Personal Aside

Truth be told, I’ve been starting sessions of this service called MySocialLife360. And no, it’s not an extension of that phone tracker app.

Also no, this is not sponsored.

A lot of us know that being an adult means you don’t make friends as easily as when you were a kid. Or if it was easy at all.

Heck getting into things with this wasn’t easy. Had to do a lot of time keeping and scheduling to stay on track. Heck my first week, I had to make sure my parents dogs got out at 9. Oma helped, but it sure is one way to start the week.

But I am quickly applying myself to be less of a wallflower. Enough to keep conversations going.

Just need to find more of a tribe to be with.

One Post Is Not Like The Others

And not just cuz it’s not a review post. It’s a thing that relates to earlier posts, a topic that reappears in comics.

Just happen to read something that I didn’t realize shared something with 100 Bullets. Mostly because I was researching stuff like conspiracy theories and modern mythologies. This just happened to pop up.

Seeing Patterns

Like I said in my last quick reviews, you can’t help but notice when patterns shift or you notice that it’s not just hiatuses. Makes me wonder if Underworld is shifting effort into its new series more than its legacy ones.

Seeing more Mister Nemo and Honor and Curse: Eternal is all.

Sure the villains from Phase 1 are still around in the latter. This is probably the best way to show their creed of “Old is better”. Frankly I can’t tell if using an IP from Mad Cave’s early days was part of that plan or it just happened to work that way.

And remember that bit about conspiracies? Turns out that’s the case in Mister Nemo. Just a more progressive if familiar form. One corporate power to rule them all.

Have You Seen This One?

Meanwhile I’m sure some of you noticed I haven’t been covering the Megalith: Olympus Saga from Bad Idea while Tankers vs. Ancient Aliens and their little monsterverse is fair game.

Well that’s because I’m one of the backers who got the hardcover collection.

I would cover it, but I’ve been going through my GlobalComix backlog. Took me forever to get through the Diversions anthology from Blue Moon Group.

Then there was the stuff from Antarctic Press, especially Pounds of Power.

Now when I’m not trying to get through my Hoopla borrows, I’m focusing on Omelette of Demons or My Succubus Girlfriend.

Why? Cuz I can read them on a phone easier, among other titles. Plus I’m giving Omelette another shot because the pace got better with time.

There’s other stuff that’s worth the time but is read better on a computer. Like AWA’s albums. …No, I don’t have a tablet. I’m not explaining that again.

Shouldn’t I Try To Do More-

Yeah, it’s not the most social hobby. But my days are getting busier at work. I’m still trying to apply myself in social spaces and share my writing with others in a group setting.

Funding Jumpstarted!

So anyway, let’s go over the funding that came in through some outlets. Thanks to Freecash I got more money in this month. $190!

…

There are fees with stuff like this. Add the $15 dividends from Acorn, the $176 in Alinea crypto returns, and returns from one of my Edward Jones accounts ($323), that comes to…

No, the check I got from Fundrise doesn’t count. That’s the amount I invested I got back. It’s basically already in this meter.

I don’t know where The Wire Fence: Re-Opened will go in publishing, but I’d like to cross the bridge with a finished comic first. Just need the other 75%.

Might or might not get there quicker with other passive income options. But that’s for another day.

What’s Coming In September?

Other than cooler weather after a hot summer? I’ve been thinking something like…you know maybe I’ll surprise myself.

Oi! Ya scrawny runt!

(Sigh…) Hello Neckbreaka.

Yous bet’r make time fer scrappin’ and lootin’!

I don’t know why, but da squigs changed where dey wuz.

And den da mek boyz left a buncha new shoota glyphs cuz da Beast Bosses suddenly got tougher!

Cuz zog me! Minin’ and refinin’ all dis stuff just to make more gear…When it takes for zoggin’ ever just for some grot oil! I can’tz even loot enuff grotz justa feed ma squigs! I’d rather make a zoggin’ dakka jet so’s I could rain down da wrath of Gork and Mork on dis island!

So yeah, while the fights and strategies are fun in Palword, getting all the gear together can be a real chore. Still going back to it to get my hands on the best melee weapon.

Dat choppa betta be worth more than dis annoyin excuse of a weapon. If I haf to heer one more squig sound comin’ from dis thing, I’m gonna bust someone’s skull in!

Deal with it!

Anyway, most of my game time has been trying to get freecash offers.

Kind of why I’m watching Legends of Vox Machina a little more often. I really want to spend my days in ways I don’t regret.

Though now that I’m getting a good look at some things. I’m noticing that some series have quicker release schedules than others. Mostly the legacy Underworld titles like Exit City which had a decent new direction going. While Revolution 9 could have been better.

But then again, I’d rather Steve Orlando focus on Land of Never more. For obvious reasons:

Hopefully it’s focusing on quality over quantity. But back on track:

• The Dirt Beneath the Devil #2 - A steady pace on account of unsteady group dynamic under the effects of an unseen character. Who is the most interesting in terms of legacy and flaws. 8.5/10

• 

  Bludwire #3 - Normally love triangles are annoying, but this said so much in reflective actions. Wants and needs at odds, inheritance via trauma, and how that connects people. Best of all it doesn’t overstay its welcome. 9/10

• 

  Bablyon Cove #4 - Been looking forward to this. The climax that answers some questions with a big breakthrough. All of the confrontations, clashes, and crises colliding in one big cliffhanger. 9/10

• 

  Jane American - Starts out a little slow. But once the ball gets rolling it’s inspiring. The characterizations are top-notch of how someone comes-of-age. How much they are capable of, how much they’re not, and how they’ll have struggles no matter what. There’s unity in acts of goodness to be found. 9/10

• The Loud House Vol. 28: Night Haunts - Like all strip books, some are good, especially the endearing family dynamics. Plus some really good escalation jokes. A little interactives definitely don’t hurt. A little of them are just fine. 8.7/10

• Denver #1 - Palmiotti always struck me with a certain style. Must be who he works with with, the stuff with Gray tends to be more serious. Sure you’re getting somber Blade Runner vibes, but the cast full of people trying to stay positive are endearing. 8.5/10

