Insides, and Dilmus:  they are all on or in the orbit “The Beacon.”

Abortions; many Beacons; clothes make the man, and Sid S, the serial killer of children.  Mr. Way and the Fearsome Shade have to put an end to the Beacon, but who are they really?  Who are Mr. Way and the Fearsome Shade to confront the Beacon for his crimes, especially against Ms. Lockney?

2015 was Candle Light Press' 20th anniversary.  [In fact, there is a book celebrating that anniversary, CLP20: Twenty Years of Candle Light Press (http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/clp20.htm), a book to which I have contributed a few notes.]  Since then, CLP have been releasing new editions of a few of their early graphic novels, including Man is Vox: Barracudae, the Man is Vox OGN that precedes Paingels.

John Ira Thomas and Carter Allen tell Paingels via a Baskin-Robbins like palette of graphic styles and illustrative mediums (so to speak).  Traditional color comic book art; traditional black and white art; a child's crayon drawings; charcoal; vector art; ink; finger puppet theater; 8-bit video game graphics; cut outs; torn pages; woodblock engraving-like art; and faux family photo album, among many.

When I first read Man is Vox: Paingels, I could not think of many points of references for my subsequent review of it.  Fifteen years later, however, I think I have one.  With surrealism on high and touches of Meshes of the Afternoon, Man is Vox: Paingels (Expanded Edition) is a trippy reading experience.  Much of the narrative deals with what goes on in the human mind – the interior life and the mental experience.  So Paingels makes me think of Noah Hawley's television series, “Legion” (FX).  Paingels simply does not display the self-indulgence and narcissism, nor does it possess the lack of self-control and lack of self-awareness that can be brought on by having the kind of large budget that a major Hollywood studio can gift a “genius” showrunner.

Man is Vox: Paingels (Expanded Edition) is an adventure in original graphic novel reading.  It is not really meant to be read in one sitting, which I certainly did not do.  Some chapters, I read over a period of several weeks.  Other chapters, I read in rapid succession.  I have to be honest; Paingels is not my favorite Candle Light Press book by far.  However, the characters are simply lovely, so much so that I want to engage Paingels just to read about them.

http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/
https://www.facebook.com/candlelightpres/

7 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: The Adventures of NIKKI HARRIS the Cybermation Witch: Omnibus Vol. 2

THE ADVENTURES OF NIKKI HARRIS THE CYBERMATION WITCH OMNIBUS VOL. 2
CANDLE LIGHT PRESS/Warning Comics – @candlelightpres @attila71

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

CARTOONIST: Carter Allen
ISBN:  978-0-9895371-2-4; paperback (May 13, 2019)
24pp, Color, $19.95 U.S.

Carter Allen:  prolific cartoonist, comic book artist, and graphic novelist, presents the second of two trade collections of his comic book series, The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch.  Nikki Harris is a science fiction comic book character who made annual appearances in her own comic book series for a little over a decade.

The latest (but hopefully not last) Nikki Harris publication is The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch Omnibus Vol. 2.  This full color paperback book reprints The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch issues #6-12.  This includes seven stories, several pages of pin-up art, and a character profile.

These seven issues of The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch find Nikki Harris facing a science fiction rogue’s gallery of diabolical adversaries:

Issue #6 (“Attack of the Hunter”) – Nikki returns to Earth, having just stopped Nautilie's machinations on the planet, Qua (Issue #5).  Now, a mysterious nemesis has sought the services of an assassin to kill Nikki.  Our heroine could use a break and a pick-me-up, but Tile the Hunter strikes hard at Nikki.  And for the first time, Nikki looks like she may not come out on top.

Issue #7 (“Nikki Harris and the Kaninium Mines of Util”) – The Broomstick, a slick space craft, soars into the depths of space.  Aboard this fast and nimble ship is Nikki, called to the mining planet of Util to solve a mystery.  The planet is the only source of the miracle mineral, Kaninium.

Issue #8 (“Fire”) – On the planet Infantino, Nikki awaits the arrival of Ambassador Royks to whom she will act as a bodyguard.  He is attending an important peace summit, and if the summit fails there will be war between many star systems.  The fate of the galaxy seems to be in Nikki's hands, and she must also deal with the pesky, Farrah Heit.

Issue #9 (“Ice”) – On the edge of our solar system is the planet (planetoid), Pluto.  The people of Pluto are up in arms against the government, and the frustration is boiling over, enough to scare the administration in Pluto City, the capitol of the planet.  Now, Governor Plequeq calls Nikki Harris for help, but the threat is bigger and older than our crazy-sexy-cool heroine realizes.

