#IReadsYou Review: SURFACING #2

SURFACING No. 2 (OF 3)
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Nenad Cviticanin
COLORS: Santtos
LETTERS: Krugos
EDITOR: John Ward and Denise Thompson
COVER/BACK COVER: Cesar Grego and Alivon Ortiz
32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. / $1.99 digital-comic (2018; digital release date – October 31, 2018)

Rated: “M” for Mature / 17+ Only (comiXology)

Surfacing: Depth Perceptions is a four-issue science fiction and horror comic book that focuses on the drama and conflict that plays out between two friends and a mermaid at a oceanic research facility.  Before that series, there is an earlier comic book, simply entitled Surfacing, which is also published by Approbation Comics

Surfacing is a three-issue comic book miniseries, and it is written by Approbation Comics' mastermind B. Alex Thompson.  Surfacing is a horror anthology, with each issue apparently offering a different story based on a similar theme – a violent encounter with a mermaid-like creature.  Like Surfacing: Depth Perceptions, Surfacing is written by B. Alex Thompson; drawn by Nenad Cviticanin; colored by Santtos; and lettered by Krugos, with gorgeous cover art drawn by Cesar Grego and Alivon Ortiz.

Surfacing #2 opens on a rural highway in the state of Michigan, circa 1970s.  A young woman named Daisy is hitchhiking when she hops a ride with four friends:  Mary and her boyfriend, Justin, and Mary's best friend, Lisa, and Justin's best friend, Bobby.  The quintet stops at a small gas station and grocery store, where the elderly proprietor warns them against going “upriver,” where these young people plan to enjoy some swimming.  Of course, they ignore him; of course, they suffer dearly for it.

I did not know what to expect of Surfacing, especially after I so enjoyed Surfacing: Depth Perceptions.  It turned out that I thoroughly enjoyed Surfacing #2, which reminds me of dark fantasy anthology series like the classic  “The Twilight Zone” (1959 to 1964) and the 1980s “Tales from the Darkside.”  Damn, once again, B. Alex Thompson, one of my “Top 5” comic book writers, kills it.  I had a blast reading this comic book.  In fact, I think Thompson would have made a better choice than Stephen King's brat, Joe Hill, to write TNT's planned “Tales from the Darkside” reboot, which ultimately went nowhere, of course.

Once again, artist Nenad Cviticanin delivers lovely art and excellent storytelling.  Cviticanin's clean drawing style seamlessly moves from character interplay to kinetic action to horror fully realized.  This is like a teen slasher movie with a sprinkle of the classic film, Jaws.  The coloring by Santtos is equally smooth, but also consistent.  Every page, regardless of the action, has the same color scheme, which helps the transition from the tension of slow boil to blood-letting intensity creep up on the reader.

As they did for Surfacing: Depth Perception, artists Cesar Grego and Alivon Ortiz draw fantastic cover art for Surfacing.  The front cover offers a striking layout design, and the back cover art captures the fun of summer, but drops in the premonition of summer camp doom.

Yes, I'm going there:  Surfacing rises to the top!

9 out of 10

Buy Surfacing #2 at comiXology.

www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.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 reprint and 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 GOON #1

THE GOON No. 1 (2019)
ALBATROSS FUNNYBOOKS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

CARTOONIST: Eric Powell – @goonguy
COLORS: Rachael Cohen and Eric Powell
EDITOR: Tracy Marsh
COVER: Eric Powell
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Kevin Nowlan
24pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (March 13, 2019)

“A Ragged Return to Lonely Street”

The Goon is a comic book character created by comic book writer-artist, Eric Powell.  The Goon is visually similar to a “heavy” or muscular-type villain from an old-timey Hollywood film or television series.  To me, The Goon looks like a blend of Golden Age Hollywood leading man, actor Sterling Hayden, and Hollywood B-movie cult icon, Rondo Hatton.  The Goon's adventures take place in a supernatural world in which he battles ghosts, ghouls, mutants, and various other monsters, as well as assorted undead/zombie types

The Goon is currently celebrating his twentieth anniversary.  He has been the star of his own comic book series, The Goon, beginning in 1999, with most of his comic book run spent at Dark Horse Comics.  Powell recently relaunched The Goon series via his own comic book publishing company, Albatross Funnybooks (formerly Albatross Exploding Funny Books).  The new series is written, drawn, and lettered by Powell and colored by Rachael Cohen and Powell.

The Goon #1 (“A Ragged Return to Lonely Street”) finds The Goon and his pals, Franky and Rosco, returning to “the town with no name” after a time spent abroad serving with a mysterious organization (a tale for another publication).  The Goon expects the town to be changed, since he cleaned the place up of supernatural baddies before he left... but even the zombies are back.

