Review: Freelance Blues #6

Writers: Ian Daffern and Mike Leone
Artist: Becca T-R
Cover Art: John Lang
Publisher: Alterna Comics
Released: 27th July 2016

A mere glance at the above will indicate that this review is well over a month late/in the making. The reasons for this are personal, which makes them subjective and boring to anyone not involved, so I won't torment you with them. I have read comics in this period, but struggled with the drive and motivation to put into words how I feel. What has been important in this period of introspection has been the value that comics have to me, not mere financial face value, but something more intrinsic and dare I say spiritual. Comics have quite literally saved me. I have much more to explore surrounding this subject so look forward to further posts/essays.
Back though, to the matter at hand. Freelance Blues has been part of the healing process for me and issue 6 is the culmination of several months worth of storytelling rife with mystery and intrigue. Overall it's a satisfying denouement to a cracking story arc.

Lance is a compelling protagonist and I feel that most of his appeal resides in how readers are able to relate and identify with his struggle. Lance is really just a common man trying to make his way in the world and provide for his family. Who can say that they don't face that struggle most days in life? Lance ends up fighting monsters and beasts of myth, but this is just a weave of metaphor and hyperbole for what we mere humans view as our internal struggles externalised. Daffern and Leone have created the perfect foil for telling the story in this way, and with this issue they continue to tell this tale superbly. The pace picks up bringing the story to it's end nicely and revelations are exposed in great little pieces of storytelling and character work. I know it's been out a while now but I still won't include any spoilers just in case there are a few stragglers dragging their feet.
Now in the previous five issues the duty of art has fell to Vicki Tierney, taking up the pencil for this issue is Becca T-R, and to be honest the style of art is so similar that is almost indiscernible. There are only a few subtle differences in their styles that the storytelling doesn't suffer. Becca has a good grasp of the characters and the gifts of her art rest in it's ability to convey story, which for me is always the measure of a great comic artist. Tierney told the the first five issues excellently and I will always be a fan of hers, but T-R takes the reigns over just as well and brings the story to it's exciting conclusion.

As I've said, this issue has been around a while, so if you're following the series it's likely that you have already picked it up, so if you have then great, you'll love it too. However if you're completely new to the series and to Lance, then do yourself a favour, get all of the issues and immerse yourself in a wonderful world of storytelling.

Review: The Dark #1 Boo Hag

Writer/Artist: Kelly Williams
Publisher: Alterna Comics
Release date: 22nd June 2016

It's been a while since I've written a review, life has been rather hectic and I've really struggled to juggle everything around. It's a shame as writing reviews is a cathartic experience that I enjoy. I've read 'The Dark' several times since its release and it really is a fantastic comic.
I've been a fan of Kelly Williams since I was directed his way by Peter Simeti on twitter. His artwork is detailed, atmospheric and jaw dropping. Such is the depth of my admiration for his work that I've actually written comic scripts with his work in mind, adjusting panels and mood in order suit how I think his art process works. It's a little sad I know own but it's made me a better script writer.
Anyway, coming back to the tangent. Williams is a despicable genius who has written and drawn this standout comic. His take on certain myths about Witches, Boo Hag is a tense tale about Steve Rankin, a writer in search of truth behind legends, and finding something altogether more horrifying.

I know Williams firstly as an artist, from flicking through Twitter and seeing the gorgeous artwork that he posts sporadically. So the fact that he is a stellar writer is a pleasant surprise. For a story that consists mainly of dialogue between two men, the writing is wonderful work.  Conversation is a tricky thing to do well, as is giving each character a voice, but Williams does both with style. The story flows well and the dialogue helps to accentuate the tensions that Williams' art projects off the page.
The artwork is a master class in storytelling. It positively drips atmosphere,  each panel is lushly detailed and feels almost alive. The pages are deliberately inked and each line made aids in bringing the panels to life. At times I forgot I was reading a comic and looked up to discover that I wasn't in fact sat in a dark, haunting forest.

