Currently viewing the tag: "Drama"
War Zone, from Bleeding Ink Productions, is an ultra gritty story revolving around an ex Iraq veteran named Johnny. Who has become a meth addict after returning home. When a drug deal goes bad, Johnny finds himself at war with local drug dealers and corrupt police. Haunted by flashbacks of the battlefield, Johnny, will not only have to battle the dealers, and cops, but also his own inner demons. The overall story arc and atmosphere has an old-school 70s grindhouse feel to it, a throw back to highly violent and grimy vigilante flicks.
The grindhouse era has become the new thing to try to emulate, both in films and in the comic book world. While, War Zone, at first comes off as just another cookie cutter attempt at following the formula down to the smallest of detail, the end of the first issue adds its own twist, making it stand out on its own. Although, it is to early to tell rather or not the twist will be enough to sustain the series as something that differs from the legions of similar books, it has a fair amount of potential at success. The twist it self if used correctly could lead to a highly unorthodox, yet entertaining “buddy” dynamic, while not completely original, it could be just the thing needed to give the series that extra spark that brings readers back each issue.
Overall, the debut issue is a fun read despite having countless moments of déjà vu, it does a good job at developing Johnny’s character and establishing him as the focus. The story also manages to escape its familiarity at the end, giving readers a reason to come back at least one more time. The writing succeeds at causing readers to root for Johnny and look past his current state of being, enabling them to see his inner self and understand his daily suffering.
Will be looking forward to future issues, and seeing how the series pans out. Well worth picking up for fans of over the top violent action dramas, that focus on an anti-hero rising from the ashes to seek revenge. Drugs, crooked cops, gang bangers, bikers, its all here and accounted for, and if its your sort of bag, then you are sure to walk away with a smile on your face. Highly recommend reading with the soundtrack of the 1966, Peter Fonda, classic The Wild Angels, playing in the background for maximum effectiveness.
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Death Sentence is one of the most sharply written series’ to ever bless the page, edgy, gritty, and always thought provoking. The story revolves around three individuals who find themselves infected with a strange STD, that grants those who become infected with extraordinary abilities. Unfortunately, it also comes with a steep price tag, a life expectancy of only six months. A blessing, wrapped up within a curse, those who become infected have to make the important decision of how to spend their final months among the living. Do they use their powers for good or simply spend their time living life in the fast lane, or perhaps even darker choices?
Out of the three characters, the most interesting by far is the burn out, soon to fade away rockstar. Given a second chance to leave behind a legacy, you really want to see him turn things around and leave on a high note. The drama that circulates around him, feels so authentic, and is a great example of the writing found in this debut issue. The entire premise is highly original and does such a wonderful job at creating an experience that honestly differs from anything before it. From the creative use of a newly discovered STD called G-Plus, to intense, emotionally charged characters, Death Sentence is the next big thing.
The range of the writing is endless; readers will be treated to highly creative, relevant social commentary, moments of sadness, fits of laughter, and some of the most well scripted story telling in the industry, all within the first issue. Making Death Sentence a great choice for a television series, with the success of shows like Misfits and Smallville. Could very well be the perfect transition from similar shows that mostly focus on teen point of views. Into more adult geared dramas that revolve around superpowers. Death Sentence manages to innovate the genre, and pave the way for future thinkers to once again up the ante and spark new life into the creativity of the industry.
Readers, who decide to give the series a run, will be treated to highly enthralling drama, laced with traces of hope and inspiration. Strong character development, combined with a perfect pace, ensures that Death Sentence will not only leave you pleased but with a new titled added to your respected pull lists. Some of the most fun to currently be had with a comic book in hand, support this title, and pave the way for future titles, willing to risk moving outside of the cookie cutter comfort zone.
