Indy-Pendant is the first column ever written by Brant W. Fowler running from May 2005 to January 2007. It's a focus on independent comics creators, publishers and titles. These are the reprinted archives, which were originally published on www.comicavalanche.com.
Week 16 - Originally published on September 25, 2005
What up my peeps? This week has been a busy one, but I still managed to read through what I promised I'd cover. And we'll get to that in a moment. First, though, some other related news. As some of you were made aware via the Indy-Pendant Readers' mailing, MAIN Publishing released a press release concerning their 25th anniversary. Some of you may have seen it on Digital Webbing, but I have extra information and pictures that for some reason Digital Webbing didn't get or didn't post. The guys at MAIN are a decent bunch, so check it out.
Another press release recently covered by Wizard was sent to me by Alias's Sean J. Jordan concerning our favorite fantasy novel adapting company, Dabel Brothers Productions. Check it out as well.
A lot of cool Indy news going on. I've also seen a lot of cool books lately and hope to cover them soon. This week, however, as promised, I bring you Lullaby: Wisdom Seeker and The Vicious Circle Project.
Now let's get down to business. But first an apology. Last week I inadvertently linked Hero @ Large to Genie. I apologize for the mishap.
Ok, back to action...
Fairytales
are nothing new, and new takes on the classics seem to be a popular
choice. But the uniqueness of this particular story stands
out. Nowhere in recent memory have I seen these particular stories
combined in such a way. Sure, Shrek played up the
comical side of various fairytales, but Lullaby: Wisdom Seeker takes
that concept to an entirely new level.
We have seen depictions of these tales taking place in some shared universe, but as in the aforementioned Shrek, the stories usually take a comical or satirical stance. The only other use of these stories in an adventurous tale such as this is in the game Kingdom Hearts, which was met with high regard and was a very enjoyable game with rich characters and story. Lullaby: Wisdom Seeker is no different.
The story begins with Alice who is seemingly orphaned and awakes in Wonderland. Ok, we've heard this before. But this Alice's tale took a different turn. Alice became a warrior in the service of the Queen, becoming her right hand. But Alice has always dreamed of going back to the world many believe to be the real fairytale.
Along the way she encounters the Pied Piper and Little Red Riding Hood, who is quite a different creature than her classic depiction. Alice is searching for the magic that is tearing the world apart, but is secretly trying to find a way home. The Piper is helping Red find her Grandmother, who was kidnapped by some familiar faces (and it's not the Big Bad Wolf!). So the three set off together for Oz, which seems to be the source of all things strange.
On the other side of the world our favorite boy explorer, Jim Hawkins sets off on his own adventure after being kicked off his boat by the captain. With him is the wooden boy, Pinocchio. Their tales are reminiscent of their classic origins with minor changes here and there. These two are also on a course to Oz to turn Pinocchio back into a boy, but their plans are halted by a tree, where they eventually meet the other three adventurers (four if you include Alice's tag-along, the Cheshire Cat) and they all resume their course for Oz as the 4th issue comes to a close.
All in all this was an interesting and entertaining tale. It seems somewhat intended for a younger, or at least milder audience, but is one of those stories that can be enjoyed by anyone at any age. The art also represents that taking the form of the popular American Manga style reminiscent of today's popular media, such as Yugi-Oh, Naruto and the aforementioned Kingdom Hearts.
There were a few minor lettering errors, but overall the story was well written, if rushed a bit at times, and the art was simply beautiful. It may have helped if the multiple storylines were more clearly defined, separated or signified instead of running together as they did. Still I recommend this to anyone who is a fan of the genre or of the similar properties I mentioned. This is something parents can enjoy with their kids, and it's something either can enjoy independently. My hats off to the creative team and companies involved in this unique tale.
For more, check out the following links:
http://www.aliasenterprises.com/lulla.html
http://www.dabelbrothers.com/lullaby/lullaby.php
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The
Vicious Circle Project is starting to gain momentum having released
its first four titles and recently landing its first licensing deal
at a recent con. It seems only big things are in store for the
up and coming company. They have also released their anthology,
aptly titled Round and Round:
Stories from a Vicious Circle pictured to the right. The creators
are more than excited about the work they are producing, and seeing
their dreams come true. You wouldn't think seven old ladies (click the link) would have it in them to make
a go at it with a semi-successful comic company, but they seem to be
doing just that. And they are more than willing to talk about
it on their forums.