It's been around a while now, so the chances are you already have your paws on this excellent comic, but if you haven't then I can't recommend it highly enough, even if horror isn't your genre, this work is to be enjoyed.

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.

Review: Freelance Blues #3

Writers: Ian Daffern, Mike Leone

Art: Vicki Tierney

Cover: Stephen Sayer

Publisher: Alterna Comics

Released: April 27th 2016

This week saw another chapter in the sterling Freelance Blues from Alterna Comics. Daffern, Leone and Tierney have once again crafted an exciting and intriguing adventure for Lance, hitting it right out of the park.

The story continues with Lance on the road, embroiled in some magical, mischievous goings on that are, quite frankly, very entertaining.

Daffern and Leone perpetually craft a well written, well paced script that keeps you hooked. Lance is an easy to like character, in fact all the characters are fleshed out and believable, really allowing you to switch on your empathy.

Tierney's art is wonderful. There are amazing snapshots of art in comics, amazing splash pages, beatifically spreads, that's great, but they don't always tell the story. Tierney can do all this whilst being an incredible storyteller. Her art in this issue is exemplary and should serve as a lesson to aspiring artists out there, as well as being a feast for the readers eyes. 

There always a danger at this point in a story arc for the plot to begin to stagnate, Daffern and Leone introduce some new elements and intrigue to ensure that doesn't happen. So this issue keeps you well and truly hooked. 

This was a fantastic and exciting issue to read, I know it's been out a while now but if you haven't already read it, do yourself a favour and get involved. 

Review: Trespasser #2

Story: Justin M. Ryan

Art: Kristian Rossi

Letters: DC Hopkins

Publisher: Alterna Comics

Released: April 13th 2016

A terrifying and brilliant new chapter in one of my favourite current releases from Alterna Comics. For me,  Ryan and Rossi are fast earning the moniker 'dream team' when it comes to Tresspasser. Issue one took and interesting concept and laced it with mystery, suspense and intrigue. This next issue turns it all the way up to eleven and continues some of the best work in comics that I've come across. 

Now I don't want to give away any spoilers so I'll do my upmost to be brief. This issues sees Hector and his daughter catch their breath and try to return to 'normal' after their ordeal. However it's not long until strange nocturnal events mean they are in for the night of their lives. 

The writing is stellar, Ryan had laced suspense through out the issue, to the point where I began to have palpitations and a cold sweat. Now there is a propensity in some comics to bombard the reader with a lot of exposition, I've just read an issue from a certain 'big' publisher that does so. I don't like this, I think that it shows an assumption that reader is too slow to follow the story. You should never make the assumption that your reader is any less intelligent that you are. Ryan doesn't, he is a natural storyteller, pacing the story well and layering new information about the story, the characters and the premise throughout. It seems he leaves subtle hints to allow the reader to draw conclusions and learn at their own pace too. This all helps to build up the furore of suspense, in fact so much so that I had to backtrack over issue 1 to try and see if there were clues I had previously missed. Rossi is the mirror image with his artwork. There are numerous great artists out there, but great art doesn't always translate well into comics, not if one can't tell the story. Well Rossi is a great artist and storyteller, the kind that is so good it makes you jealous of his talents. Moody atmospheric pages add to suspense that creeps in from the the outside, really it's a terrifying experience and exemplary work to many artists out there. 

This whole issue is a wonderfully intriguing horror romp that weaves elements of sci-fi into its web. I really can't praise it enough, get yourself out there and get reading it. It's available on comixology from 13th April. If you haven't read issue 1 yet, then stop being daft and catch up. 

Review: Freelance Blues #2

Writers: Ian Daffern and Michael Leone

Art: Vicki Tierney

Letters: Robert Petek

Publisher: Alterna Comics

Released: 30th March 2016 (Digital) 

I'm a little late reviewing this one, life seemed to get in the way. Though as soon as I received my review copy in my inbox it was opened straight away and read without a moments hesitation, knowing that I would be in for a treat.  Freelance Blues #2 is a cracking issue that continues to tell the story of hapless Lance in his mission to provide for his family, always hindered by getting a job with some nefarious villain (unintentionally of course). 