Issue #10 (“Save the Day”) – On Dogura Prime, Nikki Harris makes time to stop a bank robbery.  There is a new superhero team in town, “Justice C,” and its members think Nikki is more trouble than she is worth.  Captain Cyclops, Arma Oculta, Crimson Cload, Lectronik, Burbuja, and Tiger Titan believe they have everything in hand, and that Nikki should learn to play better with others.  The Green Stygma thinks they all suck.

Issue #11 (“In the Grip of Evil”) – Now, on Earth, Nikki is no more; she is now Siste Søster, and she is doing the damn evil thing.  The battle with Green Stygma forced Nikki to turn all bad girl, and Stygma's now her pal and partner.  But can Siste Søster prove to the evil cybermation witches that this ain't no sister act and that she is no longer Nikki Harris?  A sacrifice is needed, while in orbit above Earth, the real power plots.

Issue #12 (“Take the Long Way Home”) – Nikki learns that flying into the maw of the alien deity, Gar-Lahk, does not have the effect she desired.  Nikki, however, is nothing if not resourceful, but her new plan may mean the end of her.  Can Nikki's colleague, Berzing, convince Nikki not risk time and space in order to destroy Gar-Lahk?

I am happy about the recent publication of The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch Omnibus Vol. 2.  The first reason is because I am a fan of Nikki Harris, and the second reason is that a trade collection, such as an omnibus, is a good way for you to become a Nikki Harris fan, dear readers.  Seriously, this is the best way to read the series, especially since many of the last issues are connected as an overall final story arc.  Besides in this one handy edition, this omnibus captures the graphical, visual, and storytelling elements that make Nikki Harris’ adventures a unique comic book reading experience.

The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch Omnibus Volume 2 also contains the stories that really defined Nikki has a top sci-fi heroine for me.  From “Dale Arden” to “Princess Leia Organa,” Nikki Harris is in the tradition of the female heroes that have appeared in science fiction serials, film, and TV.  However, Nikki is also a modern superhero.  I find her to be like the rebooted Captain Marvel/Carol Danvers, but with a bit more of a sparkling sense of humor and wit.

The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch Omnibus Vol. 2 also gives readers a chance to enjoy Carter Allen's sparkling sense of humor and wit.  His imaginative stories always seem fresh; too bad Nikki is over (or seems to be).  Allen's candy-colored art with its radiant colors are eye candy even when reading the graphical storytelling.  This second Nikki Harris omnibus can join the first so that readers can enjoy the evolution of new superhero and sci-fi heroine.

9.5 out of 10

www.candlelightpress.com
www.nikkithewitch.com

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Review: ECTYRON: Rise of Nemehiss

ECTYRON: RISE OF NEMEHISS
CANDLE LIGHT PRESS/Warning Comics – @candlelightpres @attila71

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Carter Allen
SCRIPT: John Ira Thomas
ART: Carter Allen – @attila71
LETTERS: John Ira Thomas
COVER: Carter Allen
BACK COVER: Will Grant
28pp, Color, $5.00 U.S. (2018)

Ectyron: Rise of Nemehiss is a 2018 comic book published by Candle Light Press (CLP).  It is written by CLP stalwarts Carter Allen (plot) and John Ira Thomas (script/letters) and drawn by Allen.  This comic book focuses on Ectyron, a giant-sized chicken that battles monsters known as “kaiju.”  This term is used to describe a genre of Japanese films that feature giant monsters, and the term is also used to describe the giant monsters themselves.  [Godzilla is an example of a kaiju.]

Ectyron: Rise of Nemehiss opens in South Chippewa Basin, Lake Michigan.  The USCGS Narcissus, a shallow water submarine, has been chasing a sonar shadow that suddenly changes from shadow to monster.  Meanwhile at “Sustenatione Stabilitas Base” in the Great Basin Desert, kaiju fighter Jake is working on the latest kaiju-fighting vehicle.  “Tonnerre Blue,” a “suborbital hopper” that can transport and fight in the battle against the kaiju.

Jake and his colleague, Iowa, will need this new kaiju-fighting tech when the giant-goose kaiju, known as Nemehiss, terrorizes a small Minnesota town.  The kaiju fighters will also need all the help they can get... from Ectyron!

Ectyron: Rise of Nemehiss, like the previous Ectyron Against Lagaxtu, is the kind of monster comic that writer, artist, cartoonist, designer, and graphic novelist, Carter Allen does so well.  His Gozilla-sized creations, which includes monsters, beasts, machines, contraptions, and heroes, are pure comic book fun.

The Ectyron series offers big monster fun told with big illustrations and graphics.  John Ira Thomas' dry humor adds a nice touch, and his dialogue, as polished as the kind you would find in a screenplay for a big Hollywood event movie, helps the readers take the action seriously.  Ectyron: Rise of Nemehiss is both monster comic book and sci-tech action adventure.

