Welcome back, fans of the indy comics scene! I’ve got some more quick reviews of new up-and-coming creators and their current passion projects here for your reading pleasure. Some are good, others are great, but no matter what, this much is always true: they’re all completely different and unexpected from what we’re used to reading each and every week after frequenting our respective local comic shops. But enough about that. Let’s get down to it!
Epochalypse
Creators: Jonathan Hennessey, Shane Davis
With the first four issues already out, it’s safe to say that this indie hit is going to make some waves. Writer Jonathan Hennessey delivers a post-apocalyptic sci-fi tale on par with the big leagues and the art of Shane Davis is always easy on the eyes. Some great character-driven and a larger-than-live widescreen action presentation make this an enjoyable read. I can’t wait for the next issue! I’ll be adding it to my pull list for sure.
My Review: 4.5/5
Lucifers Sword
Creators: Phil Cross, Ronn Sutton, Darwin Holmstrom
With the cult hit TV show Sons of Anarchy over and done with, it’s hard to find a suitable replacement nowadays. Who would have ever guessed that the much-needed fix would come in the form of a comic book? (Other than those reading the current SOA comic, that is.) Phil Cross’s epic true life experiences lend to the excitement of this graphic novel with gorgeous realistic and gritty artwork from Ronn Sutton and a stellar script assist by Darwin Holmstrom. The reality of biker gangs and their brutality (and humanity) is perfectly captured in this self-contained story.
My Review: 3/5
Bad Summer
Creators: Ed Laroche
Writer-artist (and co-creator, along with Marcus Nash) delivers a strange tale of a bunch of people who live vastly different lives than most of us comic readers. In what seems like a dream sequence turned into a hellish nightmare, the atmosphere created in this first volume of what will more than likely be a continuing series of “bad” seasons, the mood is almost a character in and of itself. This one takes a few reads to fully grasp, but that’s a good thing. That’s what elevates it from a comic to a piece of art.
My Review: 3/5
A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night
Creators: Ana Lily Amirpour, Michael DeWeese
It becomes even harder these days to do the following: use the style of a classic comic book artist without ruining the original feel and create a compelling and original vampire tale. This comic does both in just two short issues. Reminiscent of (but not at all ripping off) the legendary Frank Miller, the art of Michael DeWeese is creepy and beautiful and altogether perfect. And the concept of this new-age vampire tale, as written by Ana Lily Amirpour, is amazing. I cannot wait to read more. And I cannot wait to get the movie when it comes out on DVD later this Spring. You should do both as well.
My Review: 4.5/5
So there you have it. Some more great reads for you to check out. What are you waiting for… Go order them now! See you all back here whenever I get to my next reading pile. And in the meantime, if you’re a creator, please don’t hesitate to contact me with your current project. I’d love to feature you on the next Independent Comic Spotlight!