This issue sees Lance take to the road to find work but inevitably things go awry and he finds himself mixed up in a science experiment with supernatural proclivities.

Once again Daffern and Leone's script is tight and paced well. Lance is written in such a way that you can't help but empathise with him. In fact all the characters are well written and fleshed out. The big bad monsters that play the antagonists are subverted and add a nice slice of humour to the book. The twists and turns keep you hooked and this separate story keeps the whole arc going smoothly.

Tierney had a real mastery of character in her art and does more impressive work in this issue. She showcases her abilities as a fantastic storyteller on every page, with interesting layouts that frame her art well and keep the story moving. The villains are particularly well drawn, but it's also the little things, the details on the background for example, that are a real marker of her talents.

This issue shows Daffern, Leone and Tierney working in wonderful unison to create another fantastic issue. It could be a great standalone story, and it is in some ways, but it also is a piece of a larger puzzle that I can't wait to work out. So bearing in mind this has been out nearly a week now, if you haven't already had chance to pick it up, do yourself a favour and do so.  You don't want to miss out. 

Review: All My Ghosts (TPB)

Writer/Artist: Jeremy Massie

Publisher: Alterna Comics

Released: March 23rd 2016 (print)

Last week I reviewed Massie's 'The Deadbeat' and this week I continue the Massie trend by having a look at 'All My Ghosts'. I've know this paperback was coming for a while, I've seen the buzz on Twitter as I follow Massie (@jeremy_massie if you're interested), but truth be told I haven't read it until now. To be quite honest I never thought it would be my sort of read, I'm pleased to say I was rather wrong. 

Massie tells the tale of a small newspaper business in a small town struggling to stay afloat in a strangulating economy. Forced to sell his family business Joe Hale begins to experience strange supernatural occurrences-as the title would suggest.

Massie is a talented writer, his character work is excellent, as is the dialogue. Importantly he crafts believable characters in a world of hyperbole. All My Ghosts is no exception, although that doesn't necessarily mean you lie the characters. 

I didn't like Joe Hale, not consistently, he is a fundamentally flawed character, he does some reprehensible things and is the perpetrator of some odd choices. 

He is great fun to read, besides I came round to him in the end.

We don't all want perfectly polished paradigms of character surely? We've grown up enough to not expect protagonists without fault. I certainly don't, they make for rather tiresome reading. I don't know what goes through Massie's head in his creative process, but he makes great flawed characters that are interesting and compelling reads. Maybe he sees them as a reflection of the fundamental flaws that all humans have, maybe he doesn't, that's only my opinion. Either way, his characters don't disappoint. 

As usual Massie's mind and pencil work in wonderful synchronicity and his style of art is a great pleasure to gaze upon. I read somewhere recently, the exact location eludes me, that independent comics are poorly drawn and lack detail. Preposterous. Anyone who shares that opinion needs only to look at the opening page, a wonderful splash panel of an incredibly detailed printing press. It really caught my eye, a printing press, if Massie can do that with something like a printing press then you can get a clear indication of the point I'm trying to make.

This is a wonderful book to immerse yourself in, you won't always see eye to eye with the protagonist but you'll feel richer for it. Do yourself a favour and go and buy this book, the story is great and the artwork is sublime. I'm seriously tipping my cap to Massie, he's done it again.

Review: The Deadbeat

Story and art: Jeremy Massie

Publisher: Alterna Comics

Currently available in March previews for print. Available on comixology (digital).

In a strange twist of fortuitous circumstance, I had just finished re-reading the deadbeat when I got an e-mail from Alterna, with a review copy and information that The Deadbeat is available in March previews. So it's rather fresh in my memory. 