The truth is that readers get a little more than they expect from Ectyron: Rise of Nemehiss.  In fact, they get enough to want more.  Plus, the back cover features another delightful Will Grant full-color illustration.  [Since the publication of Ectyron: Rise of Nemehiss, CLP has published a third Ectyron comic book.]

8.5 out of 10

http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/
www.warningcomics.com

Reviewed by Leroy Douesseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Review: The Adventures of NIKKI HARRIS the Cybermation Witch #12

THE ADVENTURES OF NIKKI HARRIS THE CYBERMATION WITCH No. 12
CANDLE LIGHT PRESS/Warning Comics – @candlelightpres @attila71

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

CARTOONIST: Carter Allen – @attila71
32pp, Color, $3.00 U.S. (2017 – 2nd)

The Fall of Nikki Harris, Part 3: “Take the Long Way Home”

The long-running, independent, sci-fi/space fantasy/adventure/humor comic book, The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch, has released a “final issue.”  When last we saw her, Nikki Harris (cybermation witch and sci-fi heroine) had plunged into the Voyd beast-god, Gar-Lahk.

The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch #12 (“Take the Long Way Home”) reveals that flying into the maw of the alien deity, Gar-Lahk, did not have the effect Nikki desired.  Nikki, however, is nothing if not resourceful, but her new plan may mean the end of her.  Can Nikki's colleague, Berzing, convince Nikki not risk time and space in order to destroy Gar-Lahk?

So the Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch comic book series has come to an end.  Or shall I say conclusion?  It was a blast, and this series is worthy of being missed.  Nikki Harris #12 is quite entertaining, and I can always use the word “entertaining” to describe this series.

Once upon a time, women in science fiction, comic books, and even horror movies served coffee and sandwiches to the male heroes (as they did in Howard Hawks/Christian Nyby's 1951 film, The Thing from Another World).  If Nikki Harris were Wilma Deering, she would take over the Buck Rogers comic strip.  Although Nikki likes fashion like the early version of Sue Storm, I do not see Nikki fretting over which is better, stallion of the sea, Prince Namor, or brainy WWII vet, Reed Richards.  If she were Sue, I think that Nikki would fight one and out-think the other.

No, Nikki is Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman, walking into a room full of men who have helped bring the world to the brink and thinking that she is every bit their equal and honestly, their superior.  She is Princess Leia, the true leader of the Rebel Alliance, even before she received the title, “General.”

Carter Allen has only scratched the surface of Nikki in his delightful, throwback comic book, The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch.  And Nikki is bold enough to help him do the scratching if he can't figure it out on his own.  So let's enjoy this end until the next beginning...

A
9.5 out of 10

http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/
www.nikkithewitch.com
www.warningcomics.com

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

--------------------------

Review: ECTYRON AGAINST LAGAXTU

ECTYRON AGAINST LAGAXTU - OGN
CANDLE LIGHT PRESS/Warning Comics – @candlelightpres @attila71

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Carter Allen
SCRIPT: John Ira Thomas
ART: Carter Allen – @attila71
LETTERS: John Ira Thomas
ASSISTANCE/MISC. ART: Will Grant
32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (2017)

Ectyron Against Lagaxtu is a new comic book published by Candle Light Press (CLP).  It is written by CLP stalwarts Carter Allen and John Ira Thomas and drawn by Allen.  CLP regular Will Grant assists Allen and Thomas and also provides a pin-up illustration.

Ectyron Against Lagaxtu introduces the super-cyborg warrior hero, AtoM.I.K.E.  He is always on the lookout for the kind of giant monster that hides beneath the Earth before finally surfacing to wreak havoc.  Lagaxtu is one of those monsters, a “kaiju,” a beast like Japan's Godzilla.  AtoM.I.K.E. (a “tokusatsu” like character) can kick some monster butt, but he will need help from another behemoth beast, one who can sense evil.  Here, comes Ectyron!

Ectyron Against Lagaxtu is the kind of monster comic that writer, artist, cartoonist, designer, and graphic novelist, Carter Allen does so well.  His Gozilla-sized creations, which includes monsters, beasts, machines, contraptions, and heroes, are pure comic book fun.

Where do monsters dwell?  When Marvel Comics stopping publishing comic books like Where Monsters Dwell, the spirit of B.A.M.s (big-ass monsters), had to go somewhere, and occasionally that spirit shows up in American comic books, such as Allen's.  The screwy artistry of the Jack Kirby-Dick Ayers art team that drew monster comics is well in evidence in Ectyron Against Lagaxtu.

I do think the software Allen used to produce the art in Ectyron Against Lagaxtu steals some of the energy that is usually in evidence in his hand-drawn monster goodies.  Luckily, John Ira Thomas's dialogue and exposition (which reads as if it were written for a TV reporter witnessing this monster mash) gives the wackiness a jolt.

