Razorcake RSS Comic Reviews Feed

SKATEPOCALYPSE

todd@razorcake.org (Todd Taylor) — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:58:09 PST

After reading sooo many zombie comics recently, when I got to this title I was ready to rip it apart. Upon reading it, however, I found it could be the start to an interesting storyline about two friends and a dog on a mission to get across the states on bike and board while dashing from a hoard of alien-induced zombies. The artwork really works with washed-out watercolors to give the entire book a sense of dread. The whole book is just a brief intro to showcase the main characters, so I hope future copies will get into the meat of the odyssey. As for now, I'm going to say this book has the potential to be a hit but it's still early; no pressure. –Gary Hornberger (DWAP Productions, buyindiecomics.com)

PLANET OF THE VAMPIRE WOMEN (The Chronicles of Jak Vanda)

todd@razorcake.org (Todd Taylor) — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:56:37 PST

What bad can be said about a book filled with naked, blue, vampire chicks? As far as I can tell, nothing is wrong, especially when good guys and bad guys are all scantly clad. This comic is hot rod fun at its best. Literally, the spaceships are modified roadsters that are loaded down with all the interstellar weaponry a rockabilly spaceman would need. The artwork is so crisp and colorful that the reader wants to hop a rocket to deep space to meet all the vixens that dwell there. Planet of the Vampire Women is a fun men's magazine designed to get the motor all revved up. Be sure to look for this pulp and let your mind drift off into space. –Gary Hornberger (Hypno-skull Approved Comix, facebook.com/hypnoskullcomics)

MOUSTACHE RIDE 1& 2, THE

todd@razorcake.org (Todd Taylor) — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:53:29 PST

A comic book straight out of Sacramento! Any book that deals with a moustache is a must purchase. This book delivers with a punch and keeps punching. The artwork is top notch and the storyline makes one keep coming back for more. Somewhere in the future, yet appearing in the past, this story rivals the great Westerns, only in a world where the man with the biggest mustache is the biggest badass. Oh, I love it already! The women are drawn with a sexy Day of the Dead look and the men are dirty and unshaven. The setting seems to be a tiny town south of the border and lawlessness abounds right on down to the hoards of orphaned children that roam the streets. The storyline is mysterious and characters dance in and out of the shadows, which causes the reader to want more at a heart-racing pace. For the most part, life seems antiquated—revolvers and donkeys—yet the young Indian lad has a hovering tape player skateboard and speaks fluent hoodlum. All in all, this series kicks ass and is a must-read, and I'm not saying that because I'm impartial to the ‘stache. –Gary Hornberger (Tantrum Comics, thereisnohalo.com)

MIDNIGHT MADNESS

todd@razorcake.org (Todd Taylor) — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:51:49 PST

This little zine is a surrealist romp through the mind of its creator. The rough drawings lead the reader through a late-night dream world romp filled with stars and Zen-like rhino/elephant looking creatures. Through the artist's eye we see photos with the faces erased and replaced with crudely comical faces. This zine is the first attempt by the author and it's a fun ride into crazy land. Hopefully this is a springboard for some future creative endeavor, so keep on skating, Mr. Ellett. –Gary Hornberger (ellettcheyne.tumblr.com, facebook.com/SPEWsticker)

COMMUTE OF THE LIVING DEAD, VOL. 1 & 2

todd@razorcake.org (Todd Taylor) — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:49:17 PST

This pocket-sized comic is a comical look at how zombies interact with the living in good and not so good ways. At first I was a little apprehensive, because on the one hand you have to eat people to survive and, on the other hand, you have a living girlfriend. Seems like a strange dinner date. Yeah, there's a pun there, so what. Anyway, this book does make one chuckle. I did just watch Shaun of the Dead and enjoyed the idea that you can chain up your zombie buddy in a shed and still enjoy playing video games with said friend. These two comics are a collection of gross-yet-funny one liners guaranteed to make your facial expression sour while still letting loose some laughter. Often, one body part entices another to join in some fun-loving hi jinx. When the zombie mother-in-law whispers that in order to get her son to eat a salad, “the trick is to tell him that cherry tomatoes are baby livers,” how is that not sickening and funny all at once? The offensiveness of this comic is its comedic gold. What with the zombie craze that's going on, this one is sure to rise from the earth to feast on the living. �–Gary Hornberger (Eric Boeker, webcomicsnation.com/eboeker)