• 

  Land of Never #3 - Just when I thought this couldn’t get any more thrilling. Seeing characters interact and connect in contrasts can’t tear me away. There are breakthrough in character dynamics on one side, a ramp up in stakes on another, and a series of reflections ready to collide. 9.5/10

• 

  Dog Tag #4 - I can never get away from this. Uneasy tensions from implications, more startling revelations, thankfully one that ends with some positivity. 9/10

• Pretty Hate Machine #5 - Some things went a little fast, but it does have weight on how this supernatural slasher works. The character dynamics and shifts really sell the moments of impact. 8.8/10

• Terrorbytes #9 - Alright Mark, you’re back on the Round Robin. Let’s see if this goes anywhere. Okay framing story’s trudging along. But I can appreciate an engaging perspective on disconnecting in a fresh way. 8.5/10

• Lost in the Future: The Complete Collected Edition - Okay let’s see how the whole thing goes. A little better read with the full thing. I mean you get to see one character’s development and the full weight of his arc. Plus the journey of kids going through time and how it heals wounds is a great one. Do wish the translations were more consistent. The date years keep changing. 8.5/10

That America is led by a conspiracy.

100 Bullets, Exquisite Corpses, and The Nightly News all deal with how powerful cabals making the USA their playground.

But why is this pessimistic backbone so resonant?

The American Conspiracy

Have you ever heard of the Illuminati or Reptilians?

If you haven’t. You might be lucky. They were ideas that grew so infectious based on the implication that there were forces that made people suspicious of institutions where they start to lose their freedoms.

They were stories to try and make sense of the powerlessness people often felt in complicated bureaucracies that grew too big.

America long holds to the frontier myth that serves as a cultural center of the country. A lone individual against the unknown for the chance to thrive.

But these stories turn that familiar trope on its head with a little more grounding.

America’s Secret Founders

Both 100 Bullets and Exquisite Corpses deal with 13 crime families that run the USA in the shadows. But rather than focus on what they do, these stories focus on how far the control is to do what they do. Whether that’s pull off acts and face no repercussions (assassinations or any horrific act on live television) or using an entire town in the middle of Maine to have representatives play a kill count tournament.

In practicality, the creators just wanted to set up scenarios where the cast can do these things. And the only feasible ways they could work is a conspiracy.

If anyone brings up the dark side of the pilgrims, the revolution, and manifest destiny, that says more about the audience.

Collateral Representatives

What’s more engaging is how all of these series deal with the cabals using proxies instead of getting involved.

Usually it’s because of an agreement for ambitious moguls not to engage in direct warfare. Either with the public or with each other. So they need to keep their hands clean and use their power to get what they want a different way.

The Nightly News shows how even without a central cabal, the factors that can ruin people’s lives and enrich a powerful few can still act as one. Enough to make the rebels against it more like a cabal.

Why The Audience?

I could go on about The Unwritten, The Department of Truth, even The Invisibles. In fact Jonathan Hickman has a few series that deal with a variation or two. Capitalism, occult, and mass belief all cross over with Amercia’s bedrock.

But I think we need to focus on why audiences stick with these.

As Tale Foundry tells me, America’s modern myths aren’t superheroes. Those are folktales.

The modern mythology revolves around an identity crisis.

No matter what administration or generation, Americans are brought up on the dream of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Problem is, most people can’t comprehend the infrastructure these were narrowly based on.

Hence why stories like these dive into the fears of losing liberties, if they ever had any. From institutions making inhumane at-worst decisions, technology that make more problems than they solve, and losing control of the narratives where America is left with uncertainty.

• Lazarus Order #1 - Time to see if this lives up to the hype. Well now! That’s an interesting way to start things! Roles and setting in action, atmosphere, and splendor! Character arcs and conflicts heightened by a dynamic between cast members that engrosses readers. And a big surprise that leave readers wanting more! 8.8/10

• 

  The Phantom vs. The Singh Brotherhood - Now here is where people should be to truly know the Phantom! Feels like the storytellers got the pace down with the presentation here. An Old Boy-like hallway fight, the battle of one-upmanship backed by a character dynamic, and the overall feel of the influence of the legend around the title character. It’s fantastic. 9/10

• 

  Mister Nemo #2 - Feels like we’re in the middle of getting a heist crew together in epic fashion. Must be the personalities that make the characters and dynamics. Plus the power dynamics that thrive in implications glues readers in. 9/10

• 

  The Last Starfighter #2 - Now things are getting interesting. Some characters get more development and the effects on each of them are sinking in. There’s a lot of anticipation about the dynamics going forward especially with the stakes rising with the tension. 9/10

• Junk Punch #3 - This was just kind of there. Lot of quirky talking in juxtaposition with actions. But it’s basically just a bunch of hot air. 6/10

• War Wolf #8 - This was a good way to go out. Sure it started out a little messy with a debate offsetting the pace of the fight. But the effects of a legacy are inspiring and infectious. And that’s more than fine. 8.5/10

• Diablomachia Vol. 1 - I think I judged this before too harshly. I guess I just needed a little more caffeine. The pace wasn’t the best at first, but it did get better. The characters grow on you, so do the their arcs that clash in interesting dynamics. The lead Neve is especially interesting because he gives a rare implied perspective in a coming-of-age tale. 8.2/10

Bad Idea

• Tankers vs Ancient Aliens #2 - I like this but I’m a little conflicted. I really like seeing how one tanker thrives in contrast to another’s arc. But the ancient aliens part came a little late. 8/10

• Realligator #1 - Pure, weird spectacle! Nothing else to say other than revel in the presentation’s simplicity full of scales, implications, and surprise arcs. 8.5/10

Mad Cave

• Nikola Tesla - Becco Giallo returns with a more creative presentation. It’s like Adaptation in biopic form; where behind-the-scenes and creator commentary is the whole movie. Perfect for Tesla because the reactions to and around him have a stronger effect. But that’s not for everyone. 8/10

• Planet Atmos: Exordium #4 - The races are exciting as ever, especially with the cult pushed to the side. Now clashes in character dynamics, arcs, and the stakes backing them are higher than ever. 8.5/10