There are six monster pin-up illustrations in the back of this comic book.  I think they can act as incentives to encourage comic book readers to buy Ectyron Against Lagaxtu when they visit the CLP table at comic book conventions around the country.  The promise of more CLP monster mash comics might also spur a purchase.

A
8 out of 10

http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/
www.warningcomics.com

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

----------------------

Review: MAJOR DANJER AND HIS PLATOON OF DOOM

MAJOR DANJER AND HIS PLATOON OF DOOM
CANDLE LIGHT PRESS – @candlelightpres

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITERS: John Ira Thomas, Jared Donze, Michael Ayers, Carter Allen
PENCILS: Carter Allen – @attila71 with Michael Ayers
INKS: Carter Allen with Jeremy Smith
MISC. ART: Romeo Tanghal; Phil Hester
Hardcover
92pp, B&W, $15.00 U.S. (2016)

Candle Light Press' Fragmenta series is a line of paperback and hardcover books, picture books, and pamphlets.  Each entry in the line collects essays, scripts, art, and/or comics produced by the writers and artists of Candle Light Press (CLP).  Some of this material concerns early or uncompleted projects, while other material represents preliminary words and pictures for completed projects.

A hardcover book with black and white interiors, Major Danjer and His Platoon of Doom is the ninth entry in the Fragmenta series.  Like Fragmenta 7: Dan Callahan and the Sand Pirates, Major Danjer collects an uncompleted project, entitled (of course), Major Danjer and His Platoon of Doom.  A fanciful war comic in the vein of such classic war comics as Sgt. Rock, Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos, Blackhawk, and G.I. Combat, to name a few, Major Danger ran as serial in various 1990s CLP publications, including in the anthology, ED.

Major Danjer and His Platoon of Doom was created by CLP mainstays, writer John Ira Thomas and artist Carter Allen, with contributions from former CLP creators like Jared Donze and Micheal Ayers.  This collection contains six Major Danjer stories, with the sixth being unfinished.  This book includes an introduction by John Ira Thomas and essays by Thomas and Carter Allen.  There also about 20 pages of drawings, illustrations, and miscellania, much of it by the Allen.

Nazis, military strike teams, lost worlds, dinosaurs, and a giant “whark!”  Plus, meet those peculiar superheroes, “Glory Guard.”  It's all in Major Danjer and His Platoon of Doom.

I am a long time fan and admirer of the books and comics put out by CLP.  If pushed, I might say that CLP's award-winning horror graphic novel, Lost in the Wash, is my favorite CLP publication.  I have also long lusted and sought to plagiarize the brilliant Zoo Force/Not Zoo Force.  I get a kick out of Carter Allen's Nikki Harris Cybermation Witch comic book series.  A Tale of Shades and Angels by Thomas and artist Jeremy Smith should be as well known as Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming's Powers.

But I have to keep it real.  I love Major Danjer and His Platoon of Doom.  Part Doc Savage pulp fury and part Sgt. Fury savagery, Major Danjer is not a parody of war comics, nor does it mock them.  Carter and his co-writers and Carter Allen merely takes the weirdness that was the true spirit of those old-timey war comics and makes them comedy the way Mel Brooks made comedy out of Universal Pictures 1930 monster movies in Young Frankenstein.

At $15, Major Danjer and His Platoon of Doom is a steal for fans of war comics.  There is a Blackhawk homage in one of the stories that certainly justifies part of the cost.  I wish CLP had finished Major Danjer and His Platoon of Doom.  It seems like something that was mistakenly abandoned, but buying this book isn't a mistake.

A

http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/
www.warningcomics.com

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

---------------------------

Review: The Adventures of NIKKI HARRIS the Cybermation Witch #11

THE ADVENTURES OF NIKKI HARRIS THE CYBERMATION WITCH No. 11
CANDLE LIGHT PRESS/Warning Comics – @candlelightpres @attila71

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

CARTOONIST: Carter Allen – @attila71
28pp, Color, $3.00 U.S. (2017)

The Fall of Nikki Harris, Part 2: “In the Grip of Evil”

The long-running independent sci-fi/space fantasy/adventure/humor comic book, The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch, is racing towards a conclusion.  When last we saw her, Nikki Harris (cybermation witch and sci-fi heroine) she had to play it like former President... I mean... former Vice-President Dick Cheney and take it to the dark side.  The result was the corruption and transformation our beloved space super woman.

The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch #11 (“In the Grip of Evil”) opens on Earth.  Nikki is no more; she is now Siste Søster, and she is doing the damn evil thing.  The battle with Green Stygma forced Nikki to turn all bad guy, and Stygma's now her pal and partner.  But can Siste Søster prove to the evil cybermation witches that this ain't no sister act and that she is no longer Nikki Harris?  A sacrifice is needed, while in orbit above Earth, the real power plots.