BRAINS #1

todd@razorcake.org (Todd Taylor) — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:46:31 PST

This comic for mature readers is a fun romp through the hillbilly countryside filled with zombies. Filled with one-page stories in black and white, this comic delivers malicious, delicious fun in dungeons, morgues, back alleys, psych wards, and the open fields of rural nowhere-ville. Who wouldn't enjoy a comic with a gorilla, a backwoods sheriff, a mad scientist, jocks, beautiful chicks, and a boatload of other strange characters? Paul Allen is such a talented artist that just the covers of his comics cause one to stop and stare in amazement and wonder. This one is like the old Plop comic maxed out on steroids but with beautifully drawn, curvy girls. The stories are comically written with just enough blood and guts to make it charming. I had a great time rummaging around the pages of this one. –Gary Hornberger (facebook.com/hypnoskullcomics)

FLYTOAST!

todd@razorcake.org (Todd Taylor) — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:44:16 PST

This is a collection of artwork by Nik Caesar from the Bay Area. I met Nik at the Sac-Con comic book show and found that he had a connection to one of my all-time favorite comic book artists, Andrew Goldfarb. The two of them are showing at a gallery in the Bay Area currently. It is obvious by the artist's renderings in this book that he grew up glued to the television watching monster movies. The creatures morph into beings that are ready to do battle with the minds of the living during their deepest sleep. In some cases one might want to catch a ride with a winged beast or a hot rod-driving monster. These little gems make the book appear to be a tattoo artist's sketch book. If flyers and album art were still en vogue, these would be at a premium. If you're lucky enough to meet the artist, he has even left a panel open and is glad to make your beloved pet into a maniacal beast. It's truly a magic ride in the mind of a monster maker. –Gary Hornberger (Nik Caesar, scaryart.tumblr.com)

FILTHY CAKE

todd@razorcake.org (Todd Taylor) — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:42:10 PST

Seems the reoccurring theme in this one is monsters eat people and said monsters can take the form of almost anything from a mailbox to a bed. From the morbid minds at the Scary Art Collective comes a collection of stories that would kick the Crypt Keeper's ass. Some are comedic, some are surreal, and some are just downright scary. These stories are meant to consume the reader—into a world where consumption is the norm. It is excellently drawn and each story is unique, my favorite being “The Curse of the Bald Corpse.” When someone threatens you for a lock of hair, don't always assume that it will be taken from the top of your head. This book was given to me by Nik Caesar, who happens to have many works throughout the book and is the founder of the Scary Art Collective. If you're looking to spend Halloween any day of the year, then give the guys at the collective a buzz and get your copy of Filthy Cake. –Gary Hornberger (scary.art@gmail.com)

SCOOPIN TIMES #2

todd@razorcake.org (Todd Taylor) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:17:32 PST

This woman is pissed at the world and I like it. When you put “enjoy your fucking sundae” at the bottom of your cover, watch out. What better way to vent the frustrations of a job than to make a zine/comic that explains how one really feels? I understand completely and I also understand how this becomes comedy writing. However, I will find where this ice cream shop is and avoid it completely. My favorite section is the notable written word on ice cream cakes. Truly, what are people thinking? Finally, a comic written from someone who is so past job burnout that it is indeed funny. (pukernation@live.com, pukeyparty.tumblr.com)

NOTHING MATTRESS

todd@razorcake.org (Todd Taylor) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:16:23 PST

One strange little comic! This title is drawn and written as little children in dream-like states. The strange part is the kids, at points, talk and do things as adults with street smarts. This collection of stories has more characters than a Jim Henson production. Not real sure about this comic for the mere fact that the characters look like six year olds but talk like college students at a gig. Really good artwork; just stuck on the maturity issue. (brianconnolly@gmail.com)