• 

  Honor & Curse: Eternal #5 - Amazing. Antagonists with charming dialogue, presentation of tools that blend technology with a fever dream, and the start of an arc pushing forward. 9/10

• 

  Dick Tracy #19 - Feels like the most intense game of poker. No bluffs, just bait stacked against the players. And the biggest might be out of bluffs. 9/10

• Flash Gordon #19 - Glad to have some swashbuckling and intimate competency against bravado. But it’s a little offset with bits of dialogue out of place. 8/10

• Undercover Monster - Not bad, especially with the designs and visuals. But the characterizations and pace are kind of weak; not even sure what the setting’s all about. 6.5/10

• Emily Kado & The Spider’s Secret - Okay, okay. A little arc about a child going about her day and getting more confident. The artwork shows the sliding scale of anticipation and anxiety. There’s even some hidden layers to why some characters act the way they do. 8.3/10

• Miraculous Chibi: Halloween Special - The first was pretty funny thanks the pace and irony of the jokes. The third one was good thanks to a shocking look at character dynamics. But the second one went on for a bit too long. 8/10

• Phineas and Ferb Classic Collection #7 - Like a lot of collection of strips some will connect with you, like a few gags with good character dynamics and irony. Others less so, like dialogue that takes pace away. 7.9/10

State of GlobalComix

This is the third time that a major publisher left this platform. Oni Press had a lot of material and I’m glad I got to read Scott Pilgrim in its entirety. But I never got much of a push to read much else.

After Boom! and a lot of material was leaving, I had to find the best material I could get. Got to enjoy Once and Future not to mention Power Rangers (near the end wasn’t as good as the rest). And now I hope the people behind that series delivers on Radiant Black before August 3rd.

At least I got to see the entirety of Chew in omnibus format. That series is going to stick with me forever.

But now I have to wonder what this means for GlobalComix going forward. I mean it’s acquired INKR months ago to help bring translated manga in. But it looks like that might need more time to bake to work out the kinks.

And it’s great to see it’s including Merryweather Media scrolling comics as a major investment. Speaking from experience on other platforms, these are great for more casual readers. Plus they’re full of strange yet memorable scenarios.

A bigger surprise was the inclusion of AfterShock, years after its controversial shakeup. Gotta wonder what this says since it hasn’t released any new material in years. Either they’re focusing on getting an audience with their best IP, or something less enthusiastic.

All in all, GlobalComix is looking less like an alternative to Amazon/Comixology and more like a place to test the waters in the digital market. Enough to see where the audience is coming from and a place to hold down the fort until finding a new platform for more profits.

Status of Funding

Money is never not going to be a problem. Especially on account of expenses you never realize creep up on ya. Car maintenance, preparing yourself for health, and other stuff.

Got into more investing, had to talk with a finance expert to make sure what I was doing didn’t end up overlapping. Tax stuff.

Anyway here’s what it came to:

Not much but it is something.

Birthdays Are…

They just are. Turning 33 can feel heavy in August. I feel like there’s still stuff I have to take into account as I get older and older.

One thing I look back on are despite the enthusiasm I had for some things and the ideas I still have, I feel like I need more.

Making time never felt more necessary.

Made Enough For These Didn’t I?

I’ve got to thinking of trying to write more of what I personally like. One review week, I decided to make material on stuff because I just happened to really like them. It got enough for one person to subscribe on here.

For once I even went on Gutternaut proper and made a post about a comic called Domain Tnemrot.

Honestly it felt good to just talk about comics that I actually like and not just hype them up for crowdfunding.

Heck Domain Tnemrot came because I found it on GlobalComix and have been getting through a backlog of emails. Maybe if there’s more I’ll make more posts. On the website or on here. But only stuff that I actually like.

What Will Finish First?

I am working on a lot of things at the same time as of writing this. Enough to say, I wonder if I can finish anything. Things with actual deadlines like Image on GlobalComix and Hoopla borrows feel easy because it feels motivating.

Meanwhile all of the things I feel like I want to do get held up even more. Partly because of circumstances like those that I push to the side. But things that get left alone for too long that pile up are what drive me almost as much. Stuff like GlobalComix or the comic apps.

Really brings that no hesitation bit I said a while ago into perspective.

Just hope this next month will be more than a little push.

• The Omega Book #1 - Interesting start. It’s like staring at the tip of an iceberg of wonders that make you shake your beliefs. And you can feel the effects of obsessions that can and have ruined people throughout. 8.5/10

• Blüdwire #2 - Loving the characterizations. Really brings out the stakes situation while showing some interesting layers. Especially with the little arcs and surprises that make things more interesting. 8.8/10

• 

  Babylon Cove #3 - Can’t tell what’s harder to look away from here. The impulses at odds with inner needs, all of the scapegoatings’ effects, or trying to hold onto what’s left. It’s all so engrossing. 9.5/10

• 

  Gatchaman: Red Impulse #4 - An explosive finale that celebrates the dynamics of the cast, the intense presentation of stakes, and a well executed dog fight. As a bonus, knowing some hindsight makes this a bit tragic. 9/10

• Infini-T Force Vol. 9 - Despite some decent developments, the pace doesn’t quite feel right. 7/10

• Amelia Shadows and the Monster in the Box - Compared to this, where the dynamics and humor get comfortable and escalate in organic fashion. It’s the effects and dramatic irony. 8.5/10

• Geronimo Stilton: Reporter Vol. 22 - Just a bit of simple fun with escalating developments. Nothing too special. 8/10

• Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu: Dangers in the Dark - Disney is licensing their stuff to everyone now. At least this has the feel of an episode of the show. The sense of exploration, the lively settings, the dynamics between the main duo, all in the pace of an episode. 8.5/10

• The Dirt Beneath the Devil #1 - It’s a decent start with an interesting structure. The two halves of the story make great introductions to characters. An unseen one’s presence really sets the tension, especially the influence he has on everyone. Going forward it’s going to be something to keep eyes glued to. 8.5/10

• 

  Land of Never #2 - Air as suffocating as it is suspenseful. Pariahs and reflections of situations raise with each page turn. Whether that’s the chase for some security or the connections that touch sore spots. It’s enthralling to say the least. 9.5/10

