Pulp Tales Review

Anthology tales are usually a hit and miss affair. Creators have the danger of trying different styles, or dusting out a random story from the bottom of their desk drawer. These may work, but that’s not always the case. Unfortunately brevity is not something a lot of current writers are skilled in, whereas their web-comic cousins are skilled indeed at using less than 22 pages to tell an enchanting story.

Saying all that, the new one-shot Pulp Tales, from BOOM! Studios thankfully works. Of course, just like any comic grab bag, you don’t know exactly what you’re going to get and the short tales contained within have to cross as many genres as possible, so readers will find at least one story they adore. This issue comes with two covers, from Ben Templesmith and Josh Medors (Fused, 30 Days of Night.) The latter version is a slightly higher price, but that’s a good thing, as this is a benefit book for Medors who was recently diagnosed with cancer, and ALL proceeds will go to supporting him and his family.

The first tale, Bluejacket is written by 76’s B.Clay Moore and Seth Peck, with art by Chris Samnee. It shows a paranormal team as they fight a werejaguar and welcome Dr. Nicole Shaw to their ranks, as the first woman in Bluejacket’s 75 year history. It combines elements of The X-Files and Doc Savage, with a pinch of Hellboy’s B.P.R.D thrown in for good measure. And it all works. The team consists of the requesite strongman, nerd, adventurer and Dr. Shaw, the token female. Not a panel is wasted creating a glimpse of this world, and it reeks (in a good way) of good old fashioned heroism, when baddies were beaten with fists and dames were kissed hard on the lips.

Joshua Fialkov (the madcap P.U.N.K.S) with glorious old-school art by Andy B, craft an obvious Lone Ranger homage with their story about Newt Lawman and Running Bear as they make a stand against some angry Apaches. The standout here is the art. Reminiscent of Mike Allred, it’s all grand gestures in technicolour. I’d love top see more of this guy.

The Crescent Flame by Kody Chamberlain (also from P.U.N.K.S) is set in New Orleans in 1952. A young man by the name of Harry managed to capture a photo of The Crescent Flame’s latest heroic act and now has to face the consequences. More like an illustrated prose piece told in third person, in the style of an old radio serial, it’s a nice departure from the rest of the more traditional stories before it. Rendered in blue for exteriors, and red for the dark room scenes, it’s also an effective showcase of moody colouring.

Tony Fleecs tells the story of overweight gumshoe Crash Winters in typical pulp fashion. On the trail of deceased movie star Susan Stevens he fumbles his way to a secret and a cute cliffhanger, in the most cartoony fashion in the book.

Limbo’s Assassin follows brutal enforcer Carl Henderson and is the most pulp-ish story here. A prose piece with black and white illustrations by Sarah Wilkinson, there is also a mysterious (though not for long) girl, lots of shooting goons and blood loss. All this means its tailor made for fans of Sin City, but with a supernatural twist. Some may be tempted to skip through all the text, but stick with it. It’s worth it.

Each one of these tales is presented like a random selection from a world that’s been established for some time, but that’s not a distraction. They all have enough charm and diversity to be entertaining in the few pages they’re allowed. Pulp Tales is also a great example of the numerous writing and art styles inherent in today’s indie stars. Each creator brings an approach blatantly differently from the others, yet they also lovingly play with the conventions of classic pulp and superhero tales. Be entertained and maybe discover a new fave creator and you’ll feel good at the same time by supporting a young artist in a time of need. The 24 pager goes on sale on October 8.

October 6, 2008
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, New To Comics?, Reviews . Tags: , , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 2 Comments

Challenger Deep #1 Review

Captain Holden leads his crew on a routine data gathering mission somewhere near Guam when they are hit by a mystery vessel, leaving the sub broken and helpless, while their superiors argue about the seriousness of the situation, with a few scientific phrases thrown in for good measure.

It takes a few pages for this tale to become anything other than that simple description, but if there’s one thing BOOM! seems to excel at, it’s taking stories that’s seem familiar, and then throwing in some unexpected elements to make them gripping and unexpected. That’s what Challenger Deep has going for it.

