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Scott_Ziolko Veteran

Joined: 23 Oct 2003 Posts: 3841 Location: Columbia, MO
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Posted: Aug 25, 2004 3:19 am Post subject: WOW! Almost all the books I got in Chicago are AWESOME!!!! |
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I promised I'd post my thoughts on what I got in Chicago, so here's some mini reviews of what I've read in my stack so far:
Gwalio: the Legend of Ronin Frost by our own Noble Larimer and Gregg Paulsen.
Think Battle Chasers, except with an actual story. I'm a big fan of the fantasy genre, and what Noble and co. have cooking up here looks to be a real treat! The dialogue is smooth and the art is sleek as shit! My only complaint is a few very minor punctuation errors (but who the hell am I to talk?) and the pin-ups kind of disrupted the flow in a couple of spots. But I am very excited to see what issue 2 brings! Great job!
Ronin Illustrated by a bunch of people, including members of this board
Anthologies of ANY sort can be very tricky to pull off. You've only a few number of pages to tell as much story as you can, and it looks that at least three of the stories in this volume are looking to be very ambitious, to say the least. That's why I say, bravo! You folks manage to pull it off! Each story manages to catch my interest in one way or another.
Diana's "Senshi" has some excellent art and narrative. It's a good introduction, not only to it's main character Alice Jones, but to the story itself. Diana gives her audient just enough to get interested and wonder what the hell is going on. I would like to see some dialogue used to further flesh out the characters, but I understand one only has so much room the get things started. Hopefully the next part, eh?
"Shylock", by Shane Welker and Mike Williams, has a similar effect, though the story catches it's audience in a different way. I like it because it very much reminds me of movies like "Go" and anything by Tarantino. I don't want to give anything away, but I will say I like how the creators take advantage of the visual medium by telling their audience one thing and show them another at the same time. You'd understand me more when you read the story. I'm definately left hanging at the end!
"Holy Death" by Ilya Livshun and Guillerma Hansz is the shortest of the stories in the anthology. It looks to be interesting, though. Again, a nice blend of narrative and art. I'd really have to see more of it before I can really say what I think of it, but I will say this: It had a killer line at the closing of the story.
"Taint Monkey" by Kevin Lynch and Alfred Tam is comedic gold. I can only wish I was this funny.
[edit] Oh yeah, and there's some sweet ass inking in this book as well... [/edit]
Crackurz by James Patrick and DJ Coffman
Also comedic gold. James sold me on the premise:
"This is about two birds who really don't like each other."
SOLD.
Fucking HILARIOUS! The mini comic James gave me in exchange for Test-Tube was a nice touch as well!
The Ciderview Project by Michael Goodman
I haven't read all the issues that I got from Goodman, but what I have read....it's nice to see someone do something really different from everyone else. Goodman's work here really shows a lot of heart. Both art and writing wise, it feels like he's wanting to accomplish something a little more than just the norm. It's a refreshing change from you standard fare of comic book. I'm hoping to finish the issue I have REALLY soon...before I finish the Kabuki trade I got, even. I hope it doesn't take you too long to finish this, Goodman, but take your time if it means keeping this book as good as it has been!
Super Hero Happy Hour by Dan Taylor and Chris Fason
This book really does rock! I think what I love most about it is that it doesn't completely mock the superhero genre. The heroes don't come across as dolts, as some creators would be tempted to do. They come across as real people who are just trying to get by doing their day jobs, and then spend some downtime at their local bar. The conversations are natural...having worked at a bar for 4 years, I could have sworn I've heard some of it before, minus the "super powers" and "stop the villian from poisoning the resevoir" talk. I'm a full-time HHH fan now, and am looking forward to getting the rest of the issues!
I also got Invicible, but pretty much everything that has been said about this book has been said, only better. All I can add is BUY IT!!!
Joe and Monkey by Zach Miller
A collection of stips that I traded for Test-Tube. The humor is right up my alley, and I think a lot of people on this board would really dig it. It's got a guy, a monkey, and an evil kleptomaniac robot. How could you really go wrong? If you get a chance, check his stuff out at www.joeandmonkey.com and have a laugh or two!
Kabuki: Circle of Blook by David Mack
I'm a moron. A big, freaking moron. I have no idea on earth why I have been so slow to get this book. I've only read the first part, "Fear the Reaper", and already I am amazed. I was impressed with Mack's painting on the DD "Wake Up" story (and I likened his art style in it to my favorite painter, Dave McKean), but his pencil and ink style is also as strong! The writing is also solid...Mack never tries to over explain things...he just let's them happen, and lets the art tell the story for him. I'm looking forward to finishing this book so I can get my ass in gear and get caught up on everything else Kabuki!!!
So there you go. That's what I've read so far. A lot of sweet, SWEET goodness in there. There's a few I didn't mention because I didn't want to say anything until I've completely read what I've got, but I wanted to get at least something said about all that I have read.
Thank you so much to everyone for creating such wonderful books for me to read!!! I now have a better idea of the talent that visits this board daily, and it's an honor to be able to hang with such creative folks!!!!
 _________________
http://testtubecomics.com
Last edited by Scott_Ziolko on Aug 25, 2004 5:57 am; edited 1 time in total |
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SaintMike Junior Member

Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 139 Location: Dallas, Tx.
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Posted: Aug 25, 2004 3:47 am Post subject: Re: WOW! Almost all the books I got in Chicago are AWESOME! |
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I'm glad you enjoyed Shylock, Scott...thank you. _________________ Does the Shadow wear all that hot crap during the summer months or does he switch to a shorts set to fight crime? |
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Christian Beranek Enthusiast

Joined: 08 Apr 2004 Posts: 558
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Posted: Aug 25, 2004 3:48 am Post subject: Re: WOW! Almost all the books I got in Chicago are AWESOME! |
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Joe and Monkey does rock. Zach is a cool guy. _________________
www.silentdevil.com |
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DanLTaylor Senior Member

Joined: 11 Aug 2003 Posts: 1373 Location: Orange County, CA
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Posted: Aug 25, 2004 4:39 am Post subject: Re: WOW! Almost all the books I got in Chicago are AWESOME! |
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Thanks Scott. I hope you dig the "very special" issue 6 of Hero Happy Hour. _________________ Peace...
Dan
GeekPunk.com
danltaylor.com |
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Scott_Ziolko Veteran

Joined: 23 Oct 2003 Posts: 3841 Location: Columbia, MO
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Posted: Aug 25, 2004 5:52 am Post subject: Re: WOW! Almost all the books I got in Chicago are AWESOME! |
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DanLTaylor wrote: | Thanks Scott. I hope you dig the "very special" issue 6 of Hero Happy Hour. |
It might have the honor of the first book I ever order online, but I'm going to try and talk my LCS into carrying HHH..I think the owner'll get a kick out of it! And, of course, I'll be pimping the shit out of it as well...  _________________
http://testtubecomics.com |
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Scott_Ziolko Veteran

Joined: 23 Oct 2003 Posts: 3841 Location: Columbia, MO
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Posted: Aug 25, 2004 5:54 am Post subject: Re: WOW! Almost all the books I got in Chicago are AWESOME! |
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SaintMike wrote: | I'm glad you enjoyed Shylock, Scott...thank you. |
I very much enjoyed it, Mike! I had seen your preview art prior to picking this book up and I was impressed! I can't wait to see what you and Shane have up your sleeves with this story!  _________________
http://testtubecomics.com |
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Scott_Ziolko Veteran

Joined: 23 Oct 2003 Posts: 3841 Location: Columbia, MO
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Posted: Aug 25, 2004 5:55 am Post subject: Re: WOW! Almost all the books I got in Chicago are AWESOME! |
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Whoops! Wrong button! Sorry! _________________
http://testtubecomics.com |
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DanLTaylor Senior Member

Joined: 11 Aug 2003 Posts: 1373 Location: Orange County, CA
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Posted: Aug 25, 2004 6:20 am Post subject: Re: WOW! Almost all the books I got in Chicago are AWESOME! |
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Scott_Ziolko wrote: | Whoops! Wrong button! Sorry! |
Usually when I say that I end up either getting slapped or a drink thrown in my face.  _________________ Peace...
Dan
GeekPunk.com
danltaylor.com |
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Noble Veteran

Joined: 15 Aug 2003 Posts: 3286
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Posted: Aug 25, 2004 11:58 am Post subject: Re: WOW! Almost all the books I got in Chicago are AWESOME! |
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Thanks for the props on Gwailo!
Yes, our letterer needs to be slapped in the head. His your - you're mistakes really make us look inept. But we were green (like I'm such an old war horse now), it was our first book. Live and learn
The second issue should be out by the end of September if you're keeping track of such nonsense
Everyone on Ronin Illustrated busted their butts to make the most of the pages they were given, glad you liked it!
Issue 2 with the conclusion of Senshi will be out in late september/early oct, with issue three hopefully debuting at Wizard world Texas. _________________ Buy Gwailo#1 here
http://www.imagecomics.com/messageboard/viewtopic.php?t=25697&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=
Buy Ronin Studios Merchandise here
http://www.cafeshops.com/knl3 |
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MACK! Enthusiast
Joined: 27 Sep 2003 Posts: 763
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Posted: Aug 25, 2004 12:15 pm Post subject: Re: WOW! Almost all the books I got in Chicago are AWESOME! |
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You've made all of us very happy with your kind reviews!
Please post an update feedback when you get a chance to finish the Kabuki book  |
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Diana Senior Member