• 

  Speed Racer: Tales From The Road: The Rook - The world of Speed Racer gets bigger and fuller. The characterizations and showmanship on display are all on pace. Whether that’s with SFX, the dancing panel work, and the distinct dialogue shifts. 9/10

• 

  Pretty Hate Machine #4 - Thrilling layers of characterizations meet supernatural revelations. The effects of abuse and isolation by abusers is on full display. Where no one can look away. 9/10

• 

  Is Ted OK? #6 - Hearts turn in all directions. You can feel reflections made in every piece of the pages. Beyond the spectacle of breakthroughs, there’s a heart that effects the reader with a sense of being sublime. 9.5/10

• 

  Gatchaman #20 - Here we have a suspenseful face off between overwhelming odds. How is it overcome? With anticipation you never expect, but always engage in. 9/10

• Jackson’s Wilder Adventures: Pals & Parents - As educational comics go, this one feels better paced because their spliced with character arcs. 8/10

Mad Cave

• Grit - Love when they keep it simple. Real pulp action: interesting and intimately competent characters, their characterizations that shine in clashes, and a satirical post-modern edge of fantasy stories. Problem is, it feels more like a story just started as it was getting good. 8.3/10

• 

  Dog Tag #3 - The anti-war stories continue. No glory, no trophies, just mementos of dumb luck. Between the gunfire and breaks, anticipation fills each page turn. 9/10

• 

  Terrorbytes #8 - Welcome back Mark Russell. Looks like this isn’t a framing story. Or at least no separating from the framing story. Just very intense social commentary in the form of world building and cosmic indifference. 9/10

• Flash Gordon Quarterly #8 - Well I enjoyed two out of three stories in this anthology. The first one really shows Aura’s character in crisp action. Which is complemented by the other story I like, enough to heighten her relationships with other characters. But the middle story was just okay; could’ve been done with or without Flash. 8.5/10

• The World Enders - Gotta admit, moral grey settings like this played for laughs are kinda fun. I can even imagine voice actors giving the cast of lunatics more character. Feels like the best of a James Gunn movie. Just needs a soundtrack to complement the character development and emotional depth. 8.5/10

• Flash Gordon: The Girl From Infinity Vol. 2 - When did volume 1 start?…This is okay, but only just that. It feels very vanilla with its designs, expressions, and presentations. So are the characterizations and dialogue, save for a couple of unforced quirks. At least the pace doesn’t feel off. 6.5/10

Image

I only wish Don’t Hide PR gave me greater access to Image releases. At best I get to see something from Syzygy Publishing.

• Dread the Hall H: 2026 - Loving the comic convention and structure satire. Ridiculous commentary, comics coming to life on the pages, and jokes that heighten with character. Definitely something to take home from SDCC this year. 8.8/10

Antwone Barnes

• Darkest Rout #2 - Really liked the first part when it was brought to my attention. So I backed this; let’s see if it lives up to those standards.

  

  • Looks like it does. Sure the parts that need exposition slows the pace down by a bit. But that part gets less of a drag with some touches like encouraging readers to understand enough on their own. It makes them feel a little closer to Nate’s arc. The changing artwork and presentation really brings out a connection with magic and art as Nate connects his own past with other people in grand spectacle. Plus the thrills with anticipation through characterizations bring out rich layers of everyone in this story. I’m eager for #3. 8.8/10

Dynamite

• 

  Space Ghost Vol. 2 Annual #1 - So ends one chapter with an epilogue. With a big reflection of the lead and a bigger compelling echo of what he carries. You can feel the weight he carries on his shoulders and how that same weight empowers his wards. It inspires everyone to keep going with another saga on the horizon. 9.5/10

Bad Idea

• Dingoliath #1 - What do “I” like about giant monsters? I like how this one keeps it simple with an endearing guy and his dog story. It (literally) gets bigger where two outcasts grow on each other. And it comes to a tragic end in eye-catching detail. And this is the start of a creature feature universe! Hope it doesn’t crash. 9/10

Mad Cave

• Junk Punch #2 - Like the escalating setups with strong payoffs and dramatic irony. But things feel a little too random for it’s own sake than having character. 7/10

• 

  War Wolf #7 - Feels like the right kind of empowering. Nothing like an itch, chase, or release, but tried and true fulfillment. It’s like a full acceptance of owning yourself after the pitfalls. 9/10

• 

  The Casagrandes Vol. 10 - Perfectly good strips with some of them doing better than others. Sometimes that’s with endearing character dynamics or escalating jokes with big payoffs. 8.5/10

• The Smurfs Tales Vol. 16: The Smurfs and the Lost Children and other Stories - The Smurfs sections definitely have the most charm. Must be the reactions people have to events that make a rather organic story. Of course, the other sections are still good with little arcs, stakes, and structures. 8.5/10

Broken Face Comics

Been a while since I covered any of these. Let’s hype up the Kickstarter.

The Ghost System

• #1 - Sets up the lead’s character, what starts his arc, and says a little about the world. With some fun characterizations of early days. 8.5/10

• #2 - Shows the shift in dynamics with the lead’s childhood friends as well as how it bleeds into the current state. An engaging look at personal vs. interpersonal interests. 8.5/10

• #3 - Probably where things get a little more interesting. Real thrills and stakes compared to hiding in the shadows. Because the consequences have real effects. Plus the dynamics in one-upmanship leads to some great anticipation to the finale. 9/10

Mad Cave

• 

  Speed Racer #10 - This was like one of the gripping revolving turn in a wrestling match. And the way the cars and drivers play up the kayfabe is top-notch. You can feel the layers of characterizations, dynamics, and the effects that drive the weight of every action put it in great splendor. 9/10

• Planet Atmos: Exordium Vol. 1 - Didn’t realize an album could only get three issues in this day and age. It’s a lot better read like this. The worldbuilding in action keeps a good pace. And the effect of the flight suit races are infectious. But the cult, their background clash with a corporation, and some of the cast feel half-finished. 7.9/10