We soon learn that there are only 50 hours of air left in the vessel and its stuck near a huge ice shelf, and only one man can save them. Dr Eric Chase’s fly fishing opportunity is interrupted by men in dark suits, imploring him to serve his country and save these men’s lives. But he’d rather not. Chase is an expert in the ocean’s depths, but couldn’t care less about saving over 100 lives. In fact, he hasn’t cared much for the deep blue since his wife’s death 5 years ago, and hasn’t stepped on a boat since. That finally changes however when the men in charge let him know about the sub’s precarious position, plus the fact that it’s warheads are set to detonate in 72 hours. Nuclear warheads + methane ice=Armageddon. A planetary match. And that’s bad.

Written by Andrew Crosby and Andy Schmidt, with art by Chee, it seems somewhat reminiscent of one of BOOM!’s better titles, Station, but with a nuclear sub replacing an international space station. With 3 issues left, I can only assume the rest of this series will quicken the pace. There’s a lot of set up in this issue, but it is necessary, and now that it’s out of the way, hopefully the real adventure can begin. Some may be disappointed by the art. It’s dark and sketchy, with minimal detail, but it is a mood setter. Thankfully the pace and dialogue make up for it. Characters are quickly established and intriguing plot elements, such as the Captain’s erratic behaviour, and the crew’s handling of him after the crash, plus the mysterious name that also helps convince Dr Chase to save the world, all help to lift this tale above the depths of mediocrity.

September 14, 2008
Categories: Comics, New To Comics?, Reviews . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Farscape goes BOOM!

Well, now I have officially passed my 100 posts mark. That went fast. Anyway, BOOM! Studios are just about to release the Farscape 4 ish mini-series in conjunction with the Jim Henson Company, who helped launch the fan fave TV show back in 1998. Also on board is the show’s creator, Rockne O’Bannon and veteran novelist Keith R.A DeCandido, who worked in the Farscape universe in his 2001 book, House of Cards. From BOOM!’s press release, for those of you who are unfamiliar with the sci-fi show:

Debuting on the SCI-FI Channel in 1998, FARSCAPE follows the adventures of astronaut John Crichton, who has a freak accident during an experimental space mission that catapults him across a thousand galaxies to an alien battlefield. Suddenly, he’s trapped among alien creatures wielding deadly technology – a battle that 20th century sci-fi pop culture never prepared him for. Hunted by a merciless military race, Crichton begins his quest for home from a distant galaxy.

A groundbreaking award-winning sci-fi production, FARSCAPE has become a global favorite. Named by TV Guide as one of television’s “Best Cult Shows Ever” and most recently named by EMPIRE Magazine as one of the “50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time,” FARSCAPE is known for the overwhelming fan-based campaign that led to its miniseries production.  The show has continued to find new audiences as it airs in syndication and is available on DVD around the world.

Below are the covers for the first two issues.

September 7, 2008
Categories: Comic Art, Comics . Tags: , , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Zombie Tales #4 Review

One of BOOM’s newest titles, the aptly named Zombie Tales continues to shamble to success. Those crazy undead have regaled comics (and films, games, etc) for decades and can adapt into any genre with ease, such as plain out horror to comedy. They’re a resourceful bunch, those brain hungry walking corpses, with no shortage of manic adventures to share. This issue is the first from Wanted screenwriter Chris Morgan, and his brother Terry. Entitled Zaambi it’s divided into three parts, with a different artist for each. Set in a remote village, young Toshiro, wishing to become a man becomes more adept at zombie killing, proudly presenting a bag full of heads to his father to prove his worth. His father is displeased however at his lack of honour for the dead and his training continues, as it does with the other boys of Honchu village, whom must graduate from the harsh school of zombie killing. Toshiro and his rival, Kenji-Tango soon realise how serious the encroaching flood is.

Part 2 shows us the nineteen year old Toshiro who is now a weary zombie destroying machine; a man who hates the forever growing horde almost as much as he does the evils of his fellow man. The final part involves Toshiro as he follows advice from a Chinese captive, seeking to kill the zombie menace once and for all. As his crew travel the countryside, they come across the famous terracotta warriors of old, and must make a heart wrenching decision (literally) to see their goal come to pass.

One of the marks of a great writer is brevity. The Morgan brothers certainly have that. There are a bundle of great, blood soaked ideas in this stand-alone issue, but the story never comes across as overwhelming or convoluted. It’s tight scripting with descriptive narration, and an ending that I didn’t see coming, but one that works beautifully. The artists, namely Gabriel Hardman, Minck Oosterveer and Jason Ho have very similar styles. Having three artists in less than thirty pages is usually jarring, but BOOM! have chosen these three well. They all sketch in a rough fashion reminiscent of Joe Kubert or Lee Weeks, perfectly complimented by Cris Peter’s muted colours and Marshall Dillon’s subtle calligraphic lettering. I was gladly surprised by the effective crafting of this adventure. Zombies in an ancient eastern setting is a concept I haven’t seen before, and with its “I Am Legend” one man’s POV against the world vibe it’s a perfect fit.

September 1, 2008
Categories: Comics, Reviews . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

BOOM! Freebies

Relatively new publisher, BOOM! Studios have made a mark on the comics biz by offering a wide range of genres in a fairly short amount of time, and also by appointing High Priest of Fanboys, writer Mark Waid as EIC. High Rollers is one of their latest series, and is written by renowned novelist Gary Phillips. In this first of a four part series, Gary talks about his upbringing, his long love of reading and the basis of the new crime mini. I must say High Rollers certainly makes an impression in the first few pages with a brutal, yet strangely noble death, and seeing gangsters dressed up in suits while discussing business in a boardroom is a fine idea. If you’re a fan of Phillips, or stories where everyone has a gun and a funky nick-name, then this series is for you. If you don’t like either of those things, but do like large men with deep voices talking about “the streets,” then watch the video.

If that whet your appetite, then check out the rest of BOOM!’s vids here.

You still want more? Well, BOOM! have also just started their new free comics enterprise on-line. They will be releasing a page a day from 6 different series, such as the humourous Hero Squared, action packed 2 Guns and the horror of Cthulhu Tales. Something for everyone and a good way to see what takes your fancy. This is good news for us fans and is a move becoming increasingly common. It seems to work for both sides. BOOM! reported a sell out on North Wind #1, the first issue of which was released free on-line at the same time as its shop release date. It necessitated a second printing, while there was a 30% increase in sales from issue #3 – #4. Good news all round really.

Lastly, there’s now a text commentary for BOOM!’s recently released Station #1, if murder on an international space station is your thing. And why wouldn’t it be? It’s written by TV writer Johanna Stokes and is a great insight into her inspiration and storytelling craft. Her explanation about that creepy two-page murder spread makes it even more frightening.

July 15, 2008
Categories: Comics . Tags: , , , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 1 Comment

Josh Medors Benefit Book

BOOM! Studios will be unveiling an anthology book, called, Pulp Tales, to aid comic artist Josh Medors in his battle with recently diagnosed cancer. These types of books are not uncommon, and it’s always great to see the publishers, creators, retailers and fans rally around to help one of their own. The full colour, 24 pager will be available with two different covers, one for $3.99 and one for $9.99, for those who want to donate a little more. It’s a unique and meaningful way to not only feed your comics habit, but also help Josh and his family during this tough time. Details (and groovy artwork) below, straight from BOOM! Looks like some great pulpy tales to be found. For those going to San Diego Comic-Con (like me!) you can be one of the first to pick up a copy there, from BOOM!’s booth (no.2543). Here are some of the strange stories you can look forward to….

Steve Niles and Sarah Wilkinson contribute LIMBO’S ASSASSIN, a prose story written by Niles, featuring art by Wilkinson. In this macabre tale of crime and punishment, a hired killer comes face-to-face with his victims and finds that perhaps he wasn’t as evil as he thought he was.

B. Clay Moore and Seth Peck contribute the debut of BLUEJACKET, illustrated by Chris Samnee. Former 1930s crimefighter-now-corporate-mogul Bluejacket and his supporting crew, the Men of Adventure, tangle with an Aztec were-jaguar. But he’s not half as bad as Bluejacket’s board of directors!

Created by Josh Fialkov and Andy B, NEWT LAWMAN AND THE SECRETS OF THE VALLEY is the story of the rootin’ist, tootin’ist cowboy in all of the Southwest, Newt Lawman, who’s found himself and his Indian pal Running Bear in a heap of trouble. They must square off against the protectors of the Golden Ox or the evil Hayes Rutherford will kill Newt’s ladylove, Maggie Mae!