Now, needing a place to stay, The Goon and Franky must deal with a shady character, Horace Sinckelits (“Realtor of the Damned”).  Plus, there is the issue of “Baby Galahad the East-Side Ghoul,” one of several unsavory types who have stepped in to fill the void The Goon left behind.

I am not a big fan of The Goon, but I enjoy reading it from time to time.  My eyes, however, are always hoping to take in more of Eric Powell's beautiful art and illustrations.  The Goon is truly an oddball creation.  I think of it this way:  if you took the tone and spirit of the horror comic books published by Marvel, DC Comics, and Warren Publications (to name a few) and blended them with the sensibilities of MAD Magazine; next, added a sprinkle of the more humorous episodes of Will Eisner's The Spirit; then, placed it in a Film-Noir big city setting, you would have The Goon.

The Goon also has more than one great character.  First, there is the title character, and secondly, there is the irascible Franky, whose dialogue sounds like a low-level criminal-hood type from a Hollywood gangster movie.  Powell makes Franky funny practically one-hundred percent of the time, and so, Franky makes The Goon twice as good.  Honestly, I really can't get enough of a character; I guess I'm a Franky fanboy slash homer.

Now, that I think about.  I liked The Goon #1 (2019) so much that I don't want to read it from time to time.  I want to read it every issue.

http://www.thegoon.com/albatross.html

8.5 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 site or blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: CHAOS CAMPUS #26

CHAOS CAMPUS: SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES No. 26
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Jose Henrique and Anita Zaramella
COLORS: Anita Zaramella
LETTERS: Elisa M. Coletti
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: John P. Ward
EDITORS: B. Alex Thompson and John P. Ward
COVER: Ricardo Mendez
24pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (2015; digital release date – September 21, 2016)

Rated: Teen 13+ / 15+ Only – comiXology rating

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies created by B. Alex Thompson

“The Road to Salvation, Part 2 of 4”

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is a long-running comedy-horror, adventure, and zombie apocalypse comic book series.  It is the creation of B. Alex Thompson and is published by his company, Approbation Comics.  The series is set during a zombie invasion and follows the adventures of three members of the sorority, Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY):  ass-kickin’ Jamie Lynn Schaeffer, brainy and magic-wielding Paige Helena Patton, and sexy Brittany Ann Miller.

The current story line is “The Road to Salvation,” which finds the Chaos Campus trio in the middle of a squabble involving a human sanctuary, called “Salvation.”  They also deal with the fearsome “Neo Zombies” and with a Jamie-lookalike.  “The Road to Salvation” is written by B. Alex Thompson; and illustrated by Jose Henrique and Anita Zaramella; and lettered by Elisa M. Coletti.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #26 opens as Paige and Brittany and Tyler (Paige's brother) and forces from Salvation East meet Jamie's lookalike from Salvation West, Aimee.  Pardon me; that's “Princess Aimee.”  Thanks to this spoiled princess, Jamie is about to learn more about her past... and her parentage.

Meanwhile, in Salvation West, Jamie makes a colorful discovery about one of her captors.  Now, it is time to hear from Princess Aimee's mother, Queen Raimee, the leader of Salvation West, about the origins of the schism of Salvation.  And it involves some mad scientist shiz-nit.

I have mentioned before that I believe that Chaos Campus has hit a stride since the series numbering arrived in the “20s.”  It is one of my favorite comic books, and I like watching everything that has happened so far come together to form a solid block of entertaining that is on par with any comedy slash humor titles published by Diamond Distributors' premiere publishers.

“The Road to Salvation” story line is a standout because it not only offers origin stories of its main cast, but it is also pulls back the curtain on the series' backstory.  This issue features solid graphics from the team of Jose Henrique Anita Zaramella, and Elisa M. Coletti.  As always, Thompson gives his readers an engaging story that has me ready for the rest of this story arc.

8 out of 10

Buy Chaos Campus #26 at comiXology.

www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.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 reprint or syndication rights and fees.

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Review: HELLBOURNE #1

HELLBOURNE No. 1
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Rowel Roque and Jethro Morales
COLORS: Ronson Edulan
LETTERS: Krugos
EDITORS: John P. Ward and Denise Thompson
COVER: Jethro Morales with Alivón Ortíx
32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. / $1.99 U.S. comiXology; (2017; digital release date – June 14, 2017)

Rated: “M” for Mature / 17+ Only – comiXology rating

Hellbourne is an action and horror comic book series.  It is created by B. Alex Thompson and is published by his company, Approbation Comics.  The series focuses on the violence and chaos that ensue when demonic creatures emerge from a large hole in the middle of an urban highway.  The first issue is written by B. Alex Thompson; drawn by Rowel Roque and Jethro Morales; colored by Ronson Edulan; and lettered by Krugos.