• Flash Gordon: The Movie Adaptation - The setting designs and presentation are definitely amazing. Some of Mongo’s worldbuilding and cultures too. But most of the time the pace feels off with the unnecessary narrations or when things feel glossed over. Plus, the characterizations are nothing special. 6.5/10

• 

  Flash Gordon #18 - That’s better. I love how characterizations are presented. The dynamics speak louder through clever dialogue and creative actions. Better yet, an antagonistic culture that’s just the tip of the setting’s iceberg. More to discover and invest in. 8.9/10

• Infini-T Force Vol. 8 - Better than some past albums. It’s all on a central, focused dynamic that pushes heroes to their limits. Even the cheese on here feels endearing. Partly be3cause it leads into more intrigue around a lead character. 8/10

• The Smurfs Archives Vol. 5 - There’s a fun time to have in any section that suits a reader. The usual comics with great dynamics between the casts, short stories too. As well as the activities people can do for fun to help break up the monotony. 8.5/10

Bad Idea

• The Hab #3 - Here’s where things get thrilling! The hallucinogenic visuals are presented as a more powerful immersion than any sim or stim. It’s both scary and liberating, beckoning EVERYBODY into a peaking climax. 8.8/10

Being Thorough Is Tough

Sometimes it can be so hard to find every request or email with a review copy. Either because something unexpected happens or because I didn’t search for the right keywords.

Hopefully there are no more surprises coming out of Boom! Learned that lesson (hopefully) enough times. At least now, I’m a little better prepared.

Just wonder if it’s worth more to do everything all at once when you get the copies. Or if it’s worth more to take it slow. Maybe that’s the nerves recovering from gastritis talking.

Getting Through Global Notifications

The toughest thing about having a back catalogue is the long process of getting through your list. For GlobalComix, it’s been finding the things I keep reading, what I finish, and what I could re-read. Going back as far as December 2024, there were a lot of things I just jumped into without actually immersing myself into.

At least I found stuff to enjoy, especially in Panick Entertainment. Must be the brand of stories that push characters and concepts to their breaking points. And the Romanian creator PaisleyRose103. It’s not often I read something that can make me cry.

Progress on Funds…

Sigh…money’s been tight this past month. Stocks and Crypto on Aliena haven’t been great. It recovered just the day after, but still. At least Acorns kept things steady.

Technically I could add more with freecash. But again, overachiever.

Fundrise too. But I’m not sure if the Quarterly dividends are worth bringing into things. I mean, my partial payouts from my investment of My Divorce Party isn’t bearing quarterlies.

Don’t even get me started with Grifin. It’s my first time using services like these and selling stocks has never been my strong suit. I’m just trying to max my stocks to $40 to sell them at their peak.

I’ve also got Honeygain, but I’m putting all my gains into something called JumpTask because apparently, I get just a bit more rewards if I do that. I could put $7 dollars in Bitcoin but it feels like I could get more with patience.

Atlas Earth…I could potentially do. Got $16 in there and growing. But I was planning to put those into PayPal to handle my expenses for services I pay through there.

Could add the money from credit card payback and Ibotta too. But I’m saving until a good amount is around and a backup.

Gotta try and get those zines together…

Guess this has been one of those slow but steady months.

No More Room For Excuses

I still worry about my health, especially since I’m still living with the aftereffects of gastritis. But I gotta try and through the things I want to do.

While having a good time doing it.

I feel like I have a better direction with some things in the book/thesis about Comics around the world.

The zines I feel like I have a good setup, but gotta get more into topics I wanna cover before I even think of putting them up.

Finally Re-Alt Earth. Some short stories I feel like finishing, definitely. But also I keep coming back to find concepts that I want to add and more. Even got my first fan on the Facebook page.

Plus, it’s an excuse to use Notion more. Got to answer some burning questions I have to ask myself in the little but important details because of it.

And have other ideas.

I just hope that down the line, I don’t spend all my time cleaning up after myself.

• 

  Babylon Cove #2 - Tensions, emotions, and implications run high. It’s enthralling to see a flawed protagonist try and fail to be get a handle on things. It’s like the worst part of her life is on repeat. And she’s at risk of losing it all. Especially when it looks like a supernatural influence is the crux. 9/10

• Gatchaman: Red Impulse #3 - Great way to see how dynamics play out. Clashes with mentoring/nurturing, teammates who communicate in interesting ways, it all brings out a fresh new perspective to the setting. 8.5/10

• 

  Dick Tracy #18 - Here’s where things get intense! Intrigue plots, character development in several of the best flavors, and the weight that comes with shifting power dynamics. A lot like the best crime dramas. 9/10

Heroes Convention is one of the biggest conventions that are comics-first. Compared to NYCC or SDCC, this is the place for all comic creators and fans to be. Big time professionals, indie creators, and it’s not limited to glossy paper either. You might even find some creators from a Webtoon you’ve read.

As an indie first fan, this was a con I had to go to. Not only did I get an impressive haul of comics you can’t find anywhere else, but I asked a few creators on a few things.

Publishers and Premier Platforms Can Limit Everything

Better start with the most bitter piece I came away with. While most creators wanna get the biggest possible audiences, there’s a chance that even if you keep the rights to them, things are not gonna be in your favor.

This is definitely NOT limited to print comics. I stand by what I said about Webtoon being a consumer’s best choice for webcomics, especially on phones. But I have to admit that changes they bring up aren’t for every creator.

K. Lynn Smith for example turned down the offer to go onto Webtoon Originals because the company wanted The House of Lowther in color. And that clashed with the mood and setting she wanted to tell.

Other times you’re not even gonna know why your publisher/platform doesn’t want certain material to show up. Like with Boom! Studios and Bodie Troll.

For reasons that Jay P. Fosgit wasn’t quite sure of, some parts were taken out of Bodie Troll’s first outing. So when he got publishing rights back after his time there ended, he rereleased Bodie Troll the way he wanted. With all the parts Boom! left out as an uncut edition.

With a followup that he couldn’t get at Boom! too.

Everyone wants to have those true fans. But it’s times like these where a creator really has to reflect on what they want.