Now I did a review of the AnniverSERIES edition of this a little while back, which can be found here http://retrogradereview.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/review-deadbeat-anniverseries-edition.html?m=1 and pretty much sums up the book well. The main point being that you should go and buy it. 

The title sums up the premise pretty well, The Deadbeat tells the tale of a down and out ex-superhero who tries to reconnect with his daughter when she unexpectedly crashes back into his life. Massie leaves a lot of himself in this work, like this was a matter of catharsis for him, that makes for delicate and emotional reading; which is only a positive thing. When you read the story, you become instantly sympathetic with the protagonist and his struggle. The fact that Massie generates that kind of connection is testament to his prowess as a storyteller. 

Adjunct to the excellent storytelling is Massie's art, he works in perfect synthesis with himself. I've often thought that it is a tremendous advantage if you are able to both write and draw your own work (in some ways anyway, I could write a rather lengthy essay on the odd connection between writer and artist (and inker and colourist and letterer)) Massie proves the point here with his sublime artwork. I feel I repeat myself in some of these articles, harping on about sequential art and such things, but oh well. Massie tells his story well, the art is consistent, the panels well spaced and the story well paced.

I can't stress enough how much I enjoyed this book, so seriously consider giving it a look, you're missing out if you don't.

Review: Raygun #1

Writer: Gregory Schoen

Pencils and cover: Alonso Molina

Inks and letters: Paulo Rivas

Publisher: Alterna Comics

Released: March 9th 2016

It's been a busy week or so for me, so to sit down with a new offering from Alterna Comics was a welcome relief. The fact that Ray Gun is brilliant was just the icing on the proverbial cake. Telling the story of Matthew Baker as he is sent to live with his father, this first issue sets up an interesting premise that leaves you curious as to what will happen next. 

Of course in this issue there is a substantial amount of exposition, a first issue demands that you must set the scene and have your 'inciting incident', if done incorrectly, this can be slightly full. However Schoen has crafted the story in such a way that it doesn't suffer tedium, rather it is enthralling. Its paced well and each page has a hook to keep you turning them. 

Though that isn't entirely because of the script, despite its excellence, but Molina's, frankly brilliant, artwork pops out of every page. His style seems to me to contain elements of manga, and that works really well. The characterisation is really strong and sequentially, there are practically no flaws. The panels flow smoothly and there is never any confusion about what comes next, or awkward reading. In fact some of the panels are the best laid out I've seen in a while, with some clever little tricks that made me smile.

Inkers don't often get mentioned I find, I've read some reviews that refuse to even acknowledge them, but Rivas's work here really accentuates the pencils and makes them stand right out.

Really this comic is a wonderful paradigm of symbiosis, or synchronicity that makes comics brilliant, each creator working in unison to make something special. 

Ray Gun is a brilliant read, the story draws you in and the hint of a mystery reaching from the past has whet my appetite for the next issue. There should be no barrier to you going and getting this comic straight away, it's available on comixology right now, it's a wonderful example of indie publishing at its finest. I couldn't of enjoyed it more, not to fill the void until the next issue. 

Review: Freelance Blues #1

Story: Ian Daffern, Mike Leone

Art: Vicki Tierney

Cover Art: Michael Del Mundo

Publisher: Alterna Comics

Released: February 27th 2016

There's something about Freelance Blues that resonates with me. It's the story of luckless Lance who no matter what, ends up working for grievous, evil scallywags, the kind bent of world domination, when all he wants is to earn enough to pay the bills.

It's quite relatable to most of the population, metaphorically anyway. Who hasn't though of their bosses as cruel, supernatural, monsters at some point and in that respect, Daffern, Leone and Tierney have struck gold with their subject matter; because you can't help but empathise with Lance. That makes Freelance Blues engrossing from start to it's (slightly predictable but emotionally gut punching) ending. 

Daffern and Leone have produced a script that is engaging and keeps the story moving at a nice pace, throwing in a few twists and turns that keep your interest. The dialogue is sharp, snappy and when coupled with Tierney's fantastic art, gives a clear well rounded feel to the characters, allowing you to empathise with Lance's struggle further. 