Hellbourne #1 opens in an unnamed city, where, on a major highway, there is an enormous hole.  No one knows what caused this hole, but city workers investigating the hole become snacks for the creatures that emerge.  It seems that Earth is about to turned into Abaddon, the Tenth Circle of Hell.

Now, an angel and a demon, both leading their respective charges, find that being on Earth gives each of them that familiar feeling.  Even the U.S. Army has difficulty fighting this demonic invasion.  And how do Justin Foster and his younger sister, Amber, fit into all this?

First, I have to say that I really like the art team of Rowel Roque and Jethro Morales.  This duo's Hellbourne work is quite polished, and they could certainly draw for one of Diamond Distributors' premiere publishers.  Their storytelling here is good, and Ronson Edulan's pretty coloring creates shifting moods and changes in atmosphere that heighten the drama of the story.

I am intrigued by the premise B. Alex Thompson offers in Hellbourne.  However, as always, his vibrant character writing makes this worth reading.  Thompson has been writing bold, non-super-powered female characters for two decades, but because Thompson is not a fan-favorite comic book writer, he does not get credit for that.  Still, the proof is in his delicious flavors of Approbation pudding.

Well, Hellbourne is a good place to discover Thompson's engaging characters.  And there looks to be some excellent hell-born hellraisin' fun to be had with this series.

8.5 out of 10

Buy Hellbourne #1 at comiXology.

www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.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 reprint or syndication rights and fees.

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Review: SURFACING: Depth Perceptions #4

SURFACING: DEPTH PERCEPTIONS No. 4 (OF 4)
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Nenad Cviticanin
COLORS: Santtos
LETTERS: Krugos
EDITORS: John Ward and Denise Thompson
COVER: Cesar Grego and Alivon Ortiz
32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. / $1.99 digital-comic (2018; digital release date – October 31, 2018)

Rated: “M” for Mature / 17+ Only (comiXology)

Surfacing: Depth Perceptions is a four-issue comic book miniseries published by Approbation Comics.  It tells the story of Marcus Wright, a young man who visits an oceanic research facility directed by his childhood friend, Anton Parker, who has a business deal to offer Marcus.  The facility has captured a mermaid-like creature, and Marcus finds himself caught in the mystery of this creature and of its captivity.  Surfacing: Depth Perceptions is written by B. Alex Thompson; drawn by Nenad Cviticanin; colored by Santtos; and lettered by Krugos.

As Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #4 opens, Marcus tells Anton that he is going scuba diving in order to visit “The Gardens.”  These are underwater pods that contain hydroponic gardens.  Anton is against this, as he is increasingly paranoid about “Becca,” the name Marcus has given the mermaid.  Marcus is playing a dangerous game, as Anton and Becca each see a different side of him.  As his friend and the mermaid make their final plays, Marcus himself has to survive his own dangerous game.

The first three issues of Surfacing: Depth Perceptions are some of the prettiest comic books Approbation Comics has published to date, and four does not turn out to be the ugly duckling of the bunch.  Artists Cesar Grego and Alivon Ortiz have produced some pretty cover art for this series, using gorgeous illustrations and shimmering colors.  Their cover for Surfacing: Depth Perceptions takes a dark turn, as beauty gives way to a striking image that encapsulates the violent resolution to this series.

The interior art by Nenad Cviticanin has been consistently good with solid storytelling that keeps the shifting moods of this narrative blending.  Colorist Santtos delivers stellar work the second half of this issue, creating an atmosphere that moves from apocalypse to paradise.  The lettering by Krugos conveys this double-size issue's sudden resolution and its expectations for a hopeful future.

Writer B. Alex Thompson presents an ending that readers of this series would expect, with a twist or two and some back story.  One of the best writers of naturalistic dialogue in American comic books, Thompson lets the characters play out this drama in their own words.  Yes, we do get a killer ending, and it was quite exciting, but this finale is also thoughtful.

Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #4 gives us an excellent ending to an excellent comic book series.  So, dear readers, head over to comiXology to read the entire thing.