Not just artistic integrity but whether you can work with your fanbase to make what you want. Like give them more from what they already love or use them to prove to another publisher to do it in your preferred style.

Use Comic Making Services Wisely

I spoke to some people about Metal Ninja Studios and how much it cost to make a concept into a full (one-shot) comic book. And it’s a pretty penny compared to what I did to just get the Wire Fence done.

Services from editing, professional grade art, writing a story from the concept, the amount of pages, and more came out to $50,000.

I paid only a tenth of that to use Comics Experience and I wrote everything that went into it. I even tried to do the lettering…unsuccessfully. Props to all the people Comics Experience found.

So to hear all of the resources to get a comic going when you don’t have connections or skills to do much yourself can be…a lot.

You really have to choose carefully in this regard.

Metal Ninja is more about getting your stuff out as quick and professional as possible in sixth months. Depending on the complexity and team involved this costs from $3000-50,000.

Laymen’s: Metal Ninja is less steps but can be pricier.

From personal experience, Comics Experience can be a lot cheaper no matter how complex. Or at least that was the case with the Wire Fence. You just have to attend a class and then a manuscript in writing or art to get everything together. All that really needs to be done is communication between all parties.

Laymen’s: Comics Experience is cheaper with more steps, but you’ll have a little more control.

Get Advice, Don’t Suggest

One of the most surprising lessons came in Vaugh Coleman’s Rebel Oasis Studios. Well his newest collaborator for his shared universe.

I was already a fan of Phenomenova on GlobalComix, so the fact that there’s more intrigues me. See the guy Joseph Battaglia came to Coleman for advice on developing his comic, The Wraith Crown.

Little did he know, Battaglia would get the background he needed to develop the characters and setting through a shared setting.

I’ve always heard of how making suggestions to a creator of a work of their own stuff is a bad idea. But this…this is something else!

Now most people aren’t going to get opportunities like these, nor should they expect it to. But talking to a creator you respect for a direction is always fine. While they have their own stuff to worry about, they’re more than willing to help others out if they can.

Find Your Partners

Two people I regularly see together, G-Man’s Chris Giarrusso and Phantom Ink’s John McLaren were at this con too. It turns out they knew each other from a few other conventions and started up a partnership over the years.

Giarrusso wasn’t just the guy who got most people to their booth, he also showed McLaren how to improve color flats and lettering. McLaren meanwhile gave Giarrusso the rides over.

Put simply, never underestimate what you have. Even if it only makes things happen down the line. Having somebody around to help you in ways you don’t expect means a lot.

Partner With Locals

Found this in two places: Comicsburgh and Power Pulp Comics.

Both emphasize working with businesses in your area to help promote your stuff.

Whether that’s printing your zines or putting your characters on their products.

If you can grow your influence from somewhere; why not let it be in familiar places?

Put your comic in a diner as a promo item? Make sure it’s not corporate owned…

Find a local product you like? Hot sauce or toymakers? Make some mutual marketing!

Obviously you gotta like what they’re selling. And you gotta prove there’s demand to help with the supply.

But come on! This is the most affordable way to build up influence!

Just cuz you’re not gonna make sacs of cash from licensing doesn’t mean it’s not worth it.

Closing Out

Hopefully you can take a few things out of this more than I have.

• Xanar & Mr. Tuxedo - A fun improv session. Have you ever had one of those stories where kids make the next page?…Round-Robins? Yeah, this is what it feels like, a few different stories colliding with some good structure with all the character arcs. But not as cohesively; least the pace stays on point. 8/10

• Nothing Can Stop…the Ape! - Pace isn’t the best; took a long time for the title character to even matter. But I always appreciate little things like language barriers and characterizations through dialogue. 6.5/10

• Midnight Island Vol. 1 - Great artistic looks of the setting, especially with how the SFX feel like it’s actually a part of it. But the pace of the dialogue kind of offsets this middle school age Lost. 7/10

• 

  The Stone of Shiro: The Fall of Shiro - You can feel the magic in a world like this, especially the cast. Everybody’s got something going on, responsibilities, opportunities, wants, and needs. It brings out a nice big clash of personalities and arcs you can’t help but get invested in. 8.5/10

• 

  Across the Widest Sea - This is probably the most magically realistic experience I’ve seen in a while. It’s coming-of-age in the most thrilling, most engaging way possible. There are layers of meaning in the conflicts in just the design and scale. You can feel the arcs and emotions characters go through with how you react with them to events. Especially if you’re going through the same journeys as them. 10/10

• Penelope’s Escape from the Platypusary - Again with the little xeno details. Makes me wonder if animals think we talk in pidgin. Anyway this is a nice, simple plot with a decent pace. Good worldbuilding with epics and arcs too. 8/10

• 

  The Full Scoop Collection - I said this before, but there’s a reason this got an omnibus. A cast dealing with crises, their identities, and the way everyone reacts and own these events in every conceivable way. All in compelling ways that show the best dynamics as they shift and lift. And the Florida setting at its weirdest only elevates the feeling of finding who people really are. 10/10

• Just Another Summer - Just another barebones teen drama. Weak characterizations, so much awkward dialogue that offsets the pace, basic presentation, and an overall uninteresting plot. 5/10

• 

  Pretty Hate Machine #3 - More intrigue. First there’s the dynamics between a father and son, then the generational trauma, followed by the emotional chasms by not treating them. It’s a big display of emotional engrossment. 9/10

• Planet Atmos: Exordium #3 - Feels a little scattered. The flight suit races are great with visuals, anticipations, and dynamics. But the cult, helpers, and opponents are an uninteresting distraction. 7/10

• Honor and Curse: Eternal #4 - The action is always a sight to behold. Especially with the presentation and structure of the odds. Then there’s the bigger arc of Genshi and how the Order of Nine take advantage of it. 8.8/10

• 51 #4 - The simple controlled detonation that I will always love. And it comes with an arc for Harvey thanks to the cast rubbing off on him. With one last challenge on the horizon. 8.5/10

• 

  Exploit #4 - A big sigh of relief after an intensely engaging series. Must be the intimate competency WITH controlled detonation. All arcs go full circle while fully engrossed in a tightly paced heist. 9/10