ATTACK OF THE ZOMBIE SOY BOT 12

todd@razorcake.org (Todd Taylor) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:15:30 PST

All the way from Pittsburgh. Go Pirates! Hey, do they still sell the flat hats at the ballpark? This zine is pretty cool. Many of the titles of personal adventures tend to be pretty mundane, but not this one. This author picks points in time that make sense, have a point, and—in many cases—are very comical. I love the story of the acquaintance who mistook a middle finger and spent way too much time looking for revenge on Facebook. Yes, indeed funny. I also like the fact that there is no fear in expressing his feelings for his best friend, his dog. I get it. Truly a wonderful zine of human interaction. (Tom, 5501 Colombo St., Apt. 1, Pittsburgh, PA15205, zombiesoybot@hotmail.com)

NIX COMICS QUARTERLY #3 and #4

todd@razorcake.org (Todd Taylor) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:14:25 PST

Wow, do I really love this title. Better stories than Tales of Suspense, the ones I read in the seventies when I went on long trips. You name a monster or creature and I'll put money on it— that you'll find it in the pages of these comics. Great artwork on the covers, too. Number 3 is great from start to finish. I really like the lead story where the record guy turns the tables on the devil himself. For some comic break, you get a page of “Bus stop Ned” to give you giggles in-between your full dose of scare. Readers will also get a kick out of the old time gag ads for toys and records. Nix is the best comic quarterly, so get your subscription in a hurry. (Nix Comics Quarterly, 1194 N High St., Columbus, OH43201, nixcomics.com)

FIST FULL OF COMICS #14

todd@razorcake.org (Todd Taylor) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:13:19 PST

This one is a collection of many artists and writers and is the last of my collection imported from Australia. It runs the field from surreal dance partners, to rides in an Argo (Australian vehicle), to futuristic and back, to the Sunday funnies, and all areas in-between. If you're ever in the outback, grab this one first, see what you like, and then go get it. (ffocomics.yolasite.com)

MANCHILD #6

todd@razorcake.org (Todd Taylor) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:12:15 PST

What a book! It's drawn like an old copy of Mad magazine. This book is a wonderful read for all us old punk rockers. It is a twisted guide to the history of rock'n'roll. Ever been in a band and know “that guy” band member? Well, the author of this title does and describes him to a tee. In fact, this guy has no problem dishing the dirt on many of rock's famous icons and grabs many laughs doing so. This book also has some awesome interviews with some old punks and new. Hell, I haven't heard about Scott Radinski since seeing him on ‘90s baseball cards. My favorite section is how the artist was able to turn many of America's graphic iconic photos into peanuts cartoons. This book was a labor of immense proportions and it turned out awesome. (tolivealie.com)

HENRY AND GLENN FOREVER AND EVER #1

todd@razorcake.org (Todd Taylor) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:11:11 PST

This book cracks me up. Why Henry Rollins hasn't mounted his steed and ridden through the countryside to find these writers is beyond my thought process. To see these two as caring homosexuals is, indeed, comical and to add others such as the devil-worshiping next door neighbors Hall And Oates often makes me pee my pants. The beefcake in this comic is ridiculous. The best story is where Henry Rollins and Glenn Danzig go to a relationship counselor who suggests seeing other people or opening the relationship to a third, where we see Kerry from Slayer, Ian and his ”not a Fugazi scarf,” and a horrifying bed scene with Morrissey. This wildly funny comic is a must for all punk fans, and one more thing, Lita Ford… that's all I'm saying. (I Will Destroy You Comics, PO Box 39963, LA, CA 90039, iwilldestroyyou.com / Cantankerous Titles, PO Box 14332Portland, OR97293, cantankerous.com)

SPAZ #5

todd@razorcake.org (Todd Taylor) — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 19:31:14 PST