I can say this every time:  The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch is always entertaining.  I can say this every time:  it not only gets better with each issue, but it also offers some new, novel treat with each installment.  I can also say this every time:  creator Carter Allen embraces the inherent weirdness of comic books and presents his readers with inventive characters.

The shame of it all is that Nikki Harris #11 is apparently the penultimate issue of the series.  Nikki Harris is ending it all just when she is hitting her stride.  She glows all alabaster in Carter Allen's art, which recalls the late Patrick Nagel in terms of style, if not in execution and rendering.

One good thing about the race towards the end is that the Lovecraftian touches in this series become as obvious as the pop culture references (such as a nod to Mr. Spock).  I can say this every time: it is not too late to enjoy Nikki Harris (the love child of Space Ghost and Demi Moore); back issues and a trade paperback are available.

A+

http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/
www.nikkithewitch.com
www.warningcomics.com

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

-------------------------

The Adventures of NIKKI HARRIS the Cybermation Witch #10

THE ADVENTURES OF NIKKI HARRIS THE CYBERMATION WITCH No. 10
CANDLE LIGHT PRESS/Warning Comics – @candlelightpres @attila71

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

CARTOONIST: Carter Allen – @attila71
32pp, Color, $3.00 U.S. (2016 – 3rd)

The Fall of Nikki Harris, Part1: “Save the Day”

When last we saw her, Nikki Harris (cybermation witch and sci-fi heroine) played the role of god-killer as she stopped “Planet Gods” from freezing the people of the planet Pluto in their icy grip.  However, Nikki finds herself not being received as a conquering hero should.

The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch #10 (“Save the Day”) opens on Dogura Prime, where Nikki Harris makes time to stop a bank robbery.  Hold up!  There is a new superhero team in town, “Justice C,” and its members think Nikki is more trouble than she is worth.  Captain Cyclops, Arma Oculta, Crimson Cload, Lectronik, Burbuja, and Tiger Titan believe they have everything in hand, and that Nikki should learn to play better with others.  The Green Stygma thinks they all suck.

The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch is always entertaining.  It not only gets better with each issue, but it also offers some new, novel treat with each installment.  Creator Carter Allen embraces the inherent weirdness of comic books and presents his readers with inventive characters.

Nikki Harris #10 continues to head towards the end of the series as if no such thing were going to happen.  This issue is as fresh as the early issues.  How could Nikki Harris end when her comic book is still showing us a new side to this world and also new characters, all of which make the colorful sci-fi comedy even more colorful.  It is not too late to enjoy Nikki Harris (the daughter of Princess Leia and Wedge Antilles); back issues and a trade paperback are available.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/
www.nikkithewitch.com
www.warningcomics.com

The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.


----------------------------

Review: The Adventures of NIKKI HARRIS the Cybermation Witch #9

THE ADVENTURES OF NIKKI HARRIS THE CYBERMATION WITCH  No. 9
CANDLE LIGHT PRESS/Warning Comics – @candlelightpres

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

CARTOONIST: Carter Allen – @attila71
32pp, Color, $3.00 U.S. (2016 – 2nd)

“Ice”

When we last saw her, Nikki Harris (cybermation witch and sci-fi heroine) found herself targeted by the pesky and determined assassin, Farrah Heit.  She cooled off that hot-ho and saved the galaxy by keeping an important peace summit on the planet, Infantino (props to one of the three greatest Batman artists of all time), on track.

The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch #9 (“Ice”) takes us to the edge of our solar system to the planet (planetoid), Pluto.  The people of Pluto are up in arms against the government, and the frustration is boiling over, enough to scare the administration in Pluto City, the capitol of the planet.  Now, Governor Plequeq calls Nikki Harris for help, but the threat is bigger and older than our crazy-sexy-cool heroine realizes.

The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch comic book never fails to entertain, and it gets better with each issue.  There is more to Nikki, and her universe seems solid, but still able to be fresh.

Nikki Harris #9 offers some of creator Carter Allen's best exposition, as he deftly sets up the scenario for this story.  I like how Allen begins to drop hints and teases about the history of the world of Nikki Harris.  I like that, and I think there is so much more to reveal.  However, Nikki Harris is on her farewell tour, as the comic book will be ending in the near future.  #CybermationLivesMatter

A

http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/
www.nikkithewitch.com
www.warningcomics.com

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

---------------------------

Review: The Adventures of NIKKI HARRIS the Cybermation Witch #8

THE ADVENTURES OF NIKKI HARRIS THE CYBERMATION WITCH No. 8
CANDLE LIGHT PRESS/Warning Comics – @candlelightpres @attila71

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

CARTOONIST: Carter Allen – @attila71
32pp, Color, $3.00 U.S. (2016)

“Fire”

When we last saw her, Nikki Harris (cybermation witch and sci-fi heroine) faced two challenges.  One was solving the mystery of the Kaninium mines on the planet Util.  The other was fighting off the maniacal assassin,  MARION3TT3.

