With work commitments ramping up, as we prepare for Covid Strikes Back (I work in a hospital), and having a 6 month old baby my free time has been in short supply of late. But I've tried to cram in some reading whenever I can. In the spirit of my reading here are a few whirlwind reviews of what has been in my hands recently.
Firstly Rok The God, what can I add that hasn't already been said about this one, not much I guess, but here goes anyway. If I'm honest, I only bought Rok of the Reds to placate my guilt at asking John Wagner to sign so many things when I met him at ICE Birmingham.
Now, if like me, you think a football comic isn't for you then think again. I'm not a massive sportball fan but I loved Rok of the Reds and that feeling carried on here too. John Wagner and Alan Grant give us a brilliant story as you might expect from two such experienced writers. Sci-fi, action, humour, football it has the lot wrapped up in a script that shows these two have not lost their edge and are obviously enjoying working on this creator owned project. Showing how an "all ages" comic should be done.
Dan Cornwell is a favourite artist of mine I have a great Hammerstein and a beautiful commission of John Wick, gifted to me by my wife, hanging in our house. Again he's given his all for Rok. As you might expect, we get some stunning splash pages but I enjoy the minutiae he crams into his panels. Look in the background of pictures for the hidden details and Easter eggs.
Verdict: Comic perfection, peerless writing and an artist at the top of his game. A book that welcomes you in on the first page and keeps you entertained to the last. 5 out of 5
Next up Killing Moon from the guys at Pigdog Press, written by Chris Denton, art by Neil Bhuna Roche and colours from Darren Stephens I've played a bit of DnD in the past and some parts of this swords and sorcery story reminded me of campaigns played with friends. The mix of assassin, sorcerer and grizzled fighter make for a great ensemble cast who bounce off each other. What is also nice is the humour that runs through the book, not enough to distract from the story but perfectly balanced with the darker elements.
I liked the addition of the history of Killing Moon along with an original black and white strip, as much as I loved the colour work by Darren I'd like to see the modern KM in black and white too. We are also rewarded with an awesome Killing Moon gallery, with contributions from artists such as Matt Soffe and 2000ADs newest Dredd artist Steven Austin.
Verdict: I backed the Kickstarter for a digital copy but I'm betting this looks even better in the flesh. Great, stories and characters but also brilliant value for money. 4 out of 5
Finally Knockout and Tigerstyle, written by Fraser Campbell and art by Adam Falp. This is a love letter to the bronze age of all-action pulp comics. I've previously enjoyed Adam's work on the excellent, Atomic Hercules comics. They were never short of action but Fraser has given him a workout here with a script that sees every page filled with some top drawer stuff.
The story sees Knockout, a former boxer with a right hook that can put holes in walls, team up with Tigerstyle a martial arts master streetfighter, to takedown Harlems underground fight scene. I won't say more as I don't want to give any spoilers but you are in for a treat if this is your style of comic.
Verdict: I just love the energy of this comic, I've not really read much bronze age stuff but I'm going to try and find some now. 5 out of 5
All in all some great reading, check them out if you can.
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