Someone I know asked why I only review Indy comics. I think it is a good question but it was not asked innocently. They like Marvel and DC (more one than the other) and think all the other comics are blecch. Well, I only review what I am sent, and, I like most companies’ product. So it is not like I am reviewing what I would not read. But I love Marvel (who has not sent books) and DC (who has sent me some books), so whatever I review, do not assume I am doing so to exclude any company.
REVIEWS
BARAKA AND BLACK MAGIC IN MOROCCO
By Rick Smith
original Graphic Novel: 128 pages, $14.95, two-color
From Alternative Comics
This is a travelogue personally illustrated by the author. Rick Smith and his wife Tania Menesse journeyed to the country of Morocco in North Africa. It was pre 9-11 and the world certainly seemed a much safer and innocent place, even in an Islamic country, and even traveling as Westerners. You see all of Morrocco, from good to questionable, from exotic to normal. And while you may well be looking for a plot or story line, there is none. As philosophers have said the quest is the journey itself. And there is some soul searching and thoughts here, and it is a personal work. You may not like Islam, Arabs or Berbers, Africa or Indy comics, but you cannot read this and not take something from it that will give you insight. BARAKA AND BLACK MAGIC IN MOROCCO is in some ways a subtle apologetic for the Islamic world. I am not saying that that is wrong, nor that this book is anything but good. But in a sense, by presenting a different world, and casting it in an exotic, mostly positive light you feel like you know the people from Morrocco, and that is I think, a good thing. I thought that the art in this was rather unappealing, but the writing was good. If you enjoy broadening your views check out this book.
KANE: HISTORIES V3
By Paul Grist
Trade Paperback: 144 pages, $12.95 B/W
From IMAGE Comics
The city of NEW EDEN celebrates the return to active duty by Detective Kane. And his first case back finds him once again facing a certain enemy that he has sworn to take down. Oscar Darke grew up in the streets of New Eden to become the most powerful criminal in the city, and in this volume the preeminent mob boss of New Eden is shot but not killed while visiting his mother’s grave. Kane tries to find the attempted assassin. And Darke even in hospital attempts to control the swirl of fate. You would be hard pressed to find people who say Grist’s art looks pretty, since it does not, but there is a genius of story telling here that his artist peers should emulate. He establishes flash backs and stunningly reveals the reasons Darke is the man he is. And a pretty picture it is not. But it is so effectively told that you now might have empathy for both sides in this story. I had not read the previous volumes of this story but now I must. The story is so compelling it needs to be read, and soon.
PROXIMITY EFFECT
By Scott Tucker, Aron Eli Coleite and David Nakayama
Trade Paperback: 96 pages, $9.99 Color
From IMAGE Comics
The premise here is that beings throughout human endeavor and history have done amazing things, without explanation other than it being a miracle, but in reality some people have an ability to channel energy, while others provide the energy. The main characters here are symbiotic in a fashion, the rock star woman Lisa, has enormous powers, but only when within the proximity of her power source, a man named Caleb. When standing within 30 feet of Caleb, Lisa can channel her energies and achieve great physical deeds. This power relationship then forces the two to take on military and secret powerful men with plans who threaten them, and ultimately others. This comic first appeared online and then into book form. As such it is a hybrid of venues as well in some ways as format. There is a CD of music that can be purchased to add more mediums to your experience. The story is written and drawn well. It is not to my taste, either in writing or drawing but that is not really the point. At ten dollars you get an interesting story, told in a somewhat dynamic fashion.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Thank you to IMAGE Comics and ALTERNATIVE Comics for their contributions to this column. All review materials sent to the address below will be considered for possible review.
Alexander Ness
The Land Of Frost
Box 142
Rockford MN 55373-0142
"Hold on, my friends, to the Constitution and to the Republic for which it stands. Miracles do not cluster, and what has happened once in 6000 years, may not happen again. Hold on to the Constitution, for if the American Constitution should fail, there will be anarchy throughout the world." -- Daniel Webster
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