I'm not sure how to describe Tierney's art without being reductive. It isn't hyper-detailed, but it isn't simplistic, it has a cartoonish feel, but couldn't fit more perfectly into this comic. Really she has found a sweet spot between the spaces and her consistent artwork truly revels in it. Some excellent and unconventional panels showcase her talents and it's nice to see someone steer away from stereotypes, and highlights how good a story teller she is.

Alterna Comics continue to up the ante with their releases and Freelance Blues #1 is an excellent start to the series, with great art, interesting and engaging characters and plot, with a great hook at the end to pique your curiosity for what's to follow. It's released this Wednesday and is strongly recommend you adding it to your pull list. 

Review: Trespasser #1

Story: Justin M. Ryan

Art: Kristian Rossi

Letters: D.C. Hopkins

Publisher: Alterna Comics

Released: February 10th 2016

I've been waiting for this comic for a while now, hovering around the edge of its expectant buzz. I've followed its Twitter account and dipped in from time to time, but never too much, I wanted to be surprised, in the modern age it's easy to over-research and spoil things. I was one of the lucky ones who was privileged enough to read this issue the day before its release, and read it again and again and again. I wasn't disappointed.

 

The basic premise is a man who will do anything necessary to protect his daughter when a strange visitor enters their midst, but really it is so much more. I'm reviews I'm not a fan of essentially turning it into a synopsis, listing what happens panel by panel, not only does it offer little critique, but, spoilers, right? However there are so may story elements at play in Treaspasser that it would be difficult not to review it without revealing, at least, a small detail that you would be aggrieved to have found out early. So consider this a warning, there may be spoilers ahead. If you haven't read Treappasser yet, for gods sake get a copy immediately and read it, it's a brilliant, well written, well drawn, well, well everything comic, I'll save you trouble, go and buy it. If you stay and find yourself spoiled, well, you were warned. 

Ryan crafts this story like a demented baker, adding ingriedient after ingriedient and letting them turn into something wonderful. The basic premise alone is inviting enough, but when you add in the extra elements it transforms into something magical. Ryan doesn't overdo it though, the story is paced well and each ingredient is added at just the right time to keep the momentum going. 

We are thrust right into the action, in a world gone awry for reasons not yet revealed, then the extra terrestrial stranger (spoilers right?) is chucked in the pot, along with a hidden agenda. There are so many mysteries to unravel that I kept going back to see if I could see some subtle clue as to what was happening, because when I got to the end, I wanted more, I so desperately want to find out what is going on. Which brings me to the books close, a thumping great cliffhanger leaving so many frustrating questions it should of been the end of an episode of lost. Ryan has made a wonderful story, without even mentioning his command of characterisation, the snappy dialogue between the protagonist and his daughter his clever scripting.

Rossi's art is superb, it compliments the tone of the book perfectly, capturing the remote nature of the setting, the futility of the protagonists struggle and builds some very tense moments between the dad and the 'trespasser'. The sequential storytelling is brilliant and some clever uses of page and panel make for an interesting and captivating experience. 

That's what comics are right, several different disciplines merging together to create something special to pore over, Trespasser succeeds with this in style. It's a gem in Alterna's crown and has set the bar high for the publisher, really making a statement of intent in the wake of their ten year celebrations. Trespasser is an intriguing and engaging read, I  can't wait to see what the rest of the series holds in store.

Review: Diary of the Black Widow AnniverSERIES edition.

Story and art: Bret M. Herholz

Letters: John Shaver

Co-editors: Peter Simeti and Erin Kohut

Publisher: Alterna Comics

Released: February 3rd 2016 (digital)

Alterna Comics' ten year celebrations are really getting into their stride now, with a Kickstarter and more in the mix, but stay tuned for more on that. Today I'll be looking at the AnniverSERIES editon of Diary of the Black Widow.