THE CRESCENT FLAME!, written by Kody Chamberlain, focuses on a down-on-his-luck would-be photojournalist who may very well have snapped the photo that makes his career. That is, until the subject of the photo, the mysterious Crescent Flame, shows up with an alternate proposition.

Tony Fleecs’ CRASH WINTERS: PALOOKA P.I. features one-time champion brawler Marion (Crash) Winters, who has set up shop as Los Angeles’ punchiest gumshoe. When his movie-star client takes a dive off the roof of her hotel, will Crash be able to wrap her case up? Or will he once again find himself down for the count?

“Comics are tricky when it comes to real issues like cancer,” said BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Mark Waid. “This is an industry that deals with men and women who are larger than life, who by all rights could cure cancer in an afternoon. But those heroes can’t do that, even in a world of limitless possibility – they are powerless because we are. Using PULP TALES to raise money for Josh Medors proves just how powerful comics and their fans can be in the face of adversity, and the important thing here is showing Josh and his family how true that is.”

So there you have it. For those of you who won’t be at Comic-Con, the book will be available, from your friendly neighbourhood comic shop sometime in September, but you are able to order it now.

July 8, 2008
Categories: Comic Art, Comics . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Station #1 Review

I saw a few interesting things today as I went to my LCS (local comics shop). Firstly, there were a few more people there than usual, which was fantastic. I guess most of them heard about the place from the Supanova expo. I love it when people discover comics for the first time. I firmly believe that there is a comic, or series, or writer, or artist out there for everybody. You just gotta find it. Secondly, I saw Supanova’s guest artists, Howard Chaykin and Joe Jusko there too, chatting it up with the employees and getting there photos taken. Topics discussed included TV Hulk Lou Ferrigno’s lactating nipples and Punisher War Journal’s Jigsaw story arc conclusion coming in September. (Click here for the alternate cover. You’ll go ape for it!) But comics are a minefield. Many of my friends feel initially daunted when going to the LCS for the first time. Where’s the latest Superman issue? What are all these surnames doing on the covers? What in the world is a TPB? It’s a confusing world. Well, fear not, I’m here to help. Starting from the review below, I’ll be attempting to guide you through the muddy waters of the comic book universe. Look for new pages, and a new category, entitled, New To Comics? for articles and reviews for the newbie. By the way, TPB is a Trade Paper Back, a hard cover collection of a previously published series, much like a DVD box set of a TV show you’ve seen before, but with extras and no ads. See, you’re learning already.

Space is a great setting for stories beyond straight sci-fi. Films like the original Alien, Solaris and last year’s Sunshine showed us that it isn’t always extra terrestrials that are the greatest threat. Paranoia and claustrophobia can play their part in creating terror too. With astronauts cut off from their loved ones and the strange sensation of zero gravity, normality is thrown out the window.

Station from relatively new publisher, BOOM! Studios’ continues this tradition. The first issue of a four part monthly series kicks things off with a bang. Well, not a bang really, but an immediate sense of desperation.

The international space station is a gleaming example of scientific advancement and a unified humanity. That is until the latest batch of multi-national astronauts take up residence in its cramped quarters.

It’s not long before Nicolay the cosmonaut is murdered. Not in a brutal manner, but certainly an effective one; rendered with such despair as he floats away. Dedicating two pages of almost blackness to this pivotal plot point works extremely well. Nicolay is captured by the endless space, and there is nothing his colleagues can do but watch his terrified face get further and further away. Nicolay’s death was, of course, no accident, and of all the people on the station, his work was the apparently the most earth changing.

As Dr Karen James, one of the astronauts remarks, “That’s the thing about being on a space station. There’s no place to hide. Everything comes to the surface sooner or later.” And it appears the murderer on board has only just begun their work.

Writer Johanna Stokes comes from TV, and her character work here is excellent. With only three issues left to tell this story, she has her work cut out for her, but she’s off to an intriguing start. At this point, the killer could be anyone. There are genuine chills here with a moody pace. Leno Carvalho’s artwork fits well in this context. Realistic in the style of Ultimates artist Bryan Hitch with a mix of 90s Aquaman penciller Jim Calafiore, with a good eye for the technical details of the station and the expressions of the increasingly desperate people aboard it. A whodunit in a floating sardine can is a brilliant premise. So far this series lives up to it.

June 30, 2008
Categories: Comics, New To Comics?, Reviews . Tags: , , , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 1 Comment

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