• Is Ted OK? #5 - Still as artful and interesting with the concepts. But exposition dumps can still drag the pace. Thankfully the reactions to them and past events come together for something sublime. 8.8/10

• Barbarian Behind Bars #5 - This was alright. I like how the characters settle into changes and learn as they go. But it starts and ends as the weight of the story picks up. 8/10

• Terrorbytes #7 - Loved the story in the story. Thrillers, contemplations, cosmic horror, and near death experiences all come together and communicate in the most engaging ways. But the framing story is starting to lose my interest. 8.5/10

• 

  Racer X #8 - And so it ends with a bang AND a steady heartbeat. There’s a clash of personalities, great character dynamics, intimate competencies, and a character study arc. Everything you could ever want with the title character. 9/10

• Gatchaman #19 - Hmm…a plot twist and a return of characters most people forgot about. And all the intrigue that comes with it. Dialogue could be better in a few places. 8.5/10

All respect for the amount Mad Cave’s putting out now. Hope things stay good.

Mark’s Substack

The Math, and Why I’m Still Building

Dear Gentle Reader…

Read more

3 months ago · 32 likes · 15 comments · Mark London

Mad Cave

Should’ve known something looked off when the advance copies showed up on Thursday instead of Friday. Maybe there were so much it had to be broken up in two. And I didn’t bother to look close enough. So anyway:

• Flash Gordon #17 - Pretty decent way to present the setting. Big empty space to fill with intrigue as much as clashing dynamics. Just enough to make an impressive show on the blank canvas. Plus the strip at the end is a cohesive piece. 8.5/10

• Miraculous Chibi 3-in-1 Vol. 2 - I can’t stress enough how important the pace of all of these strips are. The emoticons don’t aren’t just shorthand, they’re great juxtaposition for the more detailed thoughts. Better than that, they help emphasize fun scenarios that are each compelling in stakes, dramatic irony, and execution. 8.5/10

• 

  Dog Tag #2 - So it goes in these war stories. It’s like the most intense theatre performances where one mistake can cost characters everything. Especially with how everyone tries to survive the politics of wars and its effects. 9/10

• 

  War Wolf #6 - Thrilling experience! Surreal moments of wondering what is and isn’t real, callbacks to earlier days, and shifting dynamics that bring out the best characterizations. 9/10

• 

  Archipelago - Hmm…Basque? Sounds familiar. Some community between Spain and France? This is from a…television audio fiction series? Is that like a podcast? Whatever! Let’s see what it’s got. Whoa…now that’s how you translate from audio to comics. Just the opening says everything about the setting. While the atmosphere from the artwork and the emotion in the dialogue makes the best world building. But what makes it even more enthralling is how the characters reflect the effects of such a world. 9.5/10

• 

  The Loud House 10th Anniversary Special - Nothing to say other than it collects the best strips from the last decade. Everything that keeps pace with inspired jokes and great character dynamics. 9/10

• Diablomachia Vol. 1 - Not bad with the art, actions, and impacts. But the pace and translations feel a bit off. Might be why the dialogue feels so awkward. Plus the characterizations are scattered. 6/10

• Aperture - Interesting time travel plot especially when it comes to dreading a future. It’s like a theatrical performance on a big, lively stage. But it feels like a lot of micro plots, arcs, and characterizations aren’t meshing well. 7/10

Bad Idea

• Tankers vs. Ancient Aliens #1 - Looks like Bad Idea’s got another regular series. I loved how bombastic the first series was; it felt like the best kind of on-rails shooter game. The over-the-top setting and cast, kinetic visuals juxtaposed with the pace, and a few suspenseful thrills to get a sense of the scale. 8.8/10

Mad Cave Presents

• The Last Starfighter - Granted this is a rerelease of the Marvel comic from decades ago. But it’s aged like fine wine. Great characterizations, souls in excitement and presentation, and arcs galore. 9/10

  • So let’s go into…The Last Starfighter #1 - So how do you follow that up? Basically with less pace but fitting consequences. It’s all about adjustments with a bigger cast and a little foreshadowing to get invested in. 8.5/10

• 

  Mister Nemo #1 - So…the first Underworld IP that’s an original. Got some great presentation! Hero pulps in the modern day! Keep it simple with origins, conflicts, and character dynamics. Especially with the threats of the villains. They’re not just relevant with their goals, you can feel the effects they have on every character they touch. 9/10

• 

  Land of Never #1 - Thrilling stuff full of social anxieties. Sympathetic pariahs that have hit rock bottom spiraling down into madness because they have nowhere else to turn. It’s not a healthy thing but you can’t help but get engrossed. Because you’re in on the chase. 9.5/10

• 

  BLÜDWIRE #1 - Always in it for the action. Especially for surprises that have some stakes. A sexbot revolutionary, her bodyguard, and the contrast with the status quo in momentum. All told through dynamic world building and interesting characterizations to engross in. 9/10

• The Phantom vs. The Red Dragons One-Shot - Looks like I’ve got a reason to get invested in the Phantom this time. Pace is actually pretty good, a lot more tell by showing, and a chance for him to feel more like a character. Here he actually feels like he has a life with his love interest. Enough to make the stakes for the coming new series. 8.5/10

• Wag - Some parts are good, usually with the title character and how he interacts with his troubles. He’s interesting with his little quirks in trying to keep his sanity in tact. Plus the designs, backgrounds, and cultures are engaging. But the exposition about the way things are takes away from the pace. 7.5/10

• Speed Racer #9 - Feels good, still got the thrills of a great race mixed with a startling turn. Not perfectly with how the more cartoony visuals clash with how serious this gets. Just close enough. 8.5/10

Dynamite

• Space Ghost Vol. 2 #12 - There’s something about this that I really like. It’s not the multiverse stuff, it’s not Tempest’s origin, it’s the reflections told in grand spectacle. Everything that came before that made Dax THE Space Ghost. 8.8/10

Which Reviews Stand Out?

With a growing list of subscribers, it really matters how many people open the emails sent to them. These people are definitely interested in what’s being talked about. Helps that a couple of them are the ones who send me stuff to review. Out of 150 subscribers, only a little more than a quarter of them are true fans.

