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