9 out of 10

Buy Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #4 at comiXology.
www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.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 reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: CHAOS CAMPUS #25

CHAOS CAMPUS: SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES No. 25
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Jose Henrique
COLORS: Anita Zaramella
LETTERS: Elisa M. Coletti
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: John P. Ward
EDITORS: B. Alex Thompson and John P. Ward
COVER: Jose Henrique
24pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (2015; digital release date – September 14, 2016)

Rated: Teen 13+ / 15+ Only – comiXology rating

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies created by B. Alex Thompson

“The Road to Salvation,” Part 1 of 4”

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is a long-running horror-comedy and zombie apocalypse comic book series.  The creation of writer/comics impresario, B. Alex Thompson, Chaos  Campus is published by his company, Approbation Comics.  The series is set during a zombie invasion and follows the adventures of three members of the sorority, Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY):  ass-kickin’ Jamie Lynn Schaeffer, brainy and magic-wielding Paige Helena Patton, and sexy Brittany Ann Miller.

The previous story line, “The Pink,” ended with tragedy.  The new story line is the four-part “The Road to Salvation,” and it finds our heroines caught in a civil war, of sorts.  This story is written by B. Alex Thompson; drawn by Jose Henrique; colored by Anita Zaramella; and lettered by Elisa M. Coletti.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #25 opens to find Paige and Brittany imprisoned.  Luckily, the people doing the imprisoning surprisingly include Paige's brother, Tyler, and her mother, Morgan.  There is a happy reunion with Jamie, who is suspicious of their new circumstances.  But Jamie's troubles are just beginning.  Plus, meet the “Neo-Zombies.”

“The Road to Salvation” story line looks to be the next most-excellent Chaos Campus adventure arc.  This isn't the first time that an “evolved” zombie has appeared in the series, but this time, dear readers, we have the addition of some kooky family dynamics, via the Pattons, thrown into the mix.

Once, again we get a chance to enjoy creator-writer B. Alex Thompson's superb dialogue writing, especially in the case of Jamie's urban slash hip hop slang.  This “shiz” is not “wack,” and I am always impressed by how much “jive” Thompson can string together.

Jose Henrique's animation-inspired art offers excellent storytelling.  Anita Zaramella's anime-inspired coloring brings some extra zip to the story, a mixture of action, comedy, and action-comedy-horror.  Elisa M. Coletti's lettering and word balloons seem to dance away from intruding on the art, but adds some more zing to this spry episode.

I'll say something else that I have said before.  I don't know why Chaos Campus is not a multi-media franchise, already on our television and handheld device screens.

8 out of 10

Buy Chaos Campus #25 at comiXology.

www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.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 reprint or syndication rights and fees.

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Review: ZEITGEIST #1

ZEITGEIST No. 1
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: John River
COLORS: John River
LETTERS: B. Alex Thompson
EDITORS: B. Alex Thompson and John P. Ward
COVER: John River
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S.

Rated: Teen 13+

Zeitgeist is a comic book series published by Approbation Comics.  It is written and lettered by Approbation boss, B. Alex Thompson, and drawn and colored by John River.  The series, which is told in an episodic style that mimics a Sunday newspaper comic strip, follows the misadventures of on-the-go twenty-somethings.

Zeitgeist #1 presents Strips 001 to 036.  This first issue opens in a large comic book store.  Employee Isabelle Fanning spies a customer handling a graphic novel in an appropriate and damaging manner.  After confronting the young man, she discovers that his name is Max Yeung, and he is a screenwriter.  After some witty repartee, it is decided that Isabelle will read a screenplay Max recently sold and give him feedback.  Truthfully, Isabelle is very attracted to Max, but a chance encounter with Isabelle's friend, Leah Winters, leads to hilarity.

The interior pages of Zeitgeist #1 are printed in the landscape format, so readers will have to read it as if they were flipping through a calendar.  When I first received a review copy of this comic book from Approbation, I was not sure if I was annoyed or not.  I prefer to read comic books the same way I normally do – left to right in the “portrait” layout.

Still, there was something about Zeitgeist that kept bugging me and attracting my attention, so I finally surrendered and read it.  Zeitgeist is good – really good.  It has a situation comedy (sitcom) quality and is somewhat similar to many of the popular television sitcoms of the last three decades that focus on groups of friends, including “Friends,” “How I Met Your Mother,” and Living Single,” to name a few.  B. Alex Thompson has created some especially likable characters; you will not have to read too far into the first issue to feel like you want to hang out with these characters.

Zeitgeist really seems to capture a defining spirit of modern times... or attempting to do so.

The art by John River is clean and expressive.  It is like a combination of the graphic styles found in alt-comix and college newspaper comic strips.  River uses minimal backgrounds, but they are still highly suggestive.  I found my imagination filling in the rest of the environments.  I think many readers will find themselves filling out the story by putting themselves in this comic book.

