Tag: comics

Paper Cuts: 10/28/16

It is October and Halloween is right around the corner. For most of us, we are marathon watching our favorite horror franchises. The sequels, no matter the quality, may be entertaining, but never seem to live up to the original. And in very rare air, a sequel delivers more than the original. John Carpenter’s Tales for a Halloween Night Volume Two may be in that rare spot even stacked up against its Eisner Winning Volume One.

This second collection was ambitious. Volume Two is actually double the size of the original. Horror Anthologies that run longer in length tend to lead to more inconsistency across stories, Tales actually bucked that trend and made the book more enjoyable.

The art in this volume is really diverse and stylized and gives each story a distinct perspective. There is everything from black and white with scratchy lines to bright and bold coloring reminiscent of Jhonen Vasquez’s Invader Zim cartoons. There is also appreciation for some of the stories that let the art do the heavy lifting of the storytelling.

Each writer found a way to tell their own tale of terror and no two stories felt similar. Due to the size of each tale it is hard to say too much without giving away, but truthfully, I enjoyed each of the tales.

The only critical critique of this came in the way in the final tale, “House of the Rising Son.” The lettering was so jarring that it really took away from some beautiful art and was an unfortunate end to a really solid great horror anthology series.

Quick Cuts:

The Traveler’s Tale – John Carpenter kicks off this book with a wonderfully realized setting and the feel of a perfect Twilight Zone episode.

Ratings: 4.5 out of 5

Carnevil Max –Daniel Leister from last week’s Lord of Gore helps deliver a twisted game show tale with a spectacular creepy ending.

Ratings: 5 out of 5

The Posse –Who doesn’t love horror in the Old West?

Ratings: 5 out of 5

The Finger – My favorite. The final panel was haunting.

Ratings: 5 out of 5

Patterns – If An Inconvenient Truth scared you, this will leave you terrified.

Ratings: 5 out 5

The Basement – An origin story to the next slasher I want to see on screen.

Ratings: 4 out of 5

So Happy – Killer Klowns from Outer Space run an amusement park.

Ratings: 4 out of 5

Just Stories – Enjoyed the black and white art of Dexter meets mountain man.

Ratings: 4 out of 5

Hands Free – Solid Art. Solid Story.

Ratings: 3 out of 5

‘Til Death –If you thought Gone Girl was scary, this kicks it up a whole new level.

Ratings: 5 out of 5

Mr. Goodnight –Very vivid art, a little short on compelling story telling.

Ratings: 3 out 5

Safe from Harm – A little confusing, but felt like an old radio drama.

Ratings: 3.5 out of 5

House of the Rising Son – Great Art. Lettering was too bad to ignore.

Ratings: 3 out of 5.

This was a ton of fun and encourage everyone to check out this book. Also check out my interview with Amanda Deibert and Catt Staggs, the creative team behind the Til Death story talk about their creative process and more here.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Tags comics, Graphic Novel, Halloween, John Carpenter, Paper Cuts, Tales for a Halloween Night

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Paper Cuts: 10/21/16

If there was an Eisner for Best Week of Comics, this one would have to be nominated.

Die Kitty Die #1 (Astro Comix / Chapter House)

The sign of good story tell can be when you are reading a first issue but you feel like you have known this character your whole life.

Die Kitty Die is the creation of two classic Archie creators who have an undeniable chemistry as a creative team.

The art in this book is simply incredible. The book opens with a classic “throwback” style of art that resembles Archie comics of the 1960’s. Here we are introduced to Kitty as a character. The artwork in this section – paired with the editor’s note – really makes you think you are reading a re-print, and it is delightful.

From that intro, we fast-forward and find ourselves with modern day Kitty, complete with art reminiscent of the Life with Archie or Predator vs Archie series; no surprise considering both creators worked at Archie during that time.

Oh, and there is a beautiful two-page spread from J Bone in the middle of this issue and it is simply stunning.

The colors are bright and vibrant and it matches the story telling. We meet Kitty, a semi-forgotten comic character who also happens to be a real life witch. The story is accessible to anyone and is not shy about taking a couple jabs at the current state of comics.

This book was just so much fun and full of energy that I implore everyone to check out the creators’ Kickstarter happening right now.

Ratings: 5 out of 5

Lord of Gore #1 (Devil’s Due)

The worst part about this book is having to wait until 2017 when the next issue comes out.

The art here is pretty good. Daniel Leister definitely has an affinity towards Howard Chaykin and it comes through in the best possible way.