The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch #8 (“Fire”) opens on the planet Infantino.  There, Nikki awaits the arrival of Ambassador Royks to whom she will act as a bodyguard.  He is attending an important peace summit, and if the summit fails there will be war between many star systems.  The fate of the galaxy seems to be in Nikki's hands, and she must also deal with the pesky, Farrah Heit.

The end may be near for The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch comic book (as I've been informed).  Of course, that's a shame.  It seems as if I like this series more and more with each new issue, simply because it is so thoroughly enjoyable.

Over the years, writer-artist Carter Allen has continued to refine his digital comics process, and the result is a colorful and vibrant graphical package that recalls Tron: Legacy.  With comic flare and sly wit, Nikki is ready to be a breakout star, and she outshines the few other efforts at sci-fi humor comics, which are often lame.  The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch  remains a cool comic book – maybe being a little cooler than ever.

A

http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/
www.nikkithewitch.com
www.warningcomics.com

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

------------------------

Review: MAN IS VOX: Barracudae (Expanded Edition)

MAN IS VOX: BARRACUDAE (Expanded Edition)
CANDLE LIGHT PRESS – @candlelightpres

WRITER: John Ira Thomas
ARTIST: Carter Allen
INKS: Jeremy Smith (“Dessert” story)
LETTERS: John Ira Thomas
COVER: Carter Allen
ISBN: 978-0-9966176-1-1; paperback (2015)
144pp, B&W and Color $14.95 U.S.

Published by Candle Light Press (CLP), Man is Vox: Barracudae is a 2003 original graphic novel (OGN) created by writer John Ira Thomas and artist Carter Allen.  The story follows a man who is essentially a killer on the search for a psycho who kills some women and abuses in terrible ways those that he does not kill.  Because of the resources and processes available to them at the time, Thomas and Allen were not able to see Barracudae published the way they intended it.

2015 is Candle Light Press' 20th anniversary.  In fact, there is a book celebrating that anniversary, CLP20: Twenty Years of Candle Light Press (http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/clp20.htm), a book to which I have contributed a few notes.  For CLP, this anniversary provides an opportunity to re-release, re-present, and repackage some of its publications.

Man is Vox: Barracudae (http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/barra.htm) gets a makeover with the release of Man is Vox: Barracudae (Expanded Edition).  It is the same graphic novel, but with color restored to the sections that were meant to be presented in color.  Additional material has been added to the main narrative, and there is a new color story produced by Thomas and Allen for this new edition of one of CLP's classic comics.  Man is Vox: Barracudae (Expanded Edition) is also published in a larger format, 7.25” x 9.5” (where as the original 2003 edition was small at 6” x 9”)

Man is Vox: Barracudae follows the trippy adventures of Tyson Gurst a.k.a. “The Fearsome Shade” a.k.a. “The Husband.”  Early in the story, a dying mobster tries to make a trade for his life (because Gurst is going to kill him).  The doomed criminal alerts Gurst to a bigger crime.  Traveling a state highway of gas stations and cheap motels, the Fearsome Shade will discover a conspiracy that ends with some of the most powerful good guys around.

Man is Vox: Barracudae is crazy.  John Ira Thomas is experimental and sometimes avant-garde, to the detriment of the narrative in a few places.  That said:  this comic book is unabashedly humorous, and, in its final act, it playfully skewers superhero comics, particularly the post-modern twisting of traditional superhero comics that started in the 1980s and continues to this day.  I like its ideas; truth and justice do come at a cost.  What do we really want from our saviors?  Do they really know what we want?

With Man is Vox: Barracudae, Carter Allen shows off his storytelling skills.  Mixing both media and drawing styles, Allen makes Thomas' script work as graphical storytelling without grounding it into boring practicality.  Allen remains an original voice in American comic books.

What I said about the original is true of Man is Vox: Barracudae (Expanded Edition).  It is both trippy and inspired.  It puts the original in OGN – original graphic novel.  Readers looking for high-quality independently published graphic novels will find one in the spiffy new Man is Vox: Barracudae (Expanded Edition).

http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/
http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/barra2.htm
https://www.facebook.com/Candle-Light-Press-43073733772/

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

Review: The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch #7

THE ADVENTURES OF NIKKI HARRIS THE CYBERMATION WITCH #7
CANDLE LIGHT PRESS/Warning Comics – @candlelightpres @attila71

CARTOONIST: Carter Allen – @attila71
32pp, Colors, $3.00 U.S. (2015)

“Nikki Harris and the Kaninium Mines of Util”

It's never too soon.  Our favorite space heroine is back!  After surviving (barely) Tile the Hunter, Nikki Harris, is ready to fight another space menace.  Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch returns with a new issue of her comic book, the second issue of 2015.