8 out of 10

www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com

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


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: ZEITGEIST #2

ZEITGEIST No. 2
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: John River
COLORS: John River
LETTERS: B. Alex Thompson
EDITORS: B. Alex Thompson and John P. Ward
COVER: John River
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (2015 / February 17, 2016 – comiXology release date)

Rated: Teen 13+ /12+ comiXology rating

Zeitgeist is a comic book series published by Approbation Comics.  It is written and lettered by Approbation boss, B. Alex Thompson, and drawn and colored by John River.  The series is told in an episodic style that mimics a Sunday newspaper comic strip.  Zeitgeist follows the misadventures of on-the-go twenty-somethings:  Max Yeung, Isabelle Fanning, Leah Winters, and Cassie Washington.

Zeitgeist #2 presents Strips 037 to 072.  This second issue opens in the morning with Isabelle discovering a naked Max in Leah's apartment.  WTF?!  He booty was supposed to belong to Isabelle!  The day gets even worse when Isabelle discovers that the comic book store is closing, which means that she will be out of a job in probably less than two months.  To lighten the mood, Leah suggests dinner with her parents, which leads to revelations about the extent of her and Isabelle's relationship.  Plus, Max is determined to tag along.

The interior pages of Zeitgeist #2 are printed in the landscape format, so readers will have to read it as if they are flipping through a calendar, just as they did for the first issue.  When I first received a review copy of the first two issues of Zeitgeist from Approbation, I was not sure if I was annoyed or not.  I prefer to read comic books the same way I normally do – left to right in the “portrait” layout.

Well, after reading the second issue, I actually like this landscape slash Sunday newspaper comics page format.  I am surprised to find myself not only enjoying Zeitgeist, but also anticipating more of it.  It's like a version of all our favorite sitcoms about groups of friends, from “Seinfeld” and “Living Single” to copycats like “Friends” and “Will & Grace.”

The art by John River is clean and expressive, which serves the narrative's focus on dialogue and character interaction.  River's art has a knack for focusing on facial expression which makes the characters' emotions clear and gives heft to the character drama and comedy.  I think Zeitgeist is deserving of a larger readership, and I hope people head to comiXology to purchase an issue.

8 out of 10

Zeitgeist #2's ComiXology page.

www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.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 reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: SURFACING: Depth Perceptions #3

SURFACING: DEPTH PERCEPTIONS No. 3 (OF 4)
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Nenad Cviticanin
COLORS: Santtos
LETTERS: Krugos
EDITOR: John Ward and Denise Thompson
COVER: Cesar Grego and Alivon Ortiz
24pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (2017; digital release date – January 10, 2018)

Rated: “M” for Mature / 17+ Only (comiXology)

Published by Approbation Comics, Surfacing: Depth Perceptions is a four-issue comic book miniseries.  It tells the story of Marcus Wright, a young man who visits an oceanic research facility directed by his childhood friend, Anton Parker, who has a business deal to offer Marcus.  The facility has captured a mermaid-like creature, and Marcus finds himself caught in the mystery of this creature and of its captivity.  Surfacing: Depth Perceptions is written by B. Alex Thompson; drawn by Nenad Cviticanin; colored by Santtos; and lettered by Krugos.

Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #3 opens with Marcus returning to the research room to engage in another extensive conversation with the mermaid, whom he has named “Becca.”  Anton has warned Marcus that “it,” as he calls Becca, has the ability to “mess” with his mind and to manipulate people.

Believing that he is on to Becca's game, Marcus is prepared to interrogate her, but she won't give anything for free.  She reveals information about herself and some about her people, but does Marcus believe her sometimes shocking tale?  Does he even have a reason to believe Anton?

The first two issues of Surfacing: Depth Perceptions are some of the prettiest comic books Approbation Comics has published to date.  The cover art for this series features gorgeous illustrations and shimmering colors by Cesar Grego and Alivon Ortiz; the covers are like eye candy.  The interior art by Nenad Cviticanin continues to get better with each chapter, as does the coloring by Santtos.  Nenad's graphical storytelling also continues to get stronger, thanks to B. Alex Thompson's excellent scripts.  Let's even give a shout-out to Krugos' lettering.

As I have said before, B. Alex Thompson is one of the best writers of naturalistic dialogue in American comic books.  I look forward to reading the conversations between the characters in every issue of Surfacing: Depth Perceptions, but this third issue has some hot talk that suggests a (literally) killer ending.

Thompson usually delivers high-quality genre storytelling, and he certainly delivers in again in Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #3.  This is an excellent comic book, and, dear readers, head over to comiXology to read it.  I hope the final issue does not disappoint, as I have high hopes.