Joined: 05 Feb 2004 Posts: 2289 Location: Germany
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Posted: Aug 25, 2004 12:17 pm Post subject: Re: WOW! Almost all the books I got in Chicago are AWESOME! |
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Whoa!! Thank you thank you thank you! Much appreciated! And yes there will be some dialogue in part two. hehe. And my current script will totally make up for the lack of dialogue in this one!  _________________
D.McDaniel wrote: | Elijya wrote: | there's two of these threads now.... |
Let us know when we get up to 4 |
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justJeffery Veteran

Joined: 11 Aug 2003 Posts: 3933 Location: Lafayette, LA
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Posted: Aug 25, 2004 12:22 pm Post subject: Re: WOW! Almost all the books I got in Chicago are AWESOME! |
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Scott_Ziolko wrote: |
Diana's "Senshi" has some excellent art and narrative. It's a good introduction, not only to it's main character Alice Jones, but to the story itself. Diana gives her audient just enough to get interested and wonder what the hell is going on. I would like to see some dialogue used to further flesh out the characters, but I understand one only has so much room the get things started. Hopefully the next part, eh? |
Senshi is my biggest dissapointment with the book. I busted my butt to get it in there yet the artist wasnt finished the last 6 pages in time to run them all at once. The story kicks it up a couple of notches on the very next page... I hope you, and everyone else who picks up issue two enjoys it... I know it kicked me in the stomach the first time I got to read it all.
Scott_Ziolko wrote: | [edit] Oh yeah, and there's some sweet ass inking in this book as well... [/edit] |
I love you.
Jeffery _________________
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Scott_Ziolko Veteran

Joined: 23 Oct 2003 Posts: 3841 Location: Columbia, MO
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Posted: Aug 25, 2004 1:17 pm Post subject: Re: WOW! Almost all the books I got in Chicago are AWESOME! |
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justJeffery wrote: | Scott_Ziolko wrote: |
Diana's "Senshi" has some excellent art and narrative. It's a good introduction, not only to it's main character Alice Jones, but to the story itself. Diana gives her audient just enough to get interested and wonder what the hell is going on. I would like to see some dialogue used to further flesh out the characters, but I understand one only has so much room the get things started. Hopefully the next part, eh? |
Senshi is my biggest dissapointment with the book. I busted my butt to get it in there yet the artist wasnt finished the last 6 pages in time to run them all at once. The story kicks it up a couple of notches on the very next page... I hope you, and everyone else who picks up issue two enjoys it... I know it kicked me in the stomach the first time I got to read it all.
Scott_Ziolko wrote: | [edit] Oh yeah, and there's some sweet ass inking in this book as well... [/edit] |
I love you.
Jeffery |
Senshi still looked pretty sharp to me, Jeffery! I can only imagine how tough that first page with the crowd scene was to ink! I'm definately looking forward to reading part 2!  _________________
http://testtubecomics.com |
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Scott_Ziolko Veteran

Joined: 23 Oct 2003 Posts: 3841 Location: Columbia, MO
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Posted: Aug 25, 2004 1:18 pm Post subject: Re: WOW! Almost all the books I got in Chicago are AWESOME! |
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MACK! wrote: | You've made all of us very happy with your kind reviews!
Please post an update feedback when you get a chance to finish the Kabuki book  |
Thanks, I will definately get back with you as soon as I've finished Circle of Blood! And please let me know what you think of Test-Tube when you get the chance to read it!  _________________
http://testtubecomics.com |
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Scott_Ziolko Veteran

Joined: 23 Oct 2003 Posts: 3841 Location: Columbia, MO
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Posted: Aug 25, 2004 1:21 pm Post subject: Re: WOW! Almost all the books I got in Chicago are AWESOME! |
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Noble wrote: | Thanks for the props on Gwailo!
Yes, our letterer needs to be slapped in the head. His your - you're mistakes really make us look inept. But we were green (like I'm such an old war horse now), it was our first book. Live and learn
The second issue should be out by the end of September if you're keeping track of such nonsense
Everyone on Ronin Illustrated busted their butts to make the most of the pages they were given, glad you liked it!
Issue 2 with the conclusion of Senshi will be out in late september/early oct, with issue three hopefully debuting at Wizard world Texas. |
I definately took in consideration that Gwalio was your Freshman attempt at comics, and like I said, I've no place to talk. Hell, I spelt "Tekken" wrong in issue 1 of Test-Tube!
Ronin's off to a good start, Noble. You should all be proud!  _________________
http://testtubecomics.com |
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