If I have to guess why some reviews stand out more than others, it’s probably which ones I think are must haves compared to things that are just fine. Tighter consistency, saying what I feel to make good hype for payoffs, no comparisons to what came before either. No point hyping up more printings if I just can’t get into the material.

For some reason a little of the traffic sources come from unexpected places. I don’t mean Threads now that I got back onto it. But it does help. I mean Bleeding Cool for just 1%. I call that a win, even if I don’t know the full context.

More Thoughts, Bigger Reflections

Two things that I got more enjoyment out of were two posts. One goes into the Generative AI debate that most people don’t talk about.

So far, Live-Action special effects seems like the only viable path to go forward on with AI. Especially if you’re an indie film maker.

But then again, a translated Turkish horror comic that found its way onto a certain website is a regular best seller. Compared to a couple of others, it’s a bunch of strips with a creepy atmosphere and surprises. Even if I can’t feel like it has payoffs.

I just have to wonder. The way people are going about AI has legs. But there are these nuances and caveats too.

Then there’s this:

Finding out that Stan Lee had co-created a lot more characters after his Marvel days than anyone thought is one thing. It’s another when it leads to a few familiar faces.

Including a rabbit hole I didn’t realize was so deep.

It turns out the whole Toshigawa Universe is a passion project that went through a lot of growing pains. I wanna cover that all one day, but I’m not sure it’ll be one day soon.

Probably because I’m trying to do my own stuff and that’s hard to do now too.

Funding Progress

Compared to last month I haven’t made a lot of announcements on the funding goal for The Wire Fence: Re-Opened’s artwork. But I have made progress even if it’s not what people expect. I’m now adding dividends from my Acorn and Alinea accounts. These put together earn me more money than banks could compare.

Turns out the rewards programs like freecash, credit card cashback, ibotta, Upwork, and even Honeygain take a lot of time. Mostly because I want to achieve the highest possible thresholds. Call me an overachiever, but there’s security in stuff like that.

As for progress:

It’s a decent enough number.

Stop and Go

As for why I haven’t done much in regards to other stories. It’s because I don’t feel like I’m in the best position to deal with the stress.

I’ve been dealing with gastritis for what turned out to be months. Not enough to get ulcers, but early enough that it disrupts how I’ve done things up until now. Including raising money from those cashback apps like Upwork.

And yes I am taking the prescriptions necessary. Finished my first month with them too. While it feels like I am making some progress with the symptoms lessening, it’s hard to tell what’s just wishful thinking.

It’s why I’ve gotta be more careful with what I do. Not just the stuff I drink or eat, but how I manage my health and stress.

I have all of these ideas but I can’t help but feel like I could step on a land mine that could set everything back. It feels restricting a lot of the time.

Read On What Engages

I think that’s why I’ve been focusing on getting through my backlog of stuff lately. Mostly the GlobalComix reads I have in my emails but never got time to actually do. Busy life and time.

I still do Hoopla and non-mobile games. But GlobalComix takes up the most because I’m trying to sort out the stuff I don’t really want from the stuff that I enjoy.

Even found an appreciation for rougher artwork if the story’s good.

Hopes For Next Month

I really hope that I don’t have to keep dealing with these problems. Just trying to make the most out of my time is all I really want.

Mad Cave

• 

  Dogmatix Vol. 5 - I’ve always been a bit of a sucker for xenofiction. Stuff like this is why, clashes of perspectives between humans and animals. They make good jokes and the few opportunities to connect make them better. Those make some of the most fun character dynamics. Plus the transitions in artwork really work great with the pace of the story. 8.8/10

• Junk Punch #1 - Ever want to experience Grant Morrison level dada? Welcome to a world building experience where being weird is normal. It’s like a wild fever dream you don’t wanna wake up from. 8/10

• 

  One Path Book Two - Man have I been waiting for this. The beautiful, primal world, that holds you with anticipation. Whether that’s the larger than life beasts, the lack of modern understandings contrasting with traditions that are challenged at every turn. All with survival, motherhood, and belonging to something bigger mix and matching with outstanding visuals. 9.5/10

• Gatchaman: Red Impulse #2 - Great character dynamics in action. The seesawing of power dynamics of Galactor’s operations in an infiltration along with the arc of one character is a classic experience. 8.5/10

• Astro Quantum #5 - Good visual language at odds with dialogue that takes away from the pace. Plus while the leads had decent arcs, it feels like this series needed more of a direction. 6/10

• Secret STEAM Society: Spaceflight - Admittedly, this is a little niche interest I have, so I was more invested compared to other books. But the dialogue is still weak. Not helping is how this “story” meanders around. 6.5/10

• 

  Three Thieves Vol. 5 - This has been a fun swashbuckling series. Great sense of adventure, characterizations and dynamics, foreshadowing, and twists. And it leaves you wanting more with its crisp pace and cliffhanger. 8.8/10

• Asterix Collector Vol. 7 - Pace feels a little slower here. Some of the gags feel natural, especially in rules of three. Not to mention there are some real stakes in this plot enhanced by hype. It’s just that some things go a little too slow. 8/10

Bad Idea

• The Hab #2 - There’s something about this that feels like a release in Cosmic Horror. Maybe that’s the characters reflecting on the choices they made and the dynamics shifting in reaction. All I know is, I couldn’t look away from the little things happening. Secrets kept from themselves, anxieties and worries, the regrets and tries to keep everything together. It’s all there. 8.5/10

Boom!

So did some quick digging and found some things that weren’t in those big folders from months ago. Better get in on this.

• Baby Garfield - I was afraid this was gonna be too much like that Garfield movie. Surprise, this was actually kind of fun! The gags that come with are unforgettably surreal. Plus there is some character development of how this kitten became the memetic cat. 8.5/10

• 

  Jem and the Holograms Book One - Hmm…great character dynamics, great format for a decompressed opening, wild designs, lettering, and a feeling of music with body language. Plus the shifting tensions and arcs make this something to engage in. Just wish the B-Side stories had as much cohesion. 8.5/10