As The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch #7 (“Nikki Harris and the Kaninium Mines of Util”) begin, The Broomstick, a slick space craft, soars into the depths of space.  Aboard this fast and nimble ship is Nikki, called to the mining planet of Util to solve a mystery.  The planet is the only source of the miracle mineral, Kaninium.

Chief Administrator Georg Agricola and Administrator Pliny tell Nikki that as the sole source of Kaninium, Util is vital to galaxy.  However, that vital piece of the galactic puzzle is threatened by a mystery deep in the Kaninium mines.  And the other mystery:  who is MARION3TT3?

There was a nearly two-year gap between the publication of the fifth and sixth issues of The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch.  Now, issue #7 comes just months after the arrival of issue #6.  This new issue is a simple reminder of how much fans of Nikki Harris miss her and of how much we wish writer-artist Carter Allen could give us more Nikki.

As readers demand more space for female heroes and characters in comic books, Nikki Harris is ready to take her place with vivid, full-color adventures possessing a comic flare and a sly wit.  With each issue, Allen refines his art and comics, making every new issue of The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch kind of like a technological upgrade.  We are apparently in the midst of a run of more frequent appearances of Nikki Harris, so hopefully a surge of new readers is ready to awaken to this cool comic book.

A

http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/
www.nikkithewitch.com
www.warningcomics.com

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux (support on Patreon)


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

Review: THE ADVENTURES OF NIKKI HARRIS THE CYBERMATION WITCH #6

THE ADVENTURES OF NIKKI HARRIS THE CYBERMATION WITCH #6
CANDLE LIGHT PRESS/Warning Comics – @candlelightpres @attila71

CARTOONIST: Carter Allen – @attila71
28pp, Colors, $2.99 U.S. (2015)

“Attack of the Hunter”

Indie comic's top space opera heroine is back, bringing with her a unique, full-color blend of sci-fi and superhero humor.  Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch returns with a new issue of her comic book for the first time since 2013.  This return, however, could mean the end for the woman who is the bane of every Voyd's existence.

As The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch #6 (“Attack of the Hunter”) opens, Nikki returns to Earth.  In her last adventure, she stopped Nautilie's machinations on the planet, Qua.  There is no rest for the weary, however, as a mysterious nemesis has sought the services of an assassin to kill Nikki.  Our heroine could use a break and a pick-me-up, but Tile the Hunter strikes hard at Nikki.  And for the first time, Nikki looks like she may not come out on top.

After two years, The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch the comic book makes a welcomed return.  Writer-artist Carter Allen's digitally-produced, full color comic book is always a fun read.  I wish it was published with more frequency.  The series is ready to make its next big step into the consciousness of the comic book reading public.

One of the things about superhero comic books is that the reader wants to believe in the peril that his or her favorite hero faces is real, although we know that, in the end, the hero will survive.  As I read issue six, I believed that Tile the Hunter could be the end of Nikki Harris.  Bravo!  I am glad that Tile is, one on one, more than a match for Nikki.  After the first five issues, it is good to see that #6 is the beginning of a new and more dangerous era for Nikki.

Now, is a good time for new readers to start loving her.  And Nikki will love you back... long time – in a comic book reading sort of way.

A

http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/
www.nikkithewitch.com
www.warningcomics.com

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

Review - CARTER ALLEN: Monster Maker

CARTER ALLEN: MONSTER MAKER
CANDLE LIGHT PRESS/Warning Comics – @candlelightpres

WRITER/ARTIST: Carter Allen
Paperback – 8.2” x 11.7” (2014)
28pp, Color, $10.00 U.S.

Carter Allen previously released two art books:  All These Worlds: The Artwork of Carter Allen and Galaxy Girls and Hell Hounds: All These Worlds, The Artwork of Carter Allen.  Allen is a comic book artist and a prolific producer of graphic novels (including the Dub Trub series).  Allen is also the creator of the comic book series, Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch.

Now, Carter Allen offers another soft cover album of drawings and illustrations, and it is entitled Carter Allen: Monster Maker.  Allen even draws admiration from comic book artist Phil Hester, whose praise is used as a quote on the back cover of Monster Maker.

Subtitled “An Illustrated Creature Feature,” Carter Allen: Monster Maker has as a dominant theme giant monsters.  The favored giant monsters in Monster Maker are the kaiju, known for their roles in Japanese monster movies and for being the Earth-stomping, Armageddon-bringing baddies in Guillermo del Toro’s 2013 monster mash, Pacific Rim.  Monster Maker also offers gods, zombies, mecha and other giant robots.  Most of the art here is recent work, with several pieces apparently produced this year.  Even Nikki Harris, that outer space kicker of monster butt, makes an appearance.