9 out of 10

Buy Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #3 at comiXology.

www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.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 reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: CHAOS CAMPUS #24

CHAOS CAMPUS: SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES No. 24
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Pramit Santra
COLORS: Russell Vincent Yu
LETTERS: Elisa M. Coletti
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: John P. Ward
EDITORS: B. Alex Thompson and John P. Ward
COVER: Kevin Wallace
24pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (2015; digital release date – September 7, 2016)

Rated: Teen 13+ / 15+ Only – comiXology rating

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies created by B. Alex Thompson

“The Pink, Part 2 of 2”

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is a long-running horror-comedy and zombie apocalypse comic book series.  It is creation of B. Alex Thompson and is published by his company, Approbation Comics.  The series is set during a zombie invasion and follows the adventures of three members of the sorority, Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY):  ass-kickin’ Jamie Lynn Schaeffer, brainy and magic-wielding Paige Helena Patton, and sexy Brittany Ann Miller.

The current story line is “The Pink,” which finds the Chaos Campus trio and other zombie riot survivors in a house fighting an invisible enemy that arrived in a meteor.  This story is written by B. Alex Thompson; drawn by Pramit Santra; colored by Russell Vincent Yu; and lettered by Elisa M. Coletti.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #24 opens as Doctors Kim and Hollinger attempt to create a serum for the alien parasite that infects Pete.  Their next patients will be Jamie, Paige, and Brittany, and as the parasite increases aggression and gives the infected amazing abilities, curing the girls will not be easy.  Now, the infected Chaos trio can and want to deliver fatal beat-downs.

The “Pink” story line has been a nice change of pace, and since creator-writer B. Alex Thompson is often spoofing or parodying pop culture, the reader can play a game of naming the works of film and entertainment Thompson is referencing.

I see elements of the science fiction horror film, Species (1995), and the 1987 film, The Curse (which is also known as The Farm).  I am also remind of the film version of Stephen King's 1976 short story, “The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill,” which appeared as a segment of the 1982 film, Creepshow.

Thompson continues to expand the emotional range of the characters, so this gives Chaos Campus a sense of character beyond the comedy and parody.  Pramit Santra's graphical storytelling here is good, and her jagged style fits the aggressive mood of the story and the infected characters tendency to tear their victims apart.  Russell Vincent Yu's coloring serves this sense of aggression and flesh rending quite well.  Plus, the ending bodes well for the next story arc.

7.5 out of 10

Buy Chaos Campus #24 at comiXology.

www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.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 reprint or syndication rights and fees.

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

 

Review: SURFACING: Depth Perceptions #2

SURFACING: DEPTH PERCEPTIONS No. 2 (OF 4)
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Nenad Cviticanin
COLORS: Santtos
LETTERS: Krugos
EDITOR: John Ward and Denise Thompson
COVER: Cesar Grego and Alivon Ortiz
24pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (2017; digital release date – January 3, 2018)

Rated: “M” for Mature / 17+ Only (comiXology)

Surfacing: Depth Perceptions is a four-issue comic book miniseries from Approbation Comics.  It tells the story of Marcus Wright, a young man who visits an oceanic research facility directed by his childhood friend, Anton Parker, who has a business deal to offer Marcus.  The facility has captured a mermaid-like creature, and Marcus finds himself caught in the mystery of this creature and of its captivity.  Surfacing: Depth Perceptions is written by B. Alex Thompson; drawn by Nenad Cviticanin; colored by Santtos; and lettered by Krugos.

Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #2 opens with Marcus engaging in an extensive conversation with the mermaid, who eventually gets the name “Becca.”  Anton warns Marcus that “it,” as he calls Becca, has the ability to “mess” with his mind and to manipulate people.  To squash Marcus' admiration for the creature, Anton reveals some of the events that occurred before he arrived.

The first issue of Surfacing: Depth Perceptions is one of the prettiest comic books Approbation Comics has published to date, and the second issue is equally pretty.  The cover for both issues #1 and #2  feature gorgeous illustrations and shimmering colors by Cesar Grego and Alivon Ortiz.  The interior art by Nenad Cviticanin gets better with each chapter, as his cleanly drawn line art reveals a confident storyteller.  In fact, Cviticanin's graphical storytelling conveys the range of emotions writer B. Alex Thompson depicts in this issue.