Having mentioned the titles, and seeing as how this is a column about indy creations, I think it only fair to do the standard rundown of the company's projects. Seriously, here is a little more about each title:
Round and Round: Stories from a Vicious Circle - This Vicious Circle anthology has roots similar to that of the Vicious Circle Project itself. VCP co-founder Jason Sobol saw others creating product for the industry that he would never read and knew that at best, it could be done differently. Four stories and one anthology later, Sobol says, "This is the product that we, as an independent company, wanted to read." After scouring around the world through internet forums, the VCP found numerous Europeans and South Americans to team up and give the project a much needed worldly feel. With one story from outside the VCP ranks and three from within, readers will get a wide-array of stories, and globe-ready talent that are ready to entertain. That is the Vicious Circle method: keep it independent and keep it readable- otherwise, keep it off the shelf.
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Featuring a collection
of 5 talented writers, 4 incredible artists and 1 VERY TIRED letterer. Round and Round: Stories from a Vicious Circle is 28 pages of story
plus a FULL COLOR COVER all for $3.50! This book was available as of
7-20-2005 at www.viciouscircleproject.com/catalog or in the October 2005 Previews
magazine.
Wannabee - With pretty much every comic approaching the $3 mark, Vicious Circle are pround to announce the TWO DOLLAR comic with WANNABEE # 1. Naturally we had to make some cutbacks, we are an independent (READ: poor) company after all. So we got Rich Johnston to write it and we only got hi because no one else would have him. He turned in a rejected "Marville" script which cracked us up and since no one else would touch the project we stepped in. Then we commissioned the HIGHLY talented Thomas P. Reidy to draw the book during a week and a half break he had between glamorous Hollywood animation jobs.
WANNABEE.
A rip-roaring story of a time traveler trying to break into the comic
book industry by kidnapping Alan Moore. Featuring the maddest ideas, the
greatest gags, with a taboo-breaking balls-to-the-walls tearing down of
the comics industry we know and love. Guest starring Joe Quesada, Axel
Alonso and Tom Brevoort's hair! Much better than it has any right to be
and only $2!!!!
Detectives in Space - The sleepy town of Space, Minnesota is about to become a hot bed of bizarre activities. A zombie cat roams the streets, a member of the Space PD is abducted by aliens and the Multi Associated Global International Corporation (MAGIC) plans to build an underground research facility and their mere presence is disruptive to the tranquility of the town.
In The five-part mini-series, "enter the Shadow Men" a murder begins an investigation that will lead Det. Duncan Harris into the heart of a sinister corporate conspiracy. Lives are lost, enemies made and a small town begins its decent into madness.
Detectives in Space issue # 1 is 22 pages of story written by VCP co-founders Shawn
Depasquale and Matt Doucette with art by Andrew Cosson and James
Bukakas. A FULL COLOR cover featuring industry legends Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti and Paul Mounts. For only $2.75 you 
CANNOT get a better deal at the
comic shop!
Forsaken Earth - The Vicious Circle Project's longest running series continues the saga of a world cobbled together 120 years after a global nuclear war devastates the planet. Humankind, along with Elves, Dwarves, Griffons and other "mythical" creatures struggle to survive under the watchful eye and iron fist of the Angels, who rule Earth from New Eden.
Issues # 1-4, each sporting B&W interiors with FULL COLOR COVERS are available for purchase in the online store at www.viciouscircleproject.com/catalog
The Further Adventures of Tomorroe Jones - Booze! Space
ships! Gnomes! A hero named Tomorroe?
Only
we could come up with this one...
Check out the brothers Jones as they travel the universe looking to be like their Hero Luke Cage, or Kane from Kung Fu! They want to be...HEROES!!! And they pilot a little ship called the Flaming Death.