Excellently drawn comic/zine for those out there who love paranoia. My favorite part in this is the “Wikipedia list of unusual deaths” pages. It's almost like reading the World Weekly News all over again, with my favorite being the last page where a guy drowns at a pool party for lifeguards thrown by the New Orleans recreation department. This little comic is full of stories of death expressed in a “dodged-a-bullet-there” sort of way. I even learned about M�nchausen's By Proxy Syndrome in a section titled, “You know what's fucked up?” The artwork is awesome—real clean lines and detail to move the reading forward. I really enjoyed this book to a point of an obsession to get the first four copies and to interest others in its bountiful information. (emigennis.com, emigennis@gmail.com)

SIEGE AT THE HIDEY-HO SALOON

todd@razorcake.org (Todd Taylor) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:16:00 PST

Oh, yeah! Bring the westerns back to the comic format. What a brilliant idea. It's the original Ghost Rider, but in a much rawer style. I love Nix comics! This comic makes me want to go on a road trip and sit in the back seat all the way. Don't get shocked by the cover price, because the geniuses at Nix have packaged a 7” with tunes you'll be humming, just like the first time you heard the soundtrack to The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. It even comes with a gold badge that can be worn or used to fill the big hole and spin your vinyl. Screw Cracker Jacks. Yeah, Nix western! As for the storyline, everyone in this town has a streak of villain in ‘em. The sheriff and the bad guy go out in a blaze of glory. How this one stays on the shelf at the local comic shack, I'll never know. (nixcomics.com)

NEXUS POINT, THE #1

todd@razorcake.org (Todd Taylor) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:14:35 PST

The last of the comics from South Australia purchased at Pulp Fiction Comics. Strangely, I believe there is a Pulp Fiction Comics over in Long Beach. So here's the fizz on this book: it's drawn like they were working for early Image Comics. They even say the characters have a Spawn look. The story has characters emerging from teleportation and genetically manufactured rogue security operatives. That's all I have at the moment until number two comes out. It has that rough drawing in black and white that's not really visually stimulating and hard to follow. Not my cup of tea, but I can see the appeal of early Image Comics. (Fist Full Of Comics, Square Peg)

ALLOCHTHONOUS POP! #1

todd@razorcake.org (Todd Taylor) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:12:46 PST

What can I do to get my hands on the ongoing story here? My second Australian gift is wonderful in a horrific way. At first glance, this comic makes no sense. In looking up this word “allochthonous,” it pertains to minerals not formed in the region where found. It starts with a guy standing in a heap of bones with cleaver and chainsaw in hand. It really doesn't come together until the last few panels, which are devilishly drawn in a Nickelodeon cartoon way. The main character wakes up, dresses in what seems to be a koala bear suit, and rides off to entertain at the old folks home. After a dance-off, he fudges the collection records of the recently deceased. He then leaves by a back window and throws his suit out the window. When he gets home, we find out that our guy is really an alien beast that dines on the recently dead. Pretty cool for those of us who are living! At the end, however, we find that someone has left a baby in a basket for our strange alien. He takes it in and the story stops. How do I get the comic to find out what happens with the baby? Great comic with absolutely no words. A nightmare for kids, but a fun ride for adults. (Milk Shadow Books, lukepickett.com.au, milkshadowbooks.com)

PAPER COMICS #5, THE ACCIDENT

todd@razorcake.org (Todd Taylor) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:11:27 PST

This is from South Australia and it was bought by my wife while on vacation as I sat at home nursing a rotted-out tooth. I know nothing about the storyline, if there is one, but it seems to be the story of the ongoing adventures of Ding and Dong. This six-panel short is so easy to digest that I wouldn't even call it an appetizer. It seems that Ding is the aboriginal copilot to, Dong, a hot blonde who crashes into a lemonade stand in the middle of the desert. It looks like Dong's call phrase is “who cares at all,” which gets a bucket of lemonade thrown on her. This comic is drawn very old school and has a vaudeville feel to it. I'd love to see this in my local newspaper in the Sunday funnies. If you hear me call someone a “picklehead,” you can blame it on this comic. (papercomics@internode.on.net)