Midnight Fiction

Review: Zine of Bronze #4 edited by Jim Main

Mon, 12 May 2008 10:32:00 EST

Editor Jim Main has produced another great issue of this small press zine for fans of Doc Savage. This issue provides a short introduction and letters page to get things started. Then the main features begin with Juli�n Puga V.'s article that compares similarities between the lost Arabian city of Ubar and Lester Dent's Phantom City featured in the tenth issue of the Doc Savage pulp magazine. Puga lays out strong evidence to support his case that the fabled Ubar served as inspiration for Dent's hidden city. It's fascinating to read Puga's account of what was eventually fact versus the fictitious city Dent crafted from what little was known about Ubar in 1933. The article features an excellent full page illustration by Christian Diaz.

Serving as a short break between longer pieces is a new feature: Cover to Cover. Proposed by artist and ZOB reader Mike Tuz, it presents same-story covers from the original pulp magazine and the Bantam paperback reprints. This issue compares the covers for The Purple Dragon. The page also includes results of a poll to vote for your favorite Doc Savage Aide conducted by Rob Smalley.

Arthur Sippo's original story 'Long Tom' Robber is the issue's longest feature. Fans of the original pulp fiction mags should love this story. Sippo has done a wonderful job capturing the tone of the era and created an action-packed war story set in WWI that is a pleasure to read. He's even added some extra surprises just for pulp fiction fans. His story includes several nice spot illustrations by Tim Faurote.

Jay Ryan's report on Doc Con X provides a intimate view of the tenth gathering of the dedicated fans of bronze hosted by Rob Smalley in Chandler, Arizona. Ryan's report and photo coverage almost makes it feel like you were there.

Dennis Kininger's review section called Super Amalgamations wraps up another fine issue of ZOB. Kininger covers the DC Comics Doc Savage mini-series that came out in 1987-88 by Dennis O'Neil and Adam & Andy Kubert; The Incredible Radio Exploits of Doc Savage from 1982; and the Bantam reprints of The Phantom City, Fear Cay, and Quest of Qui. As a longtime fan of bronze, Kininger's reviews provide a basic plot synopsis and thoughtful observations drawn from his knowledge of Doc Savage history.

In addition to those already mentioned, other fine illustrations for this issue were drawn by John Lambert and Kevin Duncan. Production and layout was provided by Richard Sullivan.

Zine of Bronze #4 is 28 b&w pages, plus a full color cover by Christian Diaz. It's available for $4.50 (postage paid) from Main Enterprises.

Review: Not My Small Diary #14 edited by Delaine