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When it comes to completely original concepts, Healed stands out among the rest, and delivers an authentically new experience for readers to enjoy. Monday, August 22nd, 2011, 12:06 AM, the very moment, that the entire world was erased of all diseases and viruses. Now humankind must figure out, what it means to be nearly immortal as a species, and adapt to a new era, where all of the rules have suddenly changed. This debut issue takes place one week after the above-mentioned date, just enough time for the reality of the situation to set it.
Healed raises endless interesting questions, and forces readers to really sit down and contemplate, what it would be like to live in a world free of illness. For starters this would make death a much more horrific event, the only way a person would pass on is if they met a sudden, violent, means to an end. No longer would the luxury of a peaceful natural passing in ones sleep exist. In addition, the need for medicine would drastically drop. Putting countless numbers of people out of work, in a world where overpopulation would quickly become an issue, adding to a never-ending raise in unemployment and poverty. Not to mention, what about those who were unlucky enough to pass just minutes before the sudden cleansing? How will this affect their love ones, unable to share in the initial rush of happiness?
After finishing, this first issues, readers are sure to find themselves unable to forget about its content. How much of a blessing would a cure all really be? If one sits down and really think about it, illness is a needed aspect of life, required to keep many facets of humanity balanced. Overpopulation, poverty, famine, rises in violent crime, only a few factors to consider. Easily, Healed is one of the most intelligent books to come out in some time. This is a highly recommended read for comic book fans looking for something honestly different and endlessly captivating. Some of the most original and high quality writing to ever bless the page, George O’Connor, raises the bar. Artwork from Griffin perfectly completes the package, flawlessly complimenting the already bleak subject matter with equally emotion packed imagery. Black, whites, and greys are used to keep the sober tone, while stellar uses of facial expressions emphasize the dire nature of the situation.
Currently this first issue can be read 100% free via our friends over at Graphic.ly, it is highly suggested that you take advantage of this, and prepare to become completely addicted to this series. Be sure to pick up further issues, and show your support to this wonderfully crafted independent release.
5/18/2012 – updated to reflect the artists name as Griffin, thank you for letting us know about this. You also might have issues with Graphicly as they have basically shut down their storefront for all intents and purposes, but you might be able to find it on comixology as well.
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The Samaritan, from publisher Vantage Inhouse Productions, author Victor Dandridge, and artist Ren McKinzie, is a vigilante drama about a community where drugs, prostitution, and gang violence run rampant. However, a new mysterious tenant has made it his mission to ensure justice is served, by any means necessary.
The writing is rather hit and miss, at moments the story exhibits potential characteristics of James O’ Barr’s, The Crow series, ultra gritty, dark, and packed full of atmosphere. However, more often, the story is plagued by poorly used clichés, and horrible character development, causing it to fall way short of its potential.
Instead of endlessly pounding the fact that the community is rough into the heads of readers in this debut issue, it would have been far more productive to give the audience a reason to latch onto Smith, perhaps a reason that he is so dedicated to being a vigilante, even if only a brief tidbit of information to lure readers back for issue two. The climax of this first issue, also felt unneeded and forced, could have really used more build up than it received, the lack of detail quick pace, makes it hard to become invested in the story at all.
Art wise, The Samaritan, is equally forgettable; each panel is as visually boring as the last. Quickly it becomes nothing more than endless clusters of ineffective visual aids, mainly due to an immense lack of details, which also causes almost immediate eyestrain. The artwork could have saved the book from its sub par writing, but instead simply adds to its overall vibe of incompleteness.
The Samaritan is very much a title that can be skipped, not even the most hardcore of hardcore genre fans will be able to find any sort of redeeming qualities within its pages. The debut issue fails to give readers any real reason to return, and truly felt more like a brainstorming session, than a complete product. Low quality story telling, bad art, and the inability to spark the start of a relationship between Smith and readers, become more than enough nails, to seal its own coffin.