This is a fun little edition that serves as a good introduction to the whole book. The plot is pretty well covered in the books title and we see the widow cross paths with a bumbling detective inspector. It's not that simplistic though, this is a merry macabre dance that is equal parts engrossing and whimsical, perhaps even a fell elements of classic slapstick comedy thrown in along the way for our enjoyment; and enjoyable it is.

This is my first experience with Herholz and I was impressed. His work is well plotted and paced and the dialogue is well thought out, each page leaves you eager to turn to the next and see what's in store. The script is laced with a certain humour that I found extremely funny, to the point where I laughed out loud and woke up my baby son. This talent for story seems to echo more anachronistic writers, such as Burroughs or Doyle, and Herholz has subverted the classic detective story to create something quite unique.

Whilst we're in the subject of uniqueness, let's address the artwork. At first glance it looks simplistic, maybe it is. However when you start to delve into it, there is a quiet elegance to be found. The art reflects the story well, there are times when it is downright sinister, and is sequentially consistent. 

Really there is no reason not to get this comic, it's just another shining example of the quality work that Alterna comics are putting out there.

Despite the numerous positives, it may tip the scales with the fact that this edition is currently free on comixology, so what are you waiting for?

Review: American Terror AnniverSERIES edition

Story: Jeff McComsey, James Cooper

Art: Jeff McComsey

Letters: Jeff McComsey

Publisher: Alterna Comics

Release date: 6th January 2016

In the wake of Alterna's celebration of its ten year anniversary comes another helping of it's AnniverSERIES line. American terror was initially told over two volumes in 2008, 2009. This editon is a little glimpse into its world, a peek through the curtains at the story contained within.

What a cracking story you can see there too.

I only recently became aware of McComsey's work when I reviewed 'Mother Russia' (see the archive if you're interested) and I was instantly impressed. That trend continues with American Terror, it digs intriguing claws into you from the first page.

American Terror tells the story of Victor Sheppard, an old man in a new world. It's November 11th in the year 2041 and in the wake of the War of the Third World a time of peace and prosperity reigns. But Victor remembers the cost of the new world and haunted by it, he tells his story.

Sorry to delve into a synopsis, but you have to admit it's got quite a hook, and McComsey and Cooper make the whole story just as compelling. This is a shining paradigm of independent comics at their finest, an example of unbridled creativity allowing stories to take shape. 

The story is well written and fleshed out, flowing with good pace. In this edition Sheppard is the protagonist and despite his apparent taciturn nature, he is characterised well and you find yourself inexplicably drawn to him. You want to hear more of his past, of his story.

McComsey displays his usual internal synergy between story and art. His mastery of sequential storytelling is really rather spectacular. Sheppard, both his young and old iterations are well drawn and show consistency that is, well, consistent with McComsey's style.

This book is rife with action sequences and McComsey's art holds a kinetic quality that make it a joy to pour over the pages.

In short this a fantastic comic. I read this AnniverSERIES editon rather quickly and immediately sought out volume one to discover the rest of the story. Everything about this book is excellent, the story, the artwork, the fluidity of the panels. 

This comic is well worth a purchase, I really cannot recommend it enough. It was fun to read and that's what comics should be right? Fun.

Review: The Black Hand digital collection.

Written by: Erica J Heflin

Art: Fares Maese

Letters: Wes Locher, Erica J Heflin, Weston Design Studio

Logo: Jim MaQuarrie

Editor: James O'Callaghan

Publisher: Alterna Comics

Release date: December 30th 2015 

It's New Year's Eve and I spent a good part of the day, in between tending to my five month old child's needs, reading The Black Hand, and I loved it. 

The Black Hand is an exciting, action filled romp that tells the story of Victoria Addair, who is left with a black hand that has the power to vanquish the undead, after a childhood brush with death. She is taken in by the order of the black hand. Brash, headstrong and with a vicious sword arm, Victoria is sent to investigate the grey boy, a ghost who is terrorising a mountain community. Victoria soon discovers that everything is not as it seems and the secret of the grey boy could have dire consequences for the whole land.