Oh...did we mention the alcoholic garden-gnome, Shifty? Limited run of 1000 before mass distribution and cartoon deal, so get it now before we get sued by George Lucas! Cover price of $4 (it is paired with a lame Sin City/Poison Elves rip-off as a flip book) but we sell it for only $2 on the website....so what are you waiting for?
It's GOT A DRINKING GNOME fer' cryin' out loud!
Written by Matt Doucette with art by Adam Lichi. This book is 20 B/W pages of story with a color cover!
Coming Soon...
VCP recently found an artist for this upcoming graphic novel. More info can be found here.
Also Coming Soon...
As alluded to above, VCP has recently secured the right to produce a 40 page comic book for the ska band the Reel Big Fish. They are directly involved with the development of the project and enthusiastic about the script....A WELL-KNOWN and much debated about industry pro will be providing the cover to an upcoming issue of one of our books (Pretty big news!). More information coming soon!
Also, for all you artists out there, VCP is STILL searching for an artist for a project based on a script once under consideration to be a major motion picture through Indy upstart Troma Films. Any artists curious about WOLFIE: The WEREWOLF ABORTION DOCTOR should contact Shawn DePasquale directly at specialshawn@viciouscircleproject.com.
Quite some interesting tales being told from The Vicious Circle Project. I was fortunate enough to get to check out a couple of these titles firsthand, and have to admit they are pretty good. Now Wannabee is a straight forward parody of Marvel happenings told by the foremost comics rumor expert, CBR's Rich Johnston. But still it is a fun tale with very humorous happenings at every turn. Need a good laugh? Check it out.
The other book I got to check out was Detectives in Space (DIS) #1, which was not at all what I had expected from first glance. By looking at the cover and judging by the title I had originally assumed it to be a Men in Black type story, but was pleasantly surprised to find something unique and well put together.
As the promo piece above states, DIS takes place in the town of Space, Minnesota, an unlikely locale for a comic book to take place. The sleepy little town doesn't see much action until a zombie cat starts roaming around causing an old woman to do something pretty shocking.
This book is written and paced very nicely, and the characterization is a work of art. There are some things to watch out for if you are a sensitive reader, like some language and some sexual orientation issues. But neither of these things stand out as a focus of the book, nor do they take away from the overall story, which is enough to keep me intrigued for the next issue.
I am also looking forward to Lawn Enforcement due to the enticing title and logo. Can't wait to see what that's about.
Keep your eye out for The Vicious Circle Project. They have some really talented people working on a lot of interesting and entertaining projects. They also have a nice and thriving community on their forums where announcements, call outs for artists, and collaborations are made. Bookmark this site, as great things will come from VCP in the near future!
The Vicious Circle Project was established in 2001 by three guys from Coral Springs, Fl whom all shared a common goal; they al had stories to tell and a medium they all could agree was perfect for their larger than life ideas: COMICS.
An ever-growing,
eclectic collection of writers and artists keep
the company alive with an endless supply of creative energy and
support. Working together to produce the type of stories WE want to
read. That's the Vicious Circle method: keep it independent and keep
it readable- otherwise, keep it off the shelf.
The Vicious Circle Project...it begins and never ends....
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For more information visit
http://viciouscircleproject.com/phpbb2/index.phpor contact us at
specialshawn@gmail.com
Also check out:
http://www.dragoncon.org/people/sobolj.html
http://www.thefourthrail.com/reviews/snapjudgments/091205/minicomics.shtml (at bottom)
http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=38036 (near the end - preview of DIS #1)
Well, that about does it for me this week. Hard to say what I'll be covering next week as I may be very busy come next weekend. We'll have to see how it goes. I still have a few features I need to do and many, many books, e-comics, studios and creators I want to cover. So next week will just have to be a surprise, 'cause that's how I roll!
B.-Out
Brant W. Fowler / Writer, Letter, Creator, Reviewer, Columnist and Comic Related PR Coordinator
Brant W. Fowler has been a professional comic book letterer and logo designer for three years, and has been a freelance editor for the past five years. He has also worked with graphic design, writing and many other area of skills for several years honing his talents. You can learn all about what he's up to by visiting Gonzogoose
Design. Brant is also a member of the core
operations team at Comic Related.
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