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Title: Run By The Gun
Author: Rey Miranda
Artist: Brian Hardison
Letterer: Kharl Sampson
Cover: Tone Ellis
Publisher: RBG Entertainment, LLC
Released: January 01, 2012
Run By The Gun, from publisher RBG Entertainment, LLC, is an age-old tale of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll. The first issue revolves around a musician named Peter, who finds himself unable to sacrifice his artistic integrity, even if it means a stable future for himself and his pregnant girlfriend. After turning down a record deal with a mainstream label, Peter, turns to an ex band mate in hopes of putting together a new band setting into motion a wonderfully crafted, gritty, and true to life look at a bands struggle to make it to the top, while remaining true to their hearts.
Run By The Gun absolutely shines, when it comes to interesting characters and flawless character development. The first issue does a wonderful job at introducing readers to each of the current main characters, who all ooze personality creating an early bond between readers and themselves. The conversations between characters seem so organic and naturally flowing that it is impossible to not imagine each of them as a real people, whose life you are watching unfold before you. With a very cinematic feel to it, due to its steady pace, and over all presentation, this book is truly a captivating read.
The art style further adds to the books gritty punk rock vibe, with its basic black/white line art approach. The artist does a great job at conveying emotions with realistic facial and body expressions. A prime example of art and writing meshing perfectly to create a total package experience that impeccably leads readers onto a journey that is both visually and mentally stimulating. Easily one of the best drama genre titles of the year thus far, Run By The Gun is necessary read for all fans of dramatic, gritty, and authentic feeling rock n roll stories.
Highly looking forward to future issues, and seeing how the band ultimately comes together, Run By The Gun, is a success in every way with its debut issue. With writing so engaging that it seems like it should be a house hold name, AMC, or FX television drama, this book cannot be recommended highly enough. Currently you can read this amazing first issue completely free via our friends over at Graphic.ly by following the provided .
Lets say you had access to an working time machine and were given the chance to go back in time and give your younger self words of wisdom. Would there be things you would want to change? Wrongs you wish you could right? I am sure many of us can think of a thing or two that we wish we could change. Back in the Day from the duo of Dave Dwonch and Daniel J. Logan tackles this topic head on in this ultra entertaining graphic novel published by Action Lab Entertainment. The story revolves around three best friends Todd, Mikey, and Darren, who set out on an epic journey after Darren invents a working time machine.
Each of the three boys has a mission to accomplish while in the past. Mikey hopes to help himself sleep with more girls before committing to the one who becomes his future wife. Todd wants to ensure his younger self seals the deal with a certain neighborhood cougar that he once ran from in fear when given the chance to have sex with twenty years ago. Darren on the other hand is on a quest of what he believes to be true love. He has spent much of his life regretting never calling a girl who was clearly interested in him back in high school. He was never able to confess his love for her and has always wondered what could have been.
I have to start by praising the writing ability of Dave Dwonch, who is a master at creating believable and authentic sounding dialog between three life long friends. All three of the characters are relatable and likable leading to a strong bond between them and the reader. The story itself is more complex than one would think; this is not your run of the mill time machine tale by no means, midway through the story it takes a clever heartfelt twist, that I feel really captivates the bond between long time childhood friends. The pacing is spot on in this graphic novel; each panel is more fascinating than the last causing each turn of the pages to become increasingly enthralling than the last. I can’t emphasize enough how impressive the writing truly is, I would love to see an indie director tackle this story in movie form it has all the requirements for a unforgettable buddy comedy/drama.
The artwork is perfect for the story, and does a tremendous job at adding extra emotion. The facial expressions found within Back in the Day bring together the imagery and story flawlessly. I really dug the basic yet modernized style of illustrations; the vivid black and white color palette really compliments the vibe of the story. Each of the characters presented in the story look exactly how you would picture them based on the authors description. In my opinion if I were to read this story in only script form, and then later was shown the artwork, it would be very close to what my imagination created based on the text.