There are even mock movie posters, and reading this book, it is easy to see that Allen is summoning up the ghosts of Saturday matinees past – both at the local theatre and on local television.  The film industry might not make monster movies like they used to, but someone apparently still has the kind of imagination that once dreamed up big monsters.  That’s Carter Allen, and Carter Allen: Monster Maker wants to make you stretch your vision and imagination to see the biggest and the baddest monsters.

A-

Carter Allen: Monster Maker ($10) is available at this link:
http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/monstermaker.htm

www.candlelightpress.com
candlelightpress.tumblr.com
www.nikkithewitch.com
www.warningcomics.com

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

Review: The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch Omnibus Vol. 1

THE ADVENTURES OF NIKKI HARRIS THE CYBERMATION WITCH OMNIBUS VOL. 1
CANDLE LIGHT PRESS/Warning Comics – @candlelightpres

CARTOONIST: Carter Allen
ISBN:  978-0-9895371-0-0; paperback (June 21, 2013)
160pp, Color, $14.95 U.S.

Carter Allen, prolific cartoonist, comic book artist, and graphic novelist, presents the first trade collection of his comic book series, The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch.  Nikki Harris is a comic book character who has made annual appearances in her own comic book series for the last seven years.

The latest Nikki Harris publication is The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch Omnibus Vol. 1.  This full color paperback book reprints The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch 2.0 #1-2, and The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch #3-5.  This includes five stories, several pages of pin-up art, and some character profiles.

In these five comic books, Nikki faces a sci-fi rogue’s gallery of weirdo adversaries.  First, Nikki battles an old Voyd war machine (#1).  Then, she faces Lady Opulent Red in Old Europe (#2).  In the ersatz, Disney World-like Candy Citadel, she smacks sweets with Citizen Cane (#3).  Nikki returns to her alma mater, Grantham Academy, and gets grief from both the bitchy Headmistress and the “mirror image” or a villain from her first issue (#4).  Finally, on the planet, Qua, the “Love Boat” becomes “Die Hard-on-a-boat” when Nikki faces Nautilie (#5).

As a fan of Nikki Harris comic books, I am happy for The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch Omnibus Vol. 1.  It is the best way to read the series, which is still ongoing.  One handy edition, this omnibus captures the graphical, visual, and storytelling elements that make Nikki Harris’ adventures a unique comic book reading experience.

From the exotic quality of the presentation to the quirky, but sparkling sci-fi, Nikki Harris is an ode to the joy of reading a comic book.  This series is the traditional fashioned with the tools of a new medium.  Nikki’s brash personality and cowboy-hero persona are now in one volume, which may (or may not) be enough to hold Nikki fans between issues.

A

www.candlelightpress.com
www.nikkithewitch.com

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

The text is copyright © 2013 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

Review: The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch #5

THE ADVENTURES OF NIKKI HARRIS THE CYBERMATION WITCH #5

CANDLE LIGHT PRESS/Warning Comics – @candlelightpres
CARTOONIST: Carter Allen
24pp, Color, $2.99 US (2013)

Let’s all go on a sea cruise, right?

She can match up with just about any space opera heroine, and she’s back. Nikki Harris, the Cybermation Witch, makes her annual comic book appearance in The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch #5, entitled “Hell on the High Seas.” This time around, Nikki is on a working vacation, but the work turns out to be a bit tougher than she expected.

Nikki Harris has traveled to the planet, Qua. This water world is a “pleasure planet of the colonial worlds,” and is apparently a popular destination with tourists the universe over. Among Qua’s most popular attractions are the hydrocruisers, which are ocean-going party vessels. Nikki has booked passage on one of them, the Pontoppidan.

However, Nikki isn’t onboard just to par-tay. She’s tracking another passenger, Dr. Elias DuHarm, who could lead her to a cabal that supports the Voyd, the alien horde that has invaded Earth. Vacation turns to terror, however, and it’s “Die Hard on a boat,” when Nautilie attacks.

The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch is a digitally-produced comic book series. Writer/artist Carter Allen renders the images, graphics, and texts using a computer and software. Early on in the series, the Nikki Harris comics, visually and graphically, seemed as stiff as early computer-produced comic book efforts (remember Shatter from First Comics?).

The most recent Nikki Harris color comic books are different. The art pops off the page, and even Allen’s compositions, with their Spartan production and design values, occasionally take on an exotic quality. Nikki’s brash personality and cowboy-hero persona come at the reader like one of her combat moves. This quirky, but sparkling sci-fi, super-chick series will grow on you, and you’ll be waiting for next issue.

A

www.candlelightpress.com

www.nikkithewitch.com

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux