I Reads You: small press

Showing posts with label small press. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: FRAGMENTA 7: Dan Callahan and the Sand Pirates

FRAGMENTA 7: DAN CALLAHAN AND THE SAND PIRATES

CANDLE LIGHT PRESS

STORY: John Ira Thomas

ART: Will Beard

COVER: Val Mayerik with Will Grant

Color, $15.00 US, 68pp, hardcover (2015)

Fragmenta 7: Dan Callahan and the Sand Pirates is the seventh entry in Candle Light Press' Fragmenta publications. This is a series of paperback and hardcover books, picture books, and pamphlets. Each edition collects essays, scripts, art, and/or comics produced by the writers and artists of Candle Light Press. Some of this material concerns early or uncompleted projects, while other material represents developmental words and pictures for completed projects.

Apparently, back in the old days, several of the creators who would eventually form Candle Light Press produced an anthology comic book entitled, ED. One of the projects that would be serialized in ED was a weird western adventure entitled, Dan Callahan and the Sand Pirates. Written by John Ira Thomas and drawn by Will Beard, this comic was never finished. Everything that exists of Dan Callahan and the Sand Pirates is three finished chapters, one chapter in pencil form, and a script for a fifth (and evidently, final) chapter.

Fragmenta 7: Dan Callahan and the Sand Pirates is a hardcover book that collects the five chapters of the Dan Callahan serial. This book also includes a nine-page history written by John Ira Thomas that details both ill-fated projects – the Dan Callahan comic and the ED anthology.

THE LOWDOWN: So, dear reader, you probably want to know something about the actual Dan Callahan and the Sand Pirates comic. It is set sometime in the latter half of the 19th century. The title character, Dan Callahan, is a 20-something young man who is studying engineering at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO. He is also eagerly awaiting his wife-to-be, Miss Dolores O'Riordan, whom he has never met in person, having only seen a picture of her.

Dolores is presumed dead or, at least, missing after the train by which she was traveling is attacked (obviously, as far as white people are concerned) by those reliable savages, Indians! Determined to find her, Dan heads towards Arizona on a misadventure that nearly costs him his life. A half-Chinese, half-Apache woman who calls herself “The Painted Lady” rescues Dan. Although she thinks that he is stupid and crazy, she decides to help Dan find his betrothed, who happens to be prisoner, She is held captive by a band of pirates wreaking havoc aboard a ship that sails through sand as if it were water.

Although Dan Callahan and the Sand Pirates is an early and primitive work by the exceptionally talented John Ira Thomas and the imaginative Will Beard, it is entertaining... at least to me. I don't think that Dan Callahan should be an abandoned project. When one considers all the weird Westerns that American comics creators have given their readers, a spiffed-up Dan Callahan and the Sand Pirates could be a standout comic book.

So Fragmenta 7: Dan Callahan and the Sand Pirates is probably the best Fragmenta so far, because of the potential of its contents. Also, this book has a Val Mayerik cover that is hard to resist.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of earlier Fragmenta and also fans of Western comic books will want Fragmenta 7: Dan Callahan and the Sand Pirates.

B+

★★★½ out of 4 stars

Fragment 7: Dan Callahan and the Sand Pirates is available for sale at various shows and conventions in which Candle Light Press appears.

https://candlelightpress.tumblr.com

https://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/dan.html

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

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: ECTYRON V ROJO GALLO

ECTYRON V ROJO GALLO

CANDLE LIGHT PRESS/Warning Comics

STORY: Carter Allen

SCRIPT: John Ira Thomas

ART: Carter Allen

COLORS: Carter Allen

LETTERS: John Ira Thomas

COVER: Carter Allen

BACK COVER: Will Grant

32pp, Color, $5.00 U.S. (2025)

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), the Ectyron Omnibus Vol. 1 (2022), and Ectyron vs. Des Moines (2023).

Ectyron is back on the attack in the recently released comic book, Ectyron v Rojo Gallo. It is written by Allen (story) and John Ira Thomas (script); drawn and colored by Allen; and lettered by Thomas. Ectyron comics employ particular elements of various Japanese science fiction sub-genres, in particular “Kaiju.” This is a term used to describe the giant monsters and the fiction in which they appear. Godzilla is an example of a kaiju, and Ectyron, a giant-sized chicken, is also a kaiju.

Ectyron v Rojo Gallo opens somewhere Iowa. There, the sinister forces of Lord Gar-Lahk have summoned the monstrous rooster and demonic kaiju, “Rojo Gallo.” With the Parademon-like “Tactighouls” right behind, Rojo Gallo begins a brutal campaign built on fear, pain, and terror that affects the entire regions. Now, Madam Madamn (of “Sustenatione Stabilitas”) and that wonder of science, “AtomI.K.E.,” add their power to the might and majesty of Ectyron. But can our heroes save the locals who seem to have invited this campaign of fear and hate on their own town?

THE LOWDOWN: I have been receiving review copies of Carter Allen's comic books and graphic novels for almost two decades. He always sends me review copies of his Ectyron titles, including Ectyron v Rojo Gallo. We also collaborated on the 2024 original graphic novel, The Wrath of Karapace: A Big Spirits Epic.

Once again, Allen uses lush watercolors to produce his art and storytelling. That gives Ectyron v Rojo Gallo an almost surreal sensibility. The story is literally a firestorm, a raging inferno that rides the winds of prejudice and bigotry to the point where no one is safe from the sh*t they started. Allen's art is really graphical storytelling, wild and crazy, full of big panels that recall classic “Silver Age” monster comics and “Space Age” monster movies. Reading the story is like entering a fun madhouse of perfectly weird comic book ideas

I have to admit that I was surprised that Carter and his co-conspirator, writer John Ira Thomas, offers some sharp political and social commentary in this comic book. There is not a lot of it, but what appears is merciless and timely. I don't want to spoil Allen and Thomas' savory barbs, but yes, some of you did not vote for this, but then again, you kinda did... In Ectyron v. Rojo Gallo, the citizenry reaps what it sowed, and as always, now they want the people whom they tried to own to help them.

Ectyron v Rojo Gallo is a double-bladed delight. Find the Candle Light Press gang at a convention and snag a copy.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of kaiju and of Carter Allen's kaiju comic books will want Ectyron v Rojo Gallo.

A+

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

http://www.warningcomics.com/

http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/

https://x.com/attila71

https://x.com/candlelightpres

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

https://www.deviantart.com/vectorattila

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

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: CABRA CINI: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #0 Deluxe

CABRA CINI: VOODOO JUNKIE HITWOMAN #0 DELUXE

ACTUALITY PRESS

STORY: Sam Johnson

ART: Bruno Letizia; Carlos Granda

COLORS: Chunlin Zhao

LETTERS: Bruno Letizia; Paul McLaren

COVER: Carlos Granda with Chunlin Zhao

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Flint Douglas with Chunlin Zhao

38pp, Color, £12 (print), £8 (digital)

Suggest for mature readers

Cabra Cini created by Sam Johnson

“Voodoo Trespass,” “Into the Infinite”

Cabra Cini is a comics character created by writer Sam Johnson. He is best known as the writer and creator of the sexy superhero, Geek-Girl, who has starred in a comedy-fantasy miniseries and ongoing series. Cabra Cini is a former sex worker who used “voodoo magik” to free herself of her abusive pimp/boyfriend. Now, she is a hit woman addicted to voodoo, Cabra Cini: Hitwoman.

Johnson recently launched a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign in order to publish Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #0 Deluxe. This standalone comic book collects the two Cabra Cini stories, “Voodoo Trespass” and “Into the Infinite,” which were originally published in the the comic books, Geek-Girl #5-9 (cover dated: October 2019 to February 2022).

Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #0 Deluxe opens with the story “Voodoo Trespass.” Between Heaven and Hell, there is Limbo. However, Limbo isn't all white space; there is an upper-level, tucked-away dimension inside it called “the Infinite.” Cabra Cini uses the Infinite to get from where she is to where she is going – on the way to kill someone. Cabra has just accepted a new assignment, but this time, the Rook, the ruler of the Infinite, means business. He doesn't want Cabra using his realm in order to get to her kills, and he will throw everything at her to stop her, including a terrible figure from her terrible past.

Next up is “Into the Infinite.” Drug-dealer Jacob Trencher wants Cabra Cini to kill his ex-business partner, Ethan Drew. Trencher, himself, is pretty versed in the dark arts and darker dimensions. And what is the connection between Cabra's latest assignment and Maine's most famous superhero, Geek-Girl? This time, Cabra Cini doesn't know what she needs to know.

THE LOWDOWN: Sam Johnson provided me with a PDF review copy of Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #0 Deluxe. The Kickstarter campaign for this comic book has already started.

Cabra Cini is both weird and dark, and I think weird fiction should be dark even when it plays in the light. Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #0 Deluxe darkly weird and weirdly dark, and Johnson, as usual, has a good time writing Cabra Cini stories, as evident in these two tart treats. Readers with broad tastes will recognize ideas that are similar to elements from Marvel's Elektra (the Frank Miller version as seen in Daredevil) and from DC Comics' John Constantine: Hellblazer and Preacher. I don't want to spoil Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #0 Deluxe, but the stories contained here do three things. They offer an origin story; connect to Geek-Girl; and act as a bridge to the 2022 Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman four-issue miniseries.

The artists of the two stories here, Bruno Letizia and Carlos Granda, respectively, are different in graphical styles, but are similar in that they are both quality storytellers. Their storytelling, dear readers, will make you want to get more Cabra Cini comic books, and both stories give a quick overview and introduction to the world of the voodoo junkie hitwoman. That's what is also great about this – the title, and, sooner or later, Cabra Cini will be a big thing in comic books.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of writer Sam Johnson's comic books and of Cabra Cini will want to both fund and read Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #0 Deluxe.

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

Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #0 Deluxe Kickstarter page.

Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #0 Deluxe Kickstarter video.

https://twitter.com/daSamJohnson

https://twitter.com/Markosia

https://twitter.com/Markosia_News

https://markosia.com/

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

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).

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: BONE #43

[This review of "Bone #43" is one of the early comic book review that I ever wrote for my “Negromancer” blog (which began as a website) way back in mid-Summer of 2001. For a few years, I wrote my comic book reviews under the column title, "Why I Love Saturn," which I took from Kyle Baker's 1990 graphic novel, "Why I Hate Saturn."

Recently, I was able to recover my files from two 2000s-era hard drives. Beginning with this review, I am going to go back and re-edit all my original “Negromancer” comic book reviews and post these updated versions on here, my “I Reads You” blog. I hope you enjoy the trip back in time.]

BONE #43

CARTOON BOOKS

"Why I Love Saturn" Episode Five

CARTOONIST: Jeff Smith

COVER: Jeff Smith with Steve Hamaker

28pp, B&W, $2.95 U.S., $4.50 CAN (July-August 2001)

“Prayer Stone”

For the unfamiliar, Bone is a delight hiding in wait for you to discovery it. Begun in 1991, Bone is best read in one of its seven collected volumes, which are available in comic book shops and bookstores, both the brick and mortar versions and online versions.

But for those in the know, who follow the semi-regularly published individual issues, it is one of the truly great comic books of the modern era, and one of the best since it began publication. Like Cerebus before it, Bone has become much more than what it seemed to be in the beginning of its run. What began as a fine all-ages, adventure tale has become an excellent epic fantasy, or, at least, as good as a comic book can be as an epic fantasy.

Bone #43 finds Gran'ma Ben, Thorn Harvestar, and the Bone cousins (Fone Bone, Phoncible P. “Phoney” Bone, and Smiley Bone) having finally reached the sacred walls of the old capital, Atheia. There, they hope to discover a way to save “the Valley.” So what will they find there?

In this work, cartoonist Jeff Smith is a master yarn spinner and fine comic book creator. He understands how to arrange panels on a page and how to arrange pages to tell the most effective stories. Smith's art skills are strong, and like Jamie Hernandez of Love and Rockets fame, he is one of the few modern comic book artists who plies his trade in black and white as a master illustrator and storyteller. Both Smith and Hernandez's comics approach the power and skill of past black and white masters such as Alex Toth and Wally Wood.

If you stopped reading Bone in the last few years, it’s just as good, if not better than before. It’s calling you home. New readers, try one of the seven trades; the story is entertaining and coherent no matter where you start.

