When it comes to comics, I read mainly independents, and believe me when I say I read a lot of them. One particular name has came up time and time again, sticking out to me: Gary Chudleigh. The critically acclaimed local comic genius has written, produced and worked on a diverse variety of comics including iHero ( Lettering), Anniversary of the Dead ( Writing, Lettering and Editing), and the popular Villainous ( Writing, Lettering and Editing).
Last Saturday and Sunday holds the memories of the fabulous MCM Scotland Comic Con 2014 which was hosted in the SECC. Over the course of the weekend, thousands of people came. Cosplayers showcased their best impersonations of their favourite comic, manga and anime stars, middle aged women and men united with their friends to rejoice in nostalgic tales of childhood entertainment, families swarmed the halls, newcomers to the comic world came to inevitably be shocked in awe inspiration of becoming enthralled in the comic world (one being my life partner) and general comic lovers all round attended the glorious event. Amongst the masses was many sellers of comics. Some being just people with stalls selling backdated issues of Marvel, DC, Vertigo and 2000 AD comics. Some selling manga and anime along with merchandise related. Others selling just all round various comic related merchandising and last but certainly not least, independent comic writers. Obscure Reference Comics and Black Hearted Press, two of my favourite independent companies, blessed us with their presence. Gary was showcasing two comics, one for each company. Once I had picked them both up and read them separately, there was no stopping me from giving him the well deserved money for each.
First I read: "PLAGUED: THE MIRANDA CHRONICLES". This was published through Black Hearted Press with the story being written by Gary Chudleigh himself. The artwork for this comic was perfect. Every inch was beautifully drawn and coloured. Tanya Roberts takes credit for the visual masterpiece. The same woman who has worked on Star Wars: Clone Wars, Toy Story comic with Boom! Studios, Strawberry Shortcake, TMNT with IDW and How To Train Your Dragon.
Imagine Scotland now. Beautiful thought, isn't it? Now think of it being obliterated, left as nothing but a post-apocalyptic wasteland due to a plague that has ruined the country. Due to the plague, witches have emerged and are being hunted down and forced to stand trial by freelance agents who are specialised in witch hunting. Thomas Mackie, one of these witch hunters, along with his talking dog Dex, hunt for the sole of reason of earning enough bounty to benefit their lives and better themselves. Things turn left for Thomas and Dex when his latest target, Miranda Lee, blackmails him into helping her rebel against the system and act out a dangerous plot to cure the plague ruining Scotland once and for all.
The comic is PLAGUED with humour throughout, infecting you with laughs from start to finish. The colours are cartoon artistry are extremely captivating and the story hooks you from page one, leaving you itching to change the page and rush to see what happens. This is definitely one of the best independent Sci-Fi and Fantasy comics to come out this year, and for this to be Black Hearted Press' first release for said genre, it's certainly sets the standards for everything else to come of it.
Next up was: "INVISIBLE: Part One". It's a dashing remake of the classic DC Thomson strip 'The Invisible Dick', which follows the story of awkward teenager Rick Dickson who discovers he has the ability to turn invisible, but with this power comes a price.
The remake is modern and unique. For once the main character isn't a big, muscly superhero, no. This time it's just a scrawny, weak, geeky schoolkid who has the power to turn invisible. Nothing more, nothing less. The title explains it exactly, and is comfortingly relevant unlike many of today's releases. The comic is very kid friendly, making me feel happy to share it with many younger family members as well as the adults. It's an all round good comic for all ages and it's very appealing to those who are looking for a somewhat supernatural school, school era Spider-Man and Buffy The Vampire Slayer-esque vibe. This was a very happy read and I can't wait for Part Two.
Gary has totally outdone himself this year, leaving me overwhelmed with praise for the absolute fantastic releases that I have read. The world is certainly his oyster and the only way is up from here.
You can find Gary's great work and more here in the links below:
http://www.orcomics.com/Gary/gary-chudleigh.htmlhttp://www.orcomics.com/
Next up was: "INVISIBLE: Part One". It's a dashing remake of the classic DC Thomson strip 'The Invisible Dick', which follows the story of awkward teenager Rick Dickson who discovers he has the ability to turn invisible, but with this power comes a price.
The remake is modern and unique. For once the main character isn't a big, muscly superhero, no. This time it's just a scrawny, weak, geeky schoolkid who has the power to turn invisible. Nothing more, nothing less. The title explains it exactly, and is comfortingly relevant unlike many of today's releases. The comic is very kid friendly, making me feel happy to share it with many younger family members as well as the adults. It's an all round good comic for all ages and it's very appealing to those who are looking for a somewhat supernatural school, school era Spider-Man and Buffy The Vampire Slayer-esque vibe. This was a very happy read and I can't wait for Part Two.
Gary has totally outdone himself this year, leaving me overwhelmed with praise for the absolute fantastic releases that I have read. The world is certainly his oyster and the only way is up from here.
You can find Gary's great work and more here in the links below:
http://www.orcomics.com/Gary/gary-chudleigh.htmlhttp://www.orcomics.com/
Until next time folks! If I don't return, avenge my death!
What did you think of these comics? Have you read them yet? Yet to? Enjoy them or Dislike them? Let me know in the comments!
.jpg){kind=link}
No comments:
Post a Comment