This was a fantastic first issue and really set up the world. After reading the Lord of Gore background story in it, I was not too sure that this was not a real life horror franchise.

This is a fantastic tale of real life Hollywood and life of stars on the horror convention circuit. If there ever was a perfect book for Horror-Writers, it is this book.

Ratings: 4.5 out of 5

Spell on Wheels #1 (Darkhorse)

There have been many books and movies that have been trying to capture the same type of fun and coolness of the movie, The Craft. Spell on Wheels finally is a worthy successor and really captures some of the same magic.

Artist Megan Levens delivers some wonderful art. Her character design is fantastic. Her cartooning style mixed with real-life-figure-proportions really grounds the book; no small feat, considering it is about witches with fantastical powers.

Writer Kate Leth really crafts a compelling first issue that deals with some real life fears that many women face, but still manages to keep the story light and not bogged down.

The creative team here is worthy of high praise for delivering a story of believable women in a fun road trip that really has some heart.

Ratings: 4.5 out of 5

Tags Astro Comix, Chapter House, comics, Darkhorse, Devil's Due, Die Kitty Die, Lord of Gore, Paper Cuts, Reviews, Spell on Wheels

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Paper Cuts: 10/7/16

BIG WEEK OF COMICS!

But before we dive in, just a quick plug. Last year after moving to the burbs, I was not ready with enough Halloween candy for all the kids in the neighborhood. When I ran out in less than an hour, I did some quick thinking and grabbed a long box and started giving out some comics. It was a hit of the neighborhood. I will be doing the same this year. If you would like to do the same and do not have any comics to give away, check out your local comic shop. They are selling 25 mini comic packs for $5 each. Check them out here: http://www.halloweencomicfest.com/Catalog Order a couple and give them out!

Grimm Tales of Terror Vol 2. #13 (Zenescope)

Skip this comic and watch Tales from the Darkside: The Movie or Scarewaves. Both tell nearly the same exact story of artist-meets-demon-must-feed-demon-for-great-art.

Ratings: 1 out of 5

Zombie Tramp Halloween Special (2016) (Action Lab)

Straight cheesecake. If you miss 90’s anatomical drawing and dialogue, this book is for you. The most memorable moment comes from when Zombie Tramp tells a little girl that her butt is not big enough to be Vamp Blade. Cringe.

Ratings: 1 out of 5

Chronicles of Terror #1 (WP Comics)

A new online quarterly horror anthology series. This issue is all over the place. It has some highs and has some lows. There are a more than a couple stories with too many text boxes and some very poor lettering. However, you’re paying $5 for 142 pages and the artwork in a couple of these stories may make this worth your time. I personally enjoyed the art from Dann Franco in “Shots Between Fangs” and Luciano Fleitas in “Down to the Woods.”

Ratings: 2 out of 5

Deadman: Dark Mansion of Forbidden Love #1 (DC)

There is nothing earth-shattering about this book, but it really is different than every other book DC Comics is putting out. Whether you are a fan of the old DC prestige comics or the vertigo heroes, this book hits all the right marks.

This is the story of Deadman and it is not your traditional hero story. Instead of saving the earth from aliens in the sky, you get Deadman in a story of love, heartbreak, and ghostly mystery.

I enjoy my caped stories, but this was really wonderful.

Ratings: 4 out of 5

Cannibal #1 (Image)

If you mix iZombie and Southern Bastards, you get Cannibal #1. Art feels very Jason LaTour, but Bergara is not as polished. It is well written and interesting enough.

Ratings: 2.5 out of 5

B & V Friends Comics Double Digest #251 (Archie)

Another week. Another Archie Halloween Special. This one centers around the adventures of Betty and Veronica.

There are plenty of tales in this one, but the interesting thing to see in this one was the small art changes it made in each story. Where the Archie stories from last week had very similar art throughout the entire book, this one had some changes while keeping that Archie feel.

The stories are filled with some all ages fun with jokes for kids and adults.

I really thought last week might have been a fluke or I was in the mood for something light hearted, but after this week, these Archie Halloween specials deserve to be any comic collection.

Ratings: 4 out of 5

Tags Archie, Cannibal, Chronicles of Terror, comics, Deadman, Grimm Tales of Terror, Paper Cuts, Zombie Tramp

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Paper Cuts: 9/30/16

I apologize Paper Cuts fans! We just got busy over here at Paper Cuts Central. So busy that we are reviewing a couple comics for all ages from last week to get you in the Halloween Spirit! You can still always pick these up from your local comic shop or digitally over on Comixology.