Sounds gripping right? Well it is. I read this in good time, not just speed reading, but soaking up each panel and page like a delicacy. Heflin's script it tight and the book is plotted well, sitting each page with intrigue enough to keep you turning the pages. 

There is a continuous thread of suspense woven into the script that builds toward a spectacular finale. 

There is the occasional line of stereotyped dialogue but unless you're activity looking for it, it's difficult to find. 

The artwork is sublime and Maese gives us a beautiful paradigm of storytelling through sequential art, each panel is vivid, organic and alive. Now each of the four chapters is drawn and coloured in a different style. I have to admit I was worried that this could make the whole book feel a little disjointed, or a little clunky, but it doesn't. It actually helps the pace and rhythm of the story, and feels like each chapter is seen through a fresh pair of eyes. 

The great thing about the book is that you can feel the partnership between Heflin and Maese throughout, the pages almost drip of the synergy of a great partnership. This is a prime example of a writer and artist working together brilliantly. 

This will be the last comic I read before 2016 and I'm so glad I chose The Black Hand. It's fantastic little fantasy and adventure comic that mixes it's elements of horror and mystery into its pages well. Sure they are deeper meanings that resonated with me, I mean the lead character is a strong, independent woman so the message of equality is apparent. But you can take from comics what you will, this is a brilliant comic with a deeper message, and it's also one hell of a fun read. 

Happy new year everyone. Wishing you all prosperity and joy. 

Review: Spring Heeled Jack digital collection

Writer: Tony Deans

Art: Martha Laverick and Seth Kumpf

Letterer: Joshua Cozine

Publisher: Alterna Comics

Released: December 23rd 2015

So this is likely to be my last review before Christmas as its Eve is upon us and I've been looking at Spring-Heeled (referred to henceforth as SHJ) from Alterna Comics. Now you're likely to of heard of the myth of Spring Heeled Jack, the demon of London at some point in your life and this is a good twist on the character.

SHJ tells the tale of a series of brutal murders in Victorian London. A baffled police force turn to Arthur Conan Doyle for answers, and when he's equally stumped he requests the assistance of his mentor Joseph Bell, to uncover the truth. 

This is a detective, horror and mystery comic packed into 95 digital pages and it's a fun read. I did a receives of the final issue a while back so if you're interest in that head to http://retrogradereview.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/review-spring-heeled-jack-4.html?m=1

Otherwise stay with us for a brief look at the collection. This is a good comic, but sometimes the script spoils itself by giving away too much of the mystery, you feel that if it held a little back, it may captivate your attention a little more. Don't misinterpret that though, there's still plenty to keep you hooked for one sitting, but you just feel a little let down that much more could have been achieved. The artwork is solid and had its own esoteric charm, with it being largely consistent through the panels. Ordinarily I'm not a fan of when artist change mid series but here it's nice to see a different take on the characters.

As you may of guessed from the synopsis this book takes historical characters and subverts them for its own purpose, to give you an interesting version of each. The interplay between this characters is good and Deans shows a good understanding of dialogue. 

So, in summary, this is a good little book that is reasonably priced and hits the right targets that make comics enjoyable. Sure he script is a little trite in places, but on the whole that isn't distracting from the books quality overall. 

Review: The Actual Roger #4

Story and art: Hank Tucker

Publisher: Alterna Comics

Release date: 16th December 2015 (Digital) 

This week saw Alterna's digital release of The Actual Roger #4, which sees the 9 year old super sidekick on the run and heading towards confrontation with the diabolical mastermind behind everything so far. This is a fun and irreverent series that doesn't take itself too seriously and pays dividends in not doing so. 

Now The Actual Roger is a fun read. The script is irreverent and humourous, Roger himself is a fun character and the cast is a tapestry of well thought out characters with well defined personalities and traits. So this all adds to a comic that bucks superhero trends and is all the better for it.