Among independent comic book creators, B. Alex Thompson is one of the best at writing naturalistic dialogue for genre comic books, including fantasy and horror tales.  Writing naturalistic dialogue makes the characters seem like personalities rather than being props (in fantasy) or victims (in horror).  The conversation between Marcus and Becca makes it seem as if they are two twenty-somethings on an apparently successful first date.  I had to remind myself that they were actually a human and a creature of fantasy on a futuristic research facility.

The second half of this issue does indeed offer genre intrigue and mystery.  I have to say that I am surprised, although I should not be.  B. Alex Thompson usually delivers high-quality genre storytelling, and he certainly delivers in Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #2.

8.5 out of 10

Buy Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #2 at comiXology.

www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.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 reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: WILLIAM THE LAST #1

WILLIAM THE LAST No. 1
ANTARCTIC PRESS/GUARDIAN KNIGHT STUDIOS – @AntarcticPress

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

CARTOONIST: Brian Shearer – @brian_shearer
24pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (September 2018)

William the Last in a new comic book series created by Brian Shearer.  Shearer has drawn such comic books as Ghostbusters, Star Trek, and Transformers for IDW Publishing.  William the Last chronicles the adventures of an orphan whose name is forbidden word in a strange kingdom.

William the Last #1 introduces us to a boy named “William,” who lives on an island with his grandfather.  They seem to live in and around the area of a beach and small forest that gird the island's primary feature, a bulky cliff or mountain.  After his grandfather's death, William does as the old man once suggested, climb the cliff.  What he finds is a strange city, a mystery, and danger.

Brian Shearer writes, draws, colors, and letters William the Last, and he does all of that quite well.  William the Last #1 reminds me of Mouse Guard and Farlaine the Goblin, two independently published, fantasy comic book series that have the look and feel of classic children's fantasy fiction.  This first issue mainly introduces William and also what seems to be a primary supporting character and also a dangerous adversary.  There are not many details in this first, but it is still intriguing.

That is the nice thing about this first issue – the sense of anticipation.  From the first page, I felt the urge to hurry to the next page and then, turn to the next.  This suggests to me that William the Last has potential, and I like Shearer's illustrative style.  I must say also that Shearer's pretty coloring has a bright, attractive quality.

Interested readers (and there should be a lot of you... eventually ) will want to pre-order William the Last.  I get the feeling that many comic book shops won't carry “copies for the shelf” unless there is some level of pre-ordering on individual issues.  I had to back-order the copy I got.  We should pay attention; William the Last could come out of nowhere like Mouse Guard or Bone did, and then, some of you will be feeling left behind

7.5 out of 10

http://www.williamthelast.com/
http://brian-shearer.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BrianShearerArt/
https://www.instagram.com/brian_shearer/

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


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: CHAOS CAMPUS #23

CHAOS CAMPUS: SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES #23
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Pramit Santra
COLORS: Russell Vincent Yu and Schmerys Baal
LETTERS: Elisa M. Coletti
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: John P. Ward
COVER: Kevin Wallace
24pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (2015)

Rated: Teen 13+

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies created by B. Alex Thompson

“The Pink, Part 1 of 2”

The long-running Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is a horror-comedy and zombie apocalypse comic book series.  It was created by B. Alex Thompson and is published by his company, Approbation Comics.  The series is set during a zombie invasion and follows the adventures of three members of the sorority, Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY):  ass-kickin’ Jaime Lynn Schaeffer, brainy and magic-wielding Paige Helena Patton, and sexy Brittany Ann Miller.

The current story line is “The Pink,” which finds the trio and other zombie riot survivors in a house that holds a surprise.  This story is written by B. Alex Thompson; drawn by Pramit Santra; colored by Schmerys Baal and Russell Vincent Yu; and lettered by Elisa M. Coletti.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #23 opens in the wake of the “Smart Zombies” conspiracy.  On the run with four other survivors of that debacle, Jamie, Paige, and Brittany come upon a strange meteor after an even stranger meteor shower.  Then, the group finds a house that is perfect as a shelter because it has not one, but two generators.  However, Jamie has been acting strange since her encounter with the meteor, and the house also holds a shocking connection to her past.

In the “Smart Zombies” story line, creator/writer B. Alex Thompson threw a left-hook at readers.  Chaos Campus is a humorous spin on comic books, and it is a comic take of the zombie apocalypse.  But (and its a big but) Chaos Campus offers good characters and an intriguing, evolving narrative.  With the arrival of a smart zombie, Thompson showed that Chaos Campus will defy genre expectations by whatever means necessary and unnecessary.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #23 is funny, and I'm assuming that it is spoofing the Species film series.  I really like the personal reveal, which is one more example of Thompson evolving our fearless zombie fighters.  This remains a fantastic comic book, and I enjoyed reading it, although I am not crazy about the artist.  Pramit Santra's graphical storytelling is good, but the technical aspects of the art is wanting, I must say.  Still, I am ready for issue #24.