Back in the Day went from being just a random purchase to one of my favorite graphic novels I have read this year. The story is moving, well written, and delivered in a perfect fashion. It is packed with emotion and relatable scenarios that really got this soon to be 30 year old writer thinking about his past. Anytime a comic or a graphic novel is able to honestly make you sit and think about something it is a good sign that you have discovered a picture perfect example of talent.
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The first issue of Hard Evidence centers on Hauge, a fresh out of jail detective who has been cursed with a spree of bad luck that has been approached by a local gangster Rohmer to investigate the death of his daughter Kira. Although her husband has already confessed to the murder and a large amount of evidence is pointing in his direction Hauge takes the job and is determined to uncover the truth behind who murdered Kira. Written and Illustrated by Palle Schmidt (The Devil’s Concubine) published by The Outfit released August 21st 2011.
I am a big fan of noir style comics and am always on the hunt for new series’ to test drive. Hard Evidence is filled with solid writing and a main character that is as tough and resourceful as they come a private detective who is not afraid to get his hands dirty to get results. Every time Hauge spoke, I could hear his voice deep and gravely worn from years of living rough an honest man who has been given a bad rap by life due to his explosive temper. The perfect lead man for a gritty crime drama set in a city where the only people who matter at the rich and the poor suffer more each passing day.
Palle Schmidt is a brilliant writer and perfectly creates the image of a crime riddled city filled with crooked cops, beyond the law wealthy, and straight up criminals and kingpins that will please any fans of a well done noir story. I hope that this comic becomes an ongoing series, the social commentary found within the pages of this issue are beyond clever and as honest as they come. Hard Evidence often feels like a love child created by cross breeding Law & Order and The Shield leading to a very entertaining never dull read that has me dying for more of detective Hauge.
The art style is minimalistic black and white, perfect for the bleak setting of the story and features a well-done full color cover that reminded me a lot a Grand Theft Auto advertisement that immediately caught my eye causing me to investigate the comic further. It turns out Palle Schmidt is not only a talented writer but also a gifted artist as well.
I tried to locate some more information on this series but had no luck so my advice to you readers is to pick up this first issue and cross your fingers that there are more to come in the near future. I for one had a great time with this comic and recommend it to any fans of realistic crime dramas that pull no punches and are not afraid of taking serious and honest looks at our class based society where money talks the loudest and often speaks the last word.
Update Note: The creator of the comic cleared up some confusion for me and this is in fact a stand alone story.
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In the eight issue of Fade From Blue, we find Marit and her partner hot on the trail of Scalamantri although the captain let Marco walk her partner ensures her that they will find someone else willing to testify against the crime boss not knowing that she is really more concerned with the phone call she is waiting for to set up a meeting with the real highball the man who she suspects killed her mother. Meanwhile Elisa is forcing Daggy to play hooky at work again to spend time with her as she realizes that he has always been there when she needed someone. We are also given a more in-depth look at the life of Christa when she is not working and the relationship between her and her friend Wei and an intense argument between Christa and Iya as this dramatic masterpiece continues to unfold.
It had been a little while since I last read an issue of Fade From Blue and oddly enough, it leads me to realizing something about a previous review I posted today. I do not dislike stories revolving around romance and emotional drama at all its just that I require it to be delivered in a believable and interesting fashion a feat that this series accomplishes in every single issue. When it comes to indie writers who should be on your radar Myatt Murphy should be near if not at the very top of your list. He does such an amazing job at creating fascinating and true-to-life dialog it never fails to totally blow me away. Murphy’s writing talent can clearly seen in the way they series never seems to miss a beat even with so many sub plots unfolding along side with the main story arc they each always seem complete and relevant never taking the backseat to the main story giving it almost 90s indie cinema feel.
I have been on an indie drama film kick as of late and returning to Fade From Blue really made me realize just how impressive this series really is. Each of the characters has developed wonderfully each with their own distinct and believable personas that constantly evolve in front of the reader’s eyes. If you love to hear a good story with lots of twists and turns filled with humor, romance, drama, and just enough action to stir the pot than Fade From Blue may very well be the perfect series for someone like you I know it turned out being that way for myself.
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Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Omnibus Volume 6 takes place during the tail end of season four and launch’s into season five of the television series and season one of Angel. Buffy and Angel are living in Los Angeles and despite the efforts of Riley must reunite to fight new enemies. This volume covers the Tara/Willow storyline as their relationship continues to heat up and also has a great deal of storylines revolving around Giles and also features the “Past Lives” story arc.
I feel like I should start by warning potential readers that I absolutely hate this franchise beyond the original film. To me when they translated the show into television format it lost its entire luster to me and became just another teen soap. Because of this, I am going to tell you what I think of it personally but also how I feel fans of the series will walk away from it to be fair.
The approach they took with the “Omnibus” series by reliving the television seasons in comic book format has always interested me. I would love to see some other canceled shows go this directly especially a show that I loved that never got a real ending Dark Angel. Visually I ended up enjoying this book and found it a lot more interesting in this format, the vivid colors are ultra vivid and the artwork it self is beautifully drawn. From a strictly visually stand point I loved this book which I feel was far more interesting due to escaping the limitations they faced with the television show due to budget and technology restrictions.
My biggest issue with the television show remains the same with the comic series I simply cannot stand the writing. I lack the ability to care about any of the characters or their ordeals. The first couple of seasons were watchable to me but once it started to become less about vampires and more about anything, supernatural with a sleazy teen drama twist I jumped ship never to return. Fans of the television show will love the “Omnibus” series and this book just as they loved the show. Revisiting key story arcs from the show is fan service at its finest and from what I have heard from friends who love this franchise the books are spot on and perfectly recreate the Buffyverse.
If you are a Buffy fan ignore this aging mans lack of ability to get interested in the teen drama sub genre and run out and pick up this book you will more than likely adore it. I will admit I am semi interested in checking out earlier volumes to see if I’m able to get sucked in if I start from the beginning in this much more visually pleasing format.
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Fade From Blue #7
Story: Myatt Murphy
Art: Scott Dalrymple
Letters: Stan Depain
Colors: Tanya
Richard Horie
Second 2 Some Studios
Issue #7 entitled “A Long Way Home From Where We Are” revolves around Elisa and Daggy at first as he skips school to make sure Elisa is ok and to give her a shoulder to lean on. Meanwhile none of the other girls came home last night as we get panels showing Christa waking up on the couch of a fellow freelancer Sheila, Iya waking up in bed with her abusive ex leading to a very emotional climax to Iya’s section of this issue. Merit is busy training hard as she waits for her mark to make contact with Banjax so she can finally seek revenge.
Something I keep forgetting to mention that I also find very interesting about this wonderfully presented and done indie drama is at the end of each issue we are given an actual article or relationship related test from Christa the sort of thing you’d find in Cosmo. I always dig comics that go that extra mile with original and unique fan service this feature always puts a smile on my face and most times makes me chuckle a time or two at how authentic each of the features feel.
Also I briefly mentioned how I love the full color covers but I have never brought up the fact that these gorgeous full color pieces of art are not only displayed on the front but also the back features color artwork as well. The cover of this particular issue is actually a wrap around cover that really caught my eye. I would love to have a jumbo-sized poster featuring all the color covers from the series.
When it comes to serious looks at real life issues and realistic characters Fade From Blue sets the bar high for future franchise ringing in as one of the most interesting and well done indie dramas to ever exist. I really want to see this series get more exposure as it deserves a huge amount of recognition as a high quality and superbly written series highlighted but equally impressive art work and main characters that is impossible to not care about after one issue. No need to be intimidated by where to start as a new reader as each issue gives a fairly detailed run down on what has went on so far in the story arc, I highly recommend that you run out and pick up Fade From Blue, be prepared to become totally immersed into the lives of Christa, Iya, Elise, and Merit.
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