The Simpsons’ Treehouse of Horror #22 (Bongo)

There is a very easy way to describe this book. Simpsons parody X. Repeat. In this anthology the Simpsons parody Ghostbusters, X-Files, Vampires and Looney Tunes.

Truthfully, there is nothing wrong with this comic. If you are a fan of the show, there may be some extra enjoyment, but as just a comics fan and occasional Simpsons viewer, this issue just felt a little flat. There was nothing especially clever about the jokes and the art is exactly what you would expect.

Ratings: 2 out 5

Adventure Time: 2016 Spooktacular #1 (Kaboom)

One of the best things about the Adventure Time show is that it strikes a nerve for children and adults for enjoyment.

I was pleasantly surprised that tone carried over into this Halloween special.

Kids who read this book will see some of their favorite characters and the bright colors and different art is sure to keep them entertained while diving through.

Upon a bit deeper reading though, you realize the very cute character of Gunter is put in some very strange and overall creepy tales. Also, art fans will enjoy the changing art styles throughout each story. It gives the overall comic the feel of a horror anthology movie that is enjoyable to see what each creator can do in a short time.

Ratings: 3.5 out of 5

Archie Comics Double Digest #272 (Archie)

It is hard to put my finger on what was so enjoyable about this book, but I’d try to say that this book had the same type of charm that the original Muppets TV show had.

The classic Archie style of art certainly grabs younger readers, but also gives the adult readers that nostalgic feeling of Sunday morning comics and standing in line at the grocery store.

Where Treehouse of Horror relied too heavily on its built-in fan base, Archie has a lot of laugh out loud jokes and clever nods that kept me engaged with each anthology story, despite the similar art running throughout.

As far as Halloween classics go, this is certainly one you want to keep around for yearly holiday read.

Ratings: 4 out of 5

Tags Archie, comics, Paper Cuts, Simpsons

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Paper Cuts: 9/16/16

This past weekend was Cincy Comic Con, which is a great convention if you ever find yourself in the Midwest. It is the one show which gives you very easy access to creators not just to sign books, but to ask questions and have a conversation.

On top of my normal duties of podcast bumps and creator interviews, I had the time to sit down and really talk with some smaller publishers who came out to the show. I had a great conversation with the guys over at Broken Icon Press.

No matter how great they seemed after our conversation, a great conversation does not always mean great comic books. I had planned on highlighting a couple of the indie publishers this week, but **spoiler** I was so blown away with Frank #1 that, without much thought, I realized this was the only book I really wanted to talk about.

Frank #1 (Broken Icon)

You can’t teach an old dog, new tricks. Well in the case of Frank #1, you can teach an old zombie some new tricks.

The zombie genre has gone beyond the point of saturation and seems to be on the decline.

That is not to say The Walking Dead is not as popular as it once was, but the constant bombardment of zombie stories across comics and most media, is beginning to get tired and worn out.

Occasionally, something new and interesting has come along. The New Deadwardians was an interesting take by placing zombies and vampires into separate classes and throwing them into Victorian England. Even Action Lab’s Ghoul Scouts felt fresh because it was a toned down, PG-rated version of kids dealing with zombies. I am happy to put Frank by Broken Icon into taking that genre and turning it on its head.

We meet the titular character, he is not only a brainless zombie, but also as a ghost who haunts himself. The only problem is that the ghost side of Frank is not mindless like his undead counterpart, but instead a fully functioning, speaking ghost. Ghost Frank has to learn to control his zombie counterpart and figure out why Ghost Frank still remains on this plane of existence.

When we first meet Frank the ghost, we as an audience begin to feel a bit sympathetic towards our hero, but as the issue goes on, we realize that Frank is not a sad sack, but a more layered character.

We have a great premise and great character development, but we do not get there without some top notch dialogue. Many true indie books that I have read get bogged down in explanation and text boxes. Not here. Writer Eric Watkins belongs in the conversation with any larger company stable of writers.

The art by Todd Beistel is great as well. It certainly has the feel of an independent comic with heavy blacks and lots of scratchiness to the art. That is not necessarily a bad thing. If you look at any issue of The Walking Dead, it still has the very same feel throughout the entire series.

Ratings: 5 out of 5

Do yourself a favor and head over to Broken Icon Comics for Frank #1. $2.00 for a digital version or $10 for a hard copy with an original sketch on every copy.

Tags Broken Icon Comics, comics, Frank, Paper Cuts