★★★★ out of 4 stars

Original date: September 4, 2001

Edited with a rewrite: Tuesday, June 17, 2025

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

The entire run of Bone has been collected in a single paperback collection, entitled BONE: THE COMPLETE CARTOON EPIC IN ONE VOLUME at Amazon.

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: LOVE AND ROCKETS Volume II #2

[This review of "Love and Rockets Volume II #2" is one of the early comic book review that I wrote for my “Negromancer” blog, the original version, way back in mid-Summer of 2001. For a few years, I wrote my comic book reviews under the column title, "Why I Love Saturn," which I took from Kyle Baker's 1990 graphic novel, "Why I Hate Saturn."

LOVE AND ROCKETS VOLUME II #2

FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS

"Why I Love Saturn" Episode Three

STORY: Gilbert Hernandez; Jaime Hernandez; Mario Hernandez

ART: Gilbert Hernandez; Jaime Hernandez

LETTERS: Gilbert Hernandez; Jaime Hernandez

EDITOR: Gary Groth

COVER: Gilbert Hernandez with Carrie Whitney

BACK COVER: Jaime Hernandez with Carrie Whitney

36pp, B&W, $3.95 U.S., $5.95 CAN (Summer 2001)

The return of Love and Rockets can be viewed with trepidation. After all, Gilbert Hernandez’s Luba, Luba’s Comics and Stories, and his all ages title Measles, and Jaime Hernandez’s Penny Century well served their talents. However, fans of the Los Bros. were apparently having trouble finding their post L&R work precisely because it did not carry the “Love and Rockets” brand. Volume II of the fabled title, which ran from the mid-80’s to the mid 90’s for 50 beautiful issues and is one of the all time great comic book series reunites Jaime Hernandez and Gilbert Hernandez with brother Mario Hernandez for the first time in ages. It’s off to a wobbly start.

The first reason is because it follows such an important and well-regarded work as the original series and expectations are very high. Secondly and more important, the brothers have simply outgrown it the need for an anthology series that combines their work.

Gilbert is the least served by the new series of the three. His aforementioned solo works served his growing talent as a writer, difficult, as it is to believe that he could get better. With the serialized “Blood of Palomar, “X,” and “Poison River,” Gilbert had proved himself to be the preeminent comic book writer. Yes, better than anyone writing during that time, including Alan Moore and Neil Gaiman, who were getting all the attention. His post L&R solo titles served Gilbert’s ability to weave a long story arc over several issues or different titles. The stories were stunning when read together, but they were almost as good when read as single issues.

Love and Rockets Volume II #2 opens with “Julio’s Day,” Gilbert’s short tale that showcases everything that he does well: evocative dialogue and excellent page layouts. His art is that which marks him as a special cartoonist, that being a writer who can tell his story in words and pictures as well or better than it could be told in words or in pictures alone. However, the format of L&R Volume II limits Gilbert’s contribution to these kinds of nice little shorts like “Julio’s Day,” of which he is quite good. We can, however, get that from Measles; or the two Luba titles.

The issue’s second offering is Jaime’s “Maggie,” which is a pleasant little offering as far as the story goes, nothing serious or earth shattering. Although capable of beautiful, longer work, Jaime thrives in short stories and vignettes; he entertains in one page as easily as some can fail to entertain in a four issue mini-series.

The ongoing revelation is certainly Jaime’s continuing, astounding growth as an artist. From the beginning, his talent was obvious, and his ability to harness that talent became evident with each story. I am so overwhelmed by his illustrative powers that I can hardly stand to look at a page for more than a minute before I must turn my face lest I go blind. As an illustrator of black and white comic books, he is Toth-good, Eisner-good, Wood-good, and too damn good.

Mario Hernandez returns in the current issue as a writer with Gilbert as artist in "Me for the Unknown." The story’s surrealism is ably matched by Gilbert’s drawing prowess, but the story fails to arouse much interest. I’m quite sure that it would be best read in its entirety. The feeling is that something fantastic waits just over the horizon from these the combo of these two brothers, but serialization may not be good for any Mario-Beto collaborations.

The issue’s final offering is Gilbert’s return of Errata Stigmata is “Erratic Stigmatic,” which is a welcome return of an old character. It is a nice morsel of Beto’s continuing experimentation with his brand of surrealism, which mixes and matches several genres, artistic styles, and storytelling forms. Uniquely his own brand of work, one can see a story like the above and realize that there is nothing like Beto’s cartooning in current comics.

Reservations aside, this book is not to be missed simply for the fact that three brilliant comic book minds are moving and expanding the medium. Over time the series will gain its own momentum and surprise and delight us as the original did. Sadly, this is largely lost on a comic book reading populace that is too hungry for the next bat/mutant/manga event spectacular.

A-

★★★½ out of 4 stars

Edited from the original: Sunday, April 20, 2025

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

Enjoy Love & Rockets paperback and hardcover trade collections found at the LOVE AND ROCKETS LIBRARY page at Amazon.

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

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: GEEK-GIRL #15

GEEK-GIRL #15

MARKOSIA ENTERPRISES, LTD.

STORY: Sam Johnson

ART: Carlos Granda

COLORS: Chunlin Zhao

LETTERS: Paul McLaren

COVERS: Carlos Granda with Chunlin Zhao; Aaron Felizmenio

24pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2025)

Rated T+

Geek-Girl created by Sam Johnson

“Identity Crisis” Part 5: “Coming Together.”

Created by Sam Johnson, Geek-Girl is a comic book character that debuted in the 2016 Geek-Girl miniseries, She returned in a second miniseries, 2018's Geek-Girl Vol. 2, which subsequently became an ongoing series. Geek-Girl Vol. 2 is written by Sam Johnson; drawn by Carlos Granda; colored by Chunlin Zhao; and lettered by Paul McLaren.

Geek-Girl focuses on Ruby Kaye of Acorn Ridge, Maine, a sexy and popular college coed who inadvertently becomes a superhero. Ruby dons a pair of super-tech eye glasses that give her super-powers. Ruby's BFF, Summer James, then talks her into trying to be a superhero, even providing her with a moniker. Now, Ruby is Maine's newest superhero, “Geek-Girl,” but the female super-villain, Identity Thief, has stolen her powers.

Geek-Girl #15 (“Coming Together.”) opens in the wake of Ruby's confrontation with Identity Thief in a bid to get her powers back. Ruby is shocked to learn that Identity Thief also stole the powers of one of her most dangerous opponents, Lightning Storm. But what did Identity Thief really steal. With a little help from her friends, Ruby might finally defeat Identity Thief and get some answers.

Meanwhile, Summer has gained powers of her own via the power-sharing group, “The Hive.” But does she really understand what she has gotten herself into and what it costs?

THE LOWDOWN: Geek-Girl creator-writer Sam Johnson regularly sends me PDF review copies of the latest issues of Geek-Girl, and has been doing so for several years. I enjoy reading about Geek-Girl and her (mis)adventures. I like this comic book enough to keep encouraging you to give this addictive series a try, dear readers.

Geek-Girl #15 brings to an end the “Identity Thief” story arc that began in Geek-Girl #11. Writer Sam Johnson wraps up this arc, but he also gifts his readers with plenty ghosts of Christmas-futures in the form of emerging subplots. I don't want to say that this is my favorite issue, but I want to say that Johnson does what he does so often. That is he makes an issue so good that you immediately want more, so this could be my favorite until the next issue. Truth is that Johnson is quite good at writing superhero comic books, but how he does it is like no other writer. Geek-Girl always seems fresh and is always crackling with energy, but without a reliance on decades of prior storytelling, as is the case with what is passing for the new hotness in current American comic books.

Artist Carlos Granda is quite good at capturing facial expressions and the quirkiness and oddness in the way people act in the context of emotions and speech. That really serves him well in Geek-Girl #15, which has a hilarious bit about pronouns. Granda has also created his own unique superhero storytelling language. He is quietly moving beyond the expected and into new territories of naturalism, surrealism, and realism. It seems like an impossible trio, but he is doing something new and something that is exiting to read. Granda's excellent storytelling here shows all the more under Chunlin Zhao's excellent colors (as usual) and Paul McLaren's consistent lettering.

I enjoyed Geek-Girl #15, and I heartily recommend it to you, dear readers. Geek-Girl captures the charm and magic of classic comic books and adds a clever modern touch. I know that more of you will want to discover it.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of lovable superheroes will find an all-around winner in Geek-Girl.

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

You can get more information about Geek-Girl #15 and purchase it here or at https://samjohnsoncomics.wixsite.com/geekgirlcomics.

https://x.com/daSamJohnson

https://x.com/Geek_Girl_Comic

https://x.com/Markosia

https://markosia.com/

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

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: BIG GUNS STUPID REDNECKS #3

BIG GUNS STUPID REDNECKS #3 (OF 3)

BAND OF BARDS

STORY: Austin Allen Hamblin

ART: Mariana Meira

COLORS: Mariana Meira

LETTERS: John Ira Thomas

EDITOR: Chuck Satterlee

COVER: Mariana Meira

VARIANT COVER: Trey Baldwin

Color, $4.99 U.S. (November 2024)

Rated: “Teen”

Big Guns Stupid Rednecks is a three-issue miniseries written by Austin Allen Hamblin and drawn and colored by Mariana Meira. Published by Band of Bards, the series focuses on a retired lawman who fights to the death in order to entertain an alien television audience. Letterer John Ira Thomas completes the series' creative team.

Big Guns Stupid Rednecks focuses on Clint, a retired police detective who was investigating a string of unexplained disappearances in the southern part of the United States. One of the missing was Clay, Clint's younger brother by twelve years. The search resulted in Clint being abducted... by aliens. Intergalactic cable's biggest hit show is “Big Guns Stupid Rednecks” (BGSR), and the alien producers need a steady supply of rednecks, which they get by kidnapping humans. Clint is the latest combatant.

Big Guns Stupid Rednecks #3 opens with a celebration of “Big Guns Stupid Rednecks'” anniversary program, and the celebratory anniversary match is a doozy. It's Clint versus... his brother Clay?! But isn't Clay dead? Well, that's alien science for ya! And Clay is out for blood, while Clint has no idea of what's to come. Plus, Oweful, the alien creator of “Big Guns Stupid Rednecks,” has a deadly surprise for everyone.

THE LOWDOWN: Series writer Austin Allen Hamblin hooked me up with a PDF review copy of Big Guns Stupid Rednecks #3. It is the third Band of Bards publication that I have read.

Hamblin has delivered a pleasant ending to this pleasantly surprising series. For BGSR, he recreated some of the irreverent and edgy humor that readers found in such venerable sci-fi/fantasy anthologies as Heavy Metal and 2000AD over the last five decades. Hamblin did all that and set up this three-issue miniseries so that it can give birth to a media franchise. The ending here does not have to be an ending, and that's what I want – more rednecks.

Mariana Meira's art is stylish and visually appealing. Her storytelling is solid and captures the exciting nature of Hamblin's script. Meira's menagerie of alien beings also recalls the early years of Jaime Hernandez's “Locas” stories in Love and Rockets. It is in that strangeness of aliens that meets with the strangeness of outsider humanity. She spins this weird yarn into its surprise ending, which hopefully will give her a chance to expand the concept in the (near) future.

Yes, Big Guns Stupid Rednecks is not perfect, but it is perfectly grounded in the cool weirdness of comic books. Big Guns Stupid Rednecks #3 promises that there can be bigger guns and stupider rednecks. Some of us want that.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of outrageous sci-fi comedy and of 2000AD will want to give Big Guns Stupid Rednecks a try.

A-

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

https://bandofbards.com/

Austin Allen Hamblin:

Website: www.hamblincomics.com

Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/AustinAllenHamblin

Online Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HamblinComics

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

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: GEEK-GIRL #14

GEEK-GIRL #14

MARKOSIA ENTERPRISES, LTD.

STORY: Sam Johnson

ART: Carlos Granda

COLORS: Chunlin Zhao

LETTERS: Paul McLaren

COVERS: Carlos Granda with Chunlin Zhao; L.C. Freitas and Flinn Douglas with Chunlin Zhao

24pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2024)

Rated T+

Geek-Girl created by Sam Johnson

“Identity Crisis” Part 4: “Lightning Stormed”

Created by Sam Johnson, Geek-Girl is a comic book character that debuted in the 2016 Geek-Girl miniseries, She returned in a second miniseries, 2018's Geek-Girl Vol. 2, which subsequently became an ongoing series. Geek-Girl Vol. 2 is written by Sam Johnson; drawn by Carlos Granda; colored by Chunlin Zhao; and lettered by Paul McLaren.

Geek-Girl focuses on Ruby Kaye of Acorn Ridge, Maine, a sexy and popular college coed who inadvertently becomes a superhero. Ruby dons a pair of super-tech eye glasses that give her super-powers. Ruby's BFF, Summer James, then talks her into trying to be a superhero, even providing her with a moniker. Now, Ruby is Maine's newest superhero, “Geek-Girl,” but the female super-villain, Identity Thief, has stolen her powers.

Geek-Girl #14 (“Lightning Stormed”) finds “Identity Thief,” the villain who stole Geek-Girl's powers, living an imposter's life as Ruby. She is also living the high-life, partying with Karin Carpenter, Teyla, Alex, and Jools. What Identity Thief doesn't know is that Ruby is lurking, ready to strike back in order to retrieve her powers.

Meanwhile, Ruby's BFF, Summer, is out to get her own super-powers. That brings her to the strange and weird “Mr. Phenomenal,” but getting those powers means that Summer has to sign a contract. Does she understand all it will cost her to become a superhero?

Meanwhile, the League of Larcenists find themselves at the mercy of the denizens of the incarceration/rehabilitation center, “The Diner.” Can Chromex/Delfi Matrix answer Xie's questions that way she is supposed to answer them?

Geek-Girl #14 is deep into the “Identity Thief” story line that began in Geek-Girl #11. Writer Sam Johnson has completely sold this story line of the crisis of Ruby Kaye to his readers. Johnson makes you feel that Ruby is indeed in crisis and that she has been violated in the most horrible and intimate of ways. I'm constantly on edge, irritated, and anxious about Ruby's situation, even when I am reading about other characters' subplots. Johnson has created a perfect interplay of tension and conflict in this arc, not only with Ruby, but also with some of the other characters as well – for instance, Summer and her quest for super-powers.

Artist Carlos Granda is quite good at capturing facial expressions and the quirkiness and oddness in the way people act in the context of emotions and speech. That really serves him well in Geek-Girl #14, which is heavy on conversation, personality, and interpersonal relationships. Granda's excellent storytelling here shows all the more under Chunlin Zhao's excellent colors and Paul McLaren's consistent lettering.

As usual, I enjoyed Geek-Girl #14, and I continue to recommend it to you, dear readers. Geek-Girl captures the charm and magic of classic comic books and adds a clever modern touch.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of lovable superheroes will find an all-around winner in Geek-Girl.

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

You can get more information about Geek-Girl #14 and purchase it here or at https://samjohnsoncomics.wixsite.com/geekgirlcomics.

You can also buy Geek-Girl #14 and its various editions at eBayUK or at https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/305939069480?itmmeta=01JDTDHCEHHA4NF8H6XVNX231A&hash=item473b63ba28:g:1osAAOSwXuhnSGU~

https://twitter.com/daSamJohnson

https://twitter.com/Markosia

https://twitter.com/Markosia_News

https://markosia.com/

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

Thursday, December 12, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: GEEK-GIRL #13

GEEK-GIRL, VOL. 2 #13

MARKOSIA ENTERPRISES, LTD.

STORY: Sam Johnson

ART: Carlos Granda

COLORS: Chunlin Zhao

LETTERS: Paul McLaren

COVERS: Carlos Granda with Chunlin Zhao; Art Voyager with Chunlin Zhao

24pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2024)

Rated T+

Geek-Girl created by Sam Johnson

“Identity Crisis” Part 3: “Interlopers”

Created by Sam Johnson, Geek-Girl is a comic book character that debuted in the 2016 Geek-Girl miniseries, She returned in a second miniseries, 2018's Geek-Girl Vol. 2, which subsequently became an ongoing series. Geek-Girl Vol. 2 is written by Sam Johnson; drawn by Carlos Granda; colored by Chunlin Zhao; and lettered by Paul McLaren.

Geek-Girl Vol. 2 #13 (“Interlopers”) opens in Geek-Girl's superhero headquarters where Pig Head and his League of Larcenists teammates – Dog Woman and Chromex/Delfi Matrix – make their escape after Pig Head's rescue. They can't completely escape, however, as erstwhile ally, Joe Cyborg, is sending them straight to boot camp.

Meanwhile, Summer continues her journey towards gaining super-powers and becoming a superhero. She is in Augusta, Maine at “The Cowbell” bar where she hopes members of “The Hive” can help her obtain powers. Plus, Ruby continues her own journey towards regaining her powers.

Geek-Girl carries over story lines and threads from Geek-Girl #11, Geek-Girl #12, and the one-shot, Fake Geek-Girl #1. Writer Sam Johnson packs most issues with a lot of characters, which can sometimes drag on the pace of the narrative. On the other hand, sometimes, a lot of characters equals a lot of fun. I can't get enough of this large ensemble cast, as is the case with this issue. They're intriguing and lovable, even when they're being evil and repulsive. Many of them are just as interesting or, at least, almost as interesting as the title character.

Artist Carlos Granda is quite good at capturing facial expressions and the quirkiness and oddness in the way people act in relationship to emotions and speech. He certainly conveys the fun of a large cast with this issue. His clean drawing style recalls the simple purity of the lowbrow weirdness that made superhero comic books explode in the 1960s. Granda maintains the simplicity of wonder that many modern superhero comic books have lost. Granda's excellent works shows all the more under Chunlin Zhao's excellent colors and Paul McLaren's lettering.

I had a blast reading Geek-Girl #13, and I continue to recommend it to you, dear readers. Geek-Girl captures the charm and magic of classic comic books with a clever modern touch.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of lovable superheroes will find an all-around winner in Geek-Girl.

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

You can buy a physical copy of Geek-Girl #13, both regular editions and limited variant editions, via eBay UK here or at https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_fss=1&_saslop=1&_sasl=cabracinicomics&LH_SpecificSeller=1

You can also buy a physical copy of Geek-Girl #13 at Indy Planet here or at https://www.indyplanet.com/geek-girl-13

Geek-Girl #13 in a digital edition can be ordered via comiXology or at https://www.amazon.com/Geek-Girl-13-Sam-Johnson-ebook/dp/B0DDYC9YK9/

You can get more information about Geek-Girl here or at https://samjohnsoncomics.wixsite.com/geekgirlcomics.

https://twitter.com/daSamJohnson

https://twitter.com/Markosia

https://twitter.com/Markosia_News

https://markosia.com/

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

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: GEEK-GIRL #12

GEEK-GIRL, VOL. 2 #12

MARKOSIA ENTERPRISES, LTD.

STORY: Sam Johnson

ART: Carlos Granda

COLORS: Chunlin Zhao

LETTERS: Paul McLaren

COVERS: Carlos Granda with Chunlin Zhao; Flinn Douglas with Carlos Granda

24pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2023)

Rated T+ / 12+ only

Geek-Girl created by Sam Johnson

“Identity Crisis” Part 2: “Skin and Bones, Waifs and Strays”

Created by Sam Johnson, Geek-Girl is a comic book character that debuted in the 2016 Geek-Girl miniseries, She returned in a second miniseries, 2018's Geek-Girl Vol. 2, which subsequently became an ongoing series. Geek-Girl Vol. 2 is written by Sam Johnson; drawn by Carlos Granda; colored by Chunlin Zhao; and lettered by Paul McLaren.

Geek-Girl focuses on Ruby Kaye of Acorn Ridge, Maine, a sexy and popular college coed who inadvertently becomes a superhero. Ruby dons a pair of super-tech eye glasses that give her super-powers. Ruby's BFF, Summer James, then talks her into trying to be a superhero, even providing her with a moniker. Now, Ruby is Maine's newest superhero, “Geek-Girl.”

Geek-Girl Vol. 2 #12 (“Skin and Bones, Waifs and Strays”) opens at “Snakeskin's Bar.” Chromex and Dog Woman, friends of the captured costume, Pig Head, have approached Digger Mensch and Terry the Super-Porter. One of them, Chromex, makes Digger a lucrative offer for the whereabouts of Pig Head – a big payday. Meanwhile, Pig Head is getting to know Rosebud and Joe Cyborg.

Ruby returns to headquarters, struggling to understand what happened to her, but her conversation with The Minger is interrupted when the League of Larcenists invades the headquarters. Should Ruby help with the response to this assault or go after the person who has stolen her identity and a lot more.

THE LOWDOWN: Geek-Girl creator-writer Sam Johnson regularly sends me PDF review copies of the latest issues of Geek-Girl, and has been doing so for several years. I enjoy reading about Geek-Girl and her (mis)adventures. I like this comic book enough to believe that encouraging you to give this series a try, dear readers, is one way I can contribute something good to the comic book industry.

Geek-Girl #12 carries over threads from Geek-Girl #11 and the recent release, Fake Geek-Girl #1. Writer Sam Johnson packs most issues with a lot of characters, which can sometime put a drag on the pace of the narrative, as it does here, but only a little. Sam is an imaginative writer and his stories, in a deceptively quiet way, are riveting. He captures the spirit of Silver and Bronze Age superhero team comic books like Marvel Avengers and DC Comics' Justice League. The difference is that Sam captures the eccentricities of both the superheroes and their civilian identities, where as the earlier comic books focus on the weirdness of the superheroes.

Artist Carlos Granda is quite good at capturing facial expressions and the quirkiness and oddness in the way people act in relationship to emotions and speech. Granda's graphical storytelling and compositions capture both the unique nature of Sam Johnson's world and the classic comic book sensibilities of Geek-Girl. All of this really shows under Chunlin Zhao's excellent colors and Paul McLaren's lettering.

Geek-Girl #12 is like the series as a whole, endlessly charming and constantly beguiling. I always want to read this series, and issue #12 makes me hungry for more. I don't know if Johnson wants to make Geek-Girl a monthly comic book, but, dear readers, I wish for that.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of lovable superheroes will find an all-around winner in Geek-Girl.

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

Geek-Girl #12 can be ordered via Indy Planet at https://www.indyplanet.com/geek-girl-12.

You can get more information about Geek-Girl here or at https://samjohnsoncomics.wixsite.com/geekgirlcomics.

Information about the Kickstarter for Geek-Girl issues #13 and 14 is available here or at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/geekgirlcomics/geek-girl-identity-crisis.

https://twitter.com/daSamJohnson

https://twitter.com/Markosia

https://twitter.com/Markosia_News

https://markosia.com/

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

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: BIG GUNS STUPID REDNECKS #1 (In Stores Oct. 2nd)

BIG GUNS STUPID REDNECKS #1 (OF 3)

BAND OF BARDS

STORY: Austin Allen Hamblin

ART: Mariana Meira

COLORS: Mariana Meira

LETTERS: John Ira Thomas

COVER: Kurt Belcher

VARIANT COVER: Mariana Meira

Color, $4.99 U.S. (August 2024); in stores October 2, 2024

Big Guns Stupid Rednecks is a three-issue miniseries written by Austin Allen Hamblin and drawn and colored by Mariana Meira. Published by Band of Bards, the first issue will arrive in August. Letterer John Ira Thomas completes the creative team.

Big Guns Stupid Rednecks #1 introduces Clint, a retired police detective who has been investigating a string of unexplained disappearances in the southern part of the United States. However, the investigation brings in the specter of Clint's younger brother, Clay. Twelve years younger than Clint, Clay is pure white trash – and missing.

Clint and Clay's sister, Jo, insists that the former search for the latter, but Clint's search ends up with him being abducted... by aliens. Intergalactic cable's biggest hit show is “Big Guns Stupid Rednecks,” a laser-gun gladiatorial combat competition. The aliens need a steady supply of rednecks, which they get by kidnapping them from Earth. Clint is about to discover who the reigning champion – with 27 kills – is, and plans are for Clint to be the next kill.

THE LOWDOWN: Austin Allen Hamblin hooked me up with a PDF review copy of Big Guns Stupid Rednecks #1. It is the first Band of Bards publication that I have read.

I am more than pleasantly surprised by Big Guns Stupid Rednecks. It reminds me of some of the offbeat science fiction comic books that Aftershock Comics, AWA Studios, and Titan Comics have published. Some of the edge and humor of venerable sci-fi/fantasy anthologies, such as Heavy Metal and 2000AD is here, with the flavor of some of Fantagraphics Books' weirder 1980s genre titles hanging around the periphery.

Hamblin's story engages the imagination, and his script gleefully attacks rednecks. There is never a moment when it feels as if Hamblin is going to pander or soften his blows. He eagerly plays with the possibilities of this concept, and, while he plays it a tad bit too cute here and there, the story is clever. As his career expands, I expect that Hamblin may be bringing some needed levity and imagination to a few Marvel and DC Comics' titles within a few years.

Mariana Meira's art is stylish and visually appealing. Her storytelling is solid and takes Hamblin's script and makes it hum with humor and imagination. This first issue works because Meira knows about capturing the right mood and right tone at the appropriate time. The lettering by John Ira Thomas, the writer of the award-winning horror original graphic novel, Lost in the Wash, adds a sparkle to the humor with his lettering.

I hope Big Guns Stupid Rednecks #1 ends up being an unexpected hit. I would hope, however, that word of mouth will be so strong that by the time it arrives, readers will already be waiting for it. I did not expect such a strong debut, and I'm still shocked twenty-four hours after reading it. Big Guns Stupid Rednecks #1 is by no means perfect, but it is the perfect way to make a first impression.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of outrageous sci-fi comedy and of 2000AD will want to give Big Guns Stupid Rednecks a try.

A-

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

https://bandofbards.com/

Austin Allen Hamblin:

Website: www.hamblincomics.com

Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/AustinAllenHamblin

Online Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HamblinComics

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

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: FAKE GEEK-GIRL #1

FAKE GEEK-GIRL #1

MARKOSIA ENTERPRISES, LTD.

STORY: Sam Johnson

ART: Carlos Granda

COLORS: Chunlin Zhao

LETTERS: Paul McLaren

COVER: Carlos Granda with Chunlin Zhao

VARIANT COVER: Narcelio Sousa with Chunlin Zhao

24pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2024)

Rated T+ / 12+ only

Geek-Girl created by Sam Johnson

“Identity Crisis”: “Geek-Girl, Interrupted”

Created by Sam Johnson, Geek-Girl is a comic book character that debuted in the 2016 Geek-Girl miniseries, She returned in a second miniseries, 2018's Geek-Girl Vol. 2, which subsequently became an ongoing series. Geek-Girl Vol. 2 is written by Sam Johnson; drawn by Carlos Granda; colored by Chunlin Zhao; and lettered by Paul McLaren.

Geek-Girl focuses on Ruby Kaye of Acorn Ridge, Maine, a sexy and popular college coed who inadvertently becomes a superhero. Ruby dons a pair of super-tech eye glasses that give her super-powers, and she becomes Maine's newest superhero, “Geek-Girl.” Now, the super-villain, Identity Thief, has tapped into Geek-Girl's mind and taken on her physical form in order to become “Fake Geek-Girl.”

Fake Geek-Girl #1 (“Geek-Girl, Interrupted”) opens as Ruby's best-frenemy, Karin Carpenter, arrives at “Rock” nightclub with her latest boy-toy, Alex. Before long, she is greeting acquaintances Jools, Estelle, and Howard. Her most important conversation, however, is with Danny about Ruby. So which is the real Geek-Girl? Which is the Fake Geek-Girl?

THE LOWDOWN: Geek-Girl creator-writer Sam Johnson regularly sends me PDF review copies of the latest issues of Geek-Girl, and has been doing so for several years. A recent arrival is Fake Geek-Girl #1.

Fake Geek-Girl #1 takes place between Geek-Girl #11 and Geek-Girl #12. It is both a standalone comic book, and it is also part of Geek-Girl #11 Deluxe. Fake Geek-Girl #1 is necessary for regular Geek-Girl fans because the “Previously:” segment on the inside front cover gives a detailed synopsis about the state of the narrative and how Fake Geek-Girl came to be.

This issue is produced by the regular creative team, so it fits quite well. Honestly, “Geek-Girl, Interrupted” isn't as strong a chapter as the ones in the main series, but it quite enjoyable. Also, I find that one needs to read everything Geek-Girl, dear readers. The first reason is because it is necessary, and the second reason is because Geek-Girl comics are super-duper good.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of the lovable Geek-Girl will want to read Fake Geek-Girl.

B+

★★★½ out of 4 stars

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

Geek-Girl #11 Deluxe is a great jump-on point for the Geek-Girl series: containing all the content from Geek-Girl #11 (“Identity Crisis”: Part 1) and Fake Geek-Girl #1-Shot (also available as its own comic). You can buy it here or at https://samjohnsoncomics.wixsite.com/geekgirlcomics/geek-girl-11-deluxe

Kickstarter for Geek-Girl issues #13 and #14 are part of a crowdfunding campaign here or at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/geekgirlcomics/geek-girl-identity-crisis

Buy Geek-Girl comic books here or at https://www.indyplanet.com/?s=geek-girl

https://twitter.com/daSamJohnson

https://twitter.com/Markosia

https://twitter.com/Markosia_News

https://markosia.com/

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

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: GEEK-GIRL #10

GEEK-GIRL, VOL. 2 #10

MARKOSIA ENTERPRISES, LTD.

STORY: Sam Johnson

ART: Carlos Granda

COLORS: Chunlin Zhao

LETTERS: Paul McLaren

COVER: Fernando Melek with Chunlin Zhao; Carlos Villas

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Narcelio Sousa with Chunlin Zhao

24pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2023)

Rated T+ / 12+ only

Geek-Girl created by Sam Johnson

“Identity Crisis Prelude”

Created by Sam Johnson, Geek-Girl is a comic book character that debuted in the 2016 Geek-Girl miniseries, She returned in a second miniseries, 2018's Geek-Girl Vol. 2, which became an ongoing series. Geek-Girl Vol. 2 is written by Sam Johnson; drawn by Carlos Granda; colored by Chunlin Zhao; and lettered by Paul McLaren.

Geek-Girl focuses on Ruby Kaye of Acorn Ridge, Maine, a sexy and popular college coed who inadvertently becomes a superhero. Ruby dons a pair of super-tech pair of eye glasses that gives her super-powers. Ruby's BFF, Summer James, then talks her into trying to be a superhero, even providing her with a moniker. Now, Ruby is Maine's newest superhero, “Geek-Girl.”

Geek-Girl Vol. 2 #10 (“Identity Crisis Prelude”) opens in the wake of the battle with Mean Girl, which saw The Whupper seriously injured. Meanwhile, Geek-Girl is still fronting a “super-team,” but the team has already lost a member. Now, Ruby is enjoying some girlfriend-drinking time with “The Minger.” But team training is supposed to start tomorrow, and the team is slightly in disarray.

Meanwhile, Pit Bull gets himself involved in an unexpected battle. Will he end up needing help?

THE LOWDOWN: Geek-Girl creator-writer Sam Johnson sends me PDF review copies of the latest issues of Geek-Girl, and has been doing so for several years. I enjoy reading about Geek-Girl and her (mis)adventures. I like this comic book enough to believe that encouraging you to give this series a try, dear readers, is something I must do.

Sam is an imaginative writer and his stories, in a deceptively quiet way, are riveting. I am always disappointed when I reach the end of an issue. I wish he could publish more frequently, because issue #10 has a great cliffhanger. He can make the reader feel comfortable with his characters, but he is always introducing a new element. I find myself always wondering about what Ruby Kaye is going to do next. Everything is new to her, and we get to experience that newness. So what is she going to do about that training session?

Artist Carlos Granda is a more polished artist with each issue. His clear and emotive storytelling, which really shows under Chunlin Zhao's excellent colors, is inviting to readers. Paul McLaren's lettering is sharper than ever and makes Sam's story pop.

I thoroughly enjoyed and heartily recommend Geek-Girl #10. I am also recommending the three trade paperbacks that currently collect most of the series.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of lovable superheroes will find an all-around winner in Geek-Girl.

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

Geek-Girl #10 is Out Now and available in Regular, Digital and Variant editions. Readers can buy a digital edition at comiXology or at https://www.amazon.com/Geek-Girl-Vol-10-Sam-Johnson-ebook/dp/B0BWSJ4P9C or a print edition at Indy Planet or at https://www.indyplanet.com/geek-girl-10.

https://twitter.com/daSamJohnson

https://twitter.com/Markosia

https://twitter.com/Markosia_News

https://markosia.com/

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

#IReadsYou Review: GEEK-GIRL #11

GEEK-GIRL, VOL. 2 #11

MARKOSIA ENTERPRISES, LTD.

STORY: Sam Johnson

ART: Carlos Granda

COLORS: Chunlin Zhao

LETTERS: Paul McLaren

24pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2023)

Rated T+ / 12+ only

Geek-Girl created by Sam Johnson

“Identity Crisis” Part 1: “I Want to Be You.”

Geek-Girl Vol. 2 #11 (“I Want to Be You.”) opens with Geek-Girl and The Minger headed to a local mall where “Pit Bull,” also known as “Maine's premier super-hero,” is getting his butt kicked. Geek-Girl does not realize that the beat-down is being delivered by a new villain, “Identity Thief,” and she wants Geek-Girl's powers. As they engage in a chase, Geek-Girl discovers that something very strange is happening to her – and it may mean her life.

Meanwhile, Summer is still trying to get super-powers of her own. And what is Digger Mensch up to?

THE LOWDOWN: Geek-Girl creator-writer Sam Johnson regularly sends me PDF review copies of the latest issues of Geek-Girl, and has been doing so for several years. I enjoy reading about Geek-Girl and her (mis)adventures. I like this comic book enough to believe that encouraging you to give this series a try, dear readers, is one way I can contribute something good to the comic book industry.

As I have said before, Sam is an imaginative writer and his stories, in a deceptively quiet way, are riveting. In the mighty Marvel Comics tradition, Sam is good at creating characters that are as interesting as civilians as they are as superheroes and super-villains. I would say that Ruby Kaye and Geek-Girl are closer to a Marvel characters such as Peter Parker/Spider-Man than she is to a Wonder Woman/Diana Prince.

Artist Carlos Granda is a more polished artist with each issue. He brings out the nuances in Sam's character writing and captures the overall humorous tone and bent of Geek-Girl. His clear and emotive storytelling, which really shows under Chunlin Zhao's excellent colors, welcomes the readers into this series. Paul McLaren's lettering is sharper than ever and makes Sam's story pop.

Geek-Girl #11 epitomizes this series' charm and humanity, which are so strong that they could make shojo manga sparkles pop out around this comic book. It's also time to kick start Geek-Girl #12 and the Fake Geek-Girl #1-Shot at “Kickstarter,” so see below for more information.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of lovable superheroes will find an all-around winner in Geek-Girl.

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

Geek-Girl #11 is order via Indy Planet at https://www.indyplanet.com/geek-girl-11 or Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Geek-Girl-Vol-11-Sam-Johnson-ebook/dp/B0C6B8MTRN/ or for the deluxe issue, go to Kickstarter at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/geekgirlcomics/geek-girl-jump-on-issue-deluxe-plus-new-and-previous-issues

https://twitter.com/daSamJohnson

https://twitter.com/Markosia

https://twitter.com/Markosia_News

https://markosia.com/

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

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

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

#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+

10 out of 10

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

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

I Reads You

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: FRAGMENTA 7: Dan Callahan and the Sand Pirates

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: ECTYRON V ROJO GALLO

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: CABRA CINI: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman #0 Deluxe

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: BONE #43

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: LOVE AND ROCKETS Volume II #2

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: GEEK-GIRL #15

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: BIG GUNS STUPID REDNECKS #3

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: GEEK-GIRL #14

Thursday, December 12, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: GEEK-GIRL #13

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: GEEK-GIRL #12

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: BIG GUNS STUPID REDNECKS #1 (In Stores Oct. 2nd)

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: FAKE GEEK-GIRL #1

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: GEEK-GIRL #10

#IReadsYou Review: GEEK-GIRL #11

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

#IReadsYou Review: ECTYRON VS. DES MOINES

Places I Go...

Pages