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.

Celebrating independence

Comics.

If you're here then it is likely that you like them, maybe they speak to you in ways other tawdry things cannot. Maybe they helped you through some times of turmoil. Perhaps, it's none of these things, perhaps it is all of them, there may even be a slight chance that you're one of those people that locks themselves in a room with stacks upon stacks of them and just rub against them gleefully and manically (but hopefully you aren't, I'd hate to have competition).

Comics are becoming an increasingly popular medium, they are inspiring major forms of media outside their format and people are understandably seeking out the source material.

Comic books are everywhere, at least superficially, for those who are uninitiated, but we are not uninitiated are we? We are those blessed to have glimpsed beyond the veil at the vast and eclectic comic universe. If our comic world is an iceberg, then perhaps Marvel and DC are the tip that herald a warning, but just under the surface, so much more is waiting to be found (and sink ships, maybe a slightly unusual metaphor, but there will be ship sinking here).

Like the majority of people I started out with the aforementioned 'big two' but as I matured, well, aged, so did my tastes, I sought out different pleasures and discovered whole realms of independent comics. Which after a slightly convoluted introduction, brings me round to Alterna Comics. I'm sure if you have frequented this page then you may of heard the name once or twice, I've previously reviewed a few of their releases. If you've visited recently then you of heard of their AnniverSERIES releases.

That's because Alterna are currently celebrating their ten year anniversary. The story of how Alterna started is actually quite touching, first though I should say a few words about the founder Peter Simeti. Simeti is one of those annoyingly multi-talented genius level people. I'm not kidding, In fact in ways he is worse, because not only can he do all manner of things, but he is just brilliant at them too. This isn't a jack of all trades and master of none situation, this is a master of all trades situation. He is inordinately talented, like he has tapped into mystical forces and soaked up this talent, so there is precious little left for anyone else. Another annoying fact is that he is quite simply, a nice guy. I started this blog a few months ago, desperate to be more actively involved in the world I loved. I just wanted to absorb everything about comics, to immerse myself in their glory, to write my own, to write about others, to do anything I could. Peter gave me a chance, he gave me the opportunity to do something I truly cared about in a time when I needed it most (my son had just been born, life is instantly transformed). Yet despite all that he puts up with my perpetual bothering on social media and in the e-mail form, taking the team to, not just respond, but answer. Even offering me guidance on occasion.

It speaks volumes that Alterna Comics started humbly, when Simeti published a book under it's banner, never intending to start a company. However when he was inundated with submission ideas, he didn't have the heart to reject them, instead he gave people a chance to voice their stories. Alterna are dedicated to giving a voice to the independent, there are so many stories out there waiting to be told and Alterna are doing their part to give creators the chance to bring us quality stories that otherwise may not of seen the light of day. Every issue, every novel, every collection I've read from Alterna, I have adored, I have enjoyed and I have wanted more. Simeti has created something truly spectacular and I, for one, hope that there are many more years to come from Alterna, I get the sense that their best work is still ahead of them.

Alas, wipe away your tears, this article is drawing to a close, but before I bid you adieu, I will mention the Kickstarter that Simeti/Alterna is currently running. It's amazing, this is the largest candle in their celebratory cake. Alterna are looking to create several books, anthologies, character guides, all with a manner of variant covers. There are so many incentives to backing this Kickstarter that it would just be reductive to list them all here. I will say that you get the chance to help a truly magnificent project, regardless of the amazing rewards offered (I've managed to get books and a sketch card from Simeti, did I mention how talented he was?) you get a chance to help dreams be realised, what's more rewarding than that? 

Follow the link to get involved, there isn't much left to reach the goal as its been running a few days, but I implore you to get involved, even if only a little.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/petersimeti/10-years-of-alterna-a-celebration-of-creator-owned

Anyway, congratulations to Alterna Comics, a sentinel and paradigm of independent publishing at its finest. Cheers.

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?