Review: Freelance Blues #4

Story: Ian Daffern and Mike Leone

Art: Vicki Tierney

Inks: Diego Moreno

Cover Art: John Lang

Publisher: Alterna Comics

Released: May 25th 2016

If you've been here before, if you've seen my reviews of previous issues then you may be aware that I am a fan of Freelance Blues, this issue does nothing to change that.

The spectacularly creative minds of Daffern, Leone and Tierney have crafted another immensely enjoyable chapter in poor unfortunate Lance's tale. In #4 we find Lance working on a ranch trying to make an honest living but, as always, things take a sinister turn. In the previous issue Daffern and Leone began to hint at some underlying familial conspiracy behind Lance and the twins plight, and that juicy vein of story is continued here. The information is teased out skilfully and woven into the structure of the plot, keeping the readers attention. It's another example of superb writing, with the story crafted wonderfully, paced excellently and peppered with humour throughout, this series has become a fine paradigm of excellent comic writing and storytelling.

In Lance they have created an ultimately likeable protagonist, in fact it must be impossible to dislike him, each issue comes with a wonderfully thought out supporting cast too.

 

I'm unashamedly in awe of Tierney's artwork, each panel crackles with life and energy, she is an excellent storyteller and her artwork is the perfect companion to Daffern and Leone's script. This issue is no different and her artwork seems to get better and better the more I look at it. Her command of characters is particularly impressive and you can feel the life that she puts into each one. 

This was a fantastic issue to read (twice.....ok three times) and I can't recommend it highly enough. Do yourself a favour and read it, if you haven't already dipped into this series then go back to the start and enjoy a shining example of excellent comics. Daffern, Leone and Tierney, thanks for the fun, I can't wait to see what's next. 

Review: Corktown #1

Writer: Mario Candelaria

Art: Scott Ewen

Letters: Zakk Saam

Publisher: Alterna Comics

Released: May 18th 2016

This week I've been blessed to read another stellar release from Alterna Comics in what has been a fantastic tenth year for them, and for us as readers.

Corktown follows the tale of a ghostly detective, trying to stop her reanimated body commiting a series of gruesome murders. This initial issue sets up the premise and some of the supernatural mythos really well. One of the most common flaws with an opening issue is the level of exposition required, after all generally they set up the story. However Candelaria has crafted a well told story that shows us, rather than outright tells-and that makes for a much more interesting read. Stephen King said you should never assume your reader is less intelligent than you (slightly paraphrased) and Candelaria puts us right up there with him and just tells the story with an exuberance that shines through.

There's some interesting takes on different supernatural myths at play too, namely vampiric and ghostly lore, but I don't want to delve too much into for fear of spiders, but needless to say it works well and adds interesting elements to the book. Torrie is an interesting and compelling protagonist, though I get the sense that there is still a lot more to come from her. 

The comic is set in Detroit, I have never been to Detroit and I'm unsure if I ever will. So it is testament to Ewen's art that he can so vividly bring a city to life to one who has never set foot in its boundaries. That fused with excellent character and sequential art, makes this book a true feast for the eyes. You almost become an inhabitant of Detroit, experiencing this story through your own eyes, as though it was unfolding before you.

I have recently begun to make my own comics, I've been writing for a while and it seemed like logical progression. So I thought lettering them would be a breeze, oh how wrong I was. Anyone who can letter should be immortalised as a genius and Saam is no different, so in my eyes he deserves special mention.

This was a fantastic book to read, wonderful writing with great characters and beautiful art to take in. It's well worth a look and is available on comixology digitally now. So do yourself a favour and give it a go. 

Review: Raygun #2

Writer: Gregory Schoen

Pencils and cover: Alonso Molina

Inks and letters: Paulo Lopez

Publisher: Alterna Comics

Release date: May 11th 2016

I've had a pretty rough week. Which is a tremendous shame as it started out with such promise, waking up Monday morning with the review copy of Raygun #2 waiting for me in my Dropbox, that put a smile on my face, though time quickly used its icy fingers to manipulate that smile into something more macabre. What with work, people, relationships and life the week got a little worse. Finally I wrestled a few minutes back from Father Time, that cold tosspot, and I used them to finally read this issue of Raygun, and well a bit of light got let back into my week. 

Schoen, Molina and Lopez have crafted anything brilliant issue rife with actin, conspiracy and intrigue. This is actually one of the best written comics I've read in a while, the script is well paced and is imbued with that quality that makes you want to keep reading. Snappy dialogue and well thought out characters don't hurt your enjoyment at all, Matthew is everyone you want from a protagonist, a little conflicted and edged, but ultimately can illicit sympathy from the reader-put shortly he's just likeable. 

I've said before that the artwork is a little reminiscent of a manga style, and I stand by that, but it's gorgeous nonetheless, every panel is exquisite and filled with detail, no space is wasted in telling the story. This is a shining example of the effect that comics can have, of how they can affect our lives. Shining rays of light penetrating the mundane gloom. This review is a little shorter than some of the others, but really it is more of a thank you than a review. Thank you messers Schoen, Molina and Lopez for writing this comic, it gave me a smile in a week filled with frowns.

If you aren't already involved in this series then make that change and get out there, get a copy and enjoy.