However I found it difficult to be entirely absorbed and lose myself in the panels while I was reading. Hank Tucker does a good job of fleshing out his ideas and turning his story into sequential art, though I think maybe he had too many ideas, that he is trying to convey too much all at once. This leads to some rather cluttered panels and pages that are difficult to follow and stunt the pace of the book awkwardly. 

I just feel that if Tucker had took a deep breath and prioritised some of the information and narrative a little smoother it would of flowed much better.

That being said, when you get your head around what's happening this is a fun comic that does bring a smile to your face with some quirky humour and action. 

This isn't just something you can dip into though, so if you're interested a in a fun superhero story that steps away from convention, you'll probably want to start with #1 and catch up. 

Overall the story does suffer a little from the overstuffed panels and clunky pacing as mentioned, but it's still a fun and interesting read and adds to Alterna's solid line up of independent comics. 

At £1.49 on comixology, it won't sting your wallet either, so it's well worth a look.

Retro Review/Preview: Cannon in the clouds

Writers: Daniel Woolley, Anne Gresham.

Artist: Jorge Donis

Colourist: Kirsty Swan

Letterer: Peter Simeti

Release Date: January 27th 2016

This week I've had the opportunity to look at the upcoming graphic novel from Alterna Press 'Cannon in the Clouds' which is a fast-paced and fun adventure romp from the first panel.

Against a backdrop of floating islands, Sela Windbourne, a rebellious heiress of high society, is plunged into a world of violent conspiracy, subterfuge and swashbuckling.

You would be forgiven for thinking that this sounds a little familiar. Cannon in the Clouda does follow some rather common stereotypes and conventions. For starters you've got the highborn daughter of prestige desperately trying to live life her own way. You've got the impertinent war hero trying to do right by said daughter. Then of course the buccaneering female pirate captain, who is the very epitome of strength. All of this is set against a tapestry of war, conspiracy and rebellion, so it does seem a little tried and tested. 

Honestly though, that doesn't matter. This book knows it's following a certain trend and it has great fun doing it. There's a fantastic series of panels with a tongue in cheek pastiche of famous pirate captains (a particularly obsequious Jack Sparrow is a treat) that had me howling with laughter. 

The writing duo of Woolley and Gresham have laced the script with a fevered enthusiasm that draws you in and keeps you turning pages. The characters are well fleshed out and so despite the familiar conventions, they seem fresh and stand out. You care about Sela's plight and are helplessly drawn to the allure of Captain Avery. To feel this way about characters that quite easily could of just been more listlessly stereotypes churned out onto a conveyor belt, shows the skill that these writers have, making something original and exciting. 

The story moves towards its conclusions without stalling. Occasionally I like a break between my comic reading stints, especially with my young son, separrating each chapter into a readin session. With this book though I struggled to do so, as each chapter ends with such a hook, a cliffhanger, that you can't help but conitinue reading. 

The artwork is lavish, to be frank. The characters are distinct and Donis had a nice, slightly cartoonish style that works well here. Sure there are a few minor inconsistencies, but nothing outrageous or distracting from enjoyment. For me though the scenery is one of the most salient things about the art. This is a story set on floating islands, of great cities in the sky. Donis creates a detailed and beautiful backdrop to take in, filled with detail and ornate buildings and scenery. It's a majestic sight to behold at times. Kirsty Swan's colours match the artwork well with a chemistry that adds to the flow of the book. Swan matches the colours to each individual panel, allowing the tone of the writing to influence the mood of the colours. Needless to say it works well. 

Peter Simeti, the father of Alterna Press, is responsible for letters and does a stalwart job. You almost begin to question if there's anything he can't do. 

So really this is a fantastic graphic novel to delve into. It's well written, well drawn, well coloured and well lettered. Despite the seeming familiarity, that maybe this story has been told before, this isn't the case, this story stands apart from any stereotype. So come January 2016, give consideration to adding this Novell your collection, it would be a richer bookshelf (digital or otherwise) for it.