8 out of 10

Buy Chaos Campus #23 at comiXology.

www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com

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


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: SURFACING: Depth Perceptions #1

SURFACING: DEPTH PERCEPTIONS No. 1
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Nenad Cviticanin
COLORS: Santtos
LETTERS: Krugos
EDITOR: John Ward and Denise Thompson
COVER: Cesar Grego and Alivon Ortiz
24pp, Color, $4.99 U.S.

Rated: “M” for Mature

Surfacing: Depth Perceptions is a four-issue comic book miniseries from Approbation Comics.  It tells the story of a young man who visits an oceanic research facility where he discovers a creature of fairy tales and myth that should not exist.  Surfacing: Depth Perceptions is written by B. Alex Thompson; drawn by Nenad Cviticanin; colored by Santtos; and lettered by Krugos.

Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #1 opens with the reunion of childhood friends, Marcus Wright and Anton Parker.  Parker is in charge of an expensive ocean research facility, so Marcus assumes that he and Anton will catch up on old times before Anton makes a business proposal to him.  However, Marcus soon discovers that Anton has a mermaid trapped inside the facility, and the revelation of this creature of myth could change, ruin, or end Marcus's life.

Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #1 is one of the prettiest comic books Approbation Comics has published to date.  The cover for the first issue features a gorgeous illustration and shimmering colors by Cesar Grego and Alivon Ortiz.  The interior art by Nenad Cviticanin is well-drawn and cleanly drawn line art, which results in strong storytelling, especially in conveying how what is said by one character affects another.  The colors by Santtos also reflect a clean and clear science fiction aesthetic.  In a way, the coloring here recalls the sparse but evocative color photography of the film Ex Machina.

This first issue also offers some of B. Alex Thompson's most effective dialogue writing; it is fun to read the conversations between the characters.  One can be forgiven for thinking that this is a Brian Michael Bendis script, but, no, it's Thompson's.  He is a polished veteran comic book writer, and he makes this first issue an effective tease for the rest of this series.  And I want more... of that hot mermaid!

8 out of 10

www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com

Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #1's ComiXology page.

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


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: CHAO CAMPUS #22

CHAOS CAMPUS: SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES No. 22
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Bernard Gita and Luis Arellano
COLORS: Russell Vincent Yu and Alex Rayn
LETTERS: Elisa M. Coletti
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: John P. Ward
COVER: Kevin Wallace
24pp, Color, $4.99 U.S.

Rated: Teen 13+

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies created by B. Alex Thompson

“Smart Zombies, Part 2 of 2”

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is a long-running horror-comedy and zombie apocalypse comic book series.  It is created by B. Alex Thompson and published by his company, Approbation Comics.  The series is set during a zombie invasion and follows the adventures of three members of the sorority, Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY):  ass-kickin’ Jaime Schaeffer, brainy Paige Patton, and sexy Brittany Miller.

The current story line is “Smart Zombies,” which is set at a luxury hotel where a group of scientists hide a major secret.  This story is written by B. Alex Thompson; drawn by Bernard Gita and Luis Arellano; colored by Russell Vincent Yu and Alex Rayne; and lettered by Elisa M. Coletti.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #22 finds our intrepid trio meeting a talking zombie!  His name is Lucian and he maintained his intelligence through the process of death and zombie resurrection.  Jamie detests Lucian, but Paige is willing to hear what he has to say.  Also, the girls find that not all the scientists want them around, although one male scientist wants to... turn the page... so to speak.  Meanwhile, Lucian tests the limits of weird science and plots a new apocalypse.

It has been at least three years since I last read an issue of the main Chaos Campus series, although I did read the special issue, Chaos Campus: Extra Credit #6.  In the years since I first read an Approbation Comics title (well over a decade), I have noticed that B. Alex Thompson has become a stronger comic book writer and that has served Chaos Campus quite well.

The series, which tends to spoof just about every corner of American pop culture, still throws in a reference, here and there.  However, Chaos Campus has become a highly-polished horror comics gem.  The dialogue is sharp, and the action and drama are solidly constructed and written.  Thompson is also quite good at writing single-issue and two-issue stories.  I also think that Lucian looks to be a good, long-term adversary of our chaotic heroines.

So zombie fans should apply for admission to Chaos Campus; it is actually easy to start reading this comic book.  You can enter at practically any point in the series.

A-

www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com

Chaos Campus #22's ComiXology page.

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


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

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

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

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


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