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 32 - Originally published on January 29, 2006
What up my peeps? The first month of the new year is nearing its end, but this column is only nearing the end of its beginning! I fully intend to be around a long time, and with that being said I am officially dubbing the 50th installment of this column as the end of the beginning. Who knows what will happen after that point? Hopefully I'm still entertaining you and bringing new and cool books to your attention that you otherwise may have never discovered.
But that's then and this is now. Unfortunately this week's column is going to run short. I haven't had much time at all to read much of anything. I did manage to get a little in for the purposes of this column, but that's about it. I have had one or two recommendations, though, and hopefully soon I'll be able to feature them. I am looking to cover more than single issues if all goes well every once in a while. I'd prefer to cover an arc or a mini, but I take 'em as I get 'em.
Before I get into this week's review, though, let me bring some stuff to your attention that I feel would be interesting to you.
First off, a couple of weeks ago I gave you info on an art exhibit where two up and coming writer/artists were going to be showing their stuff. The exhibit debuted one week ago, but it is running through March. So if you are in California between now and then check it out. The info is in the archives. It's the January 8th column.
Secondly, I have recently started a new column, Myth Conceptions (link in the sidebar under "Other Stuff by Me") at www.silverbulletcomics.com. I took the column over for Jason Berek-Lewis, who is now writing exclusively for www.brokenfrontier.com. It was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. But let me state up front that Mr. Avalanche has repeatedly stated his support for me and has offered to allow me to do any type of column or feature here I desire. So my writing elsewhere is not a sign that there are troubles or that I will be leaving here any time soon. Quite the contrary. I am fully committed to this site. I honestly believe we have some of the best content available, especially concerning the independents, which are our main focus. But we get the PR from the major companies as well. I would really encourage you all to check out all the features on this site. There are exclusive interviews, showcases and so much more.
I'm stepping off the soap box now. Now onto why you come here in the first place.
The Lexian Chronicles
From AP Comics, a subsidiary presumably of Markosia Enterprises, comes this novel adaptation from Harry Gallan. The adaptation was done by Chris Bunting, while the art chores were handled by Inaki Miranda, with Ela de la Cruz on colors and Richard Emms on letters.
I haven't read the novel, and I've only read the first issue of the 12 issue comic maxi series thus far, but I'm impressed enough to touch on it briefly. I hope to revisit it once I've read the other issues currently available (issues 2-5, available in TPB format this March).
Both the novel and the comic adaptation have received rave reviews, as has much of Markosia's products as of late. The novel is the first of a trilogy, so the comic is sure to continue in form.
The story is about a teenage girl named Reena, who has interests in weapon training and the arts, which is not too popular with the other kids her age. They call her a freak, but her father calls her special. This is her journey, and it's apparent that she is the hero in the making of the story.
The first issue gives us a flash back retelling the events of how Reena lost her mother and gives us insight into the upbringing of Reena.
While this issue only scratches the surface of the overall story, it clearly sets the stage for big events to come, and it leaves you wanting more. The quest of a father protecting his child and defending his honor sets the tone of the characters the story revolves around, and puts in motion the fated direction for Reena.
The art is splendid, though an acquired taste in styles. Fortunately for me I have acquired a taste for the style of art Markosia books generally use, which is an American-manga influenced style. The characters are not overly cartoony though and feel real. The artist brilliantly captured the emotion or lack thereof on the characters in every scene.
This is an epic tale with a definitive goal, and I am looking forward to picking up the rest of the series.
Vampires Unlimited
I am only touching on this briefly, and I have to admit it's partially a little self-promotion, which is something I try to do little of within the confines of this column. But I recently had the opportunity to letter the fourth issue of this series, so I as able to read it before it hit the stands of course.
Though Approbation titles are maturely themed, I would still recommend this title, or at least this issue based on what little I know. I had the opportunity and the privilege to read several stories from Approbation when I interviewed them for Silver Bullet Comics, and a few titles stood out to me, namely Chi-Sai, Chaos Campus and of course Vampires Unlimited.
Approbation's Bart A. Thompson takes VU in a different direction by involving warring gang members who happen to be vampires. I'm not talking just any street gang, but gangs on the level of the Yakuza.
In addition to the gang wars there are supernatural ramifications and unwinding plots woven within that really make this more than your average vampire yarn. It's really interesting the way it is constructed to showcase the humanity of the characters who just happen to be vampires.
If you get a chance when this is out pick it up and give it a shot. I don't think you'll regret it.
At the end of last week's column I promised a look at Steve Niles and Thomas Jane's Bad Planet. To be perfectly honest I completely forgot about it. I will read that and add it to this edition of the column sometime this week, hopefully by Sunday afternoon. I apologize for the inconvenience, but with any luck it'll be up before you even notice it...
...'cause that's how I roll!
B.-Out
Project and Creator Updates
Jason is no longer writing for Broken Frontier. Jason is currently focusing on his family and has left comics aside, at least for the time being and forseeable future. Should he ever return to the medium, though, he has some very cool projects on the back burner.
Nothing really to report on the Lexian Chronicles as it kind of ended. Most recently, Chris Bunting was working on a Mr. T graphic novel for Mohawk Media.
Vampires Unlimited, and Approbation as a whole has been kind of slowly producing stuff, and yours truly lettered a bunch of short stories for a few anthologies they published, Amour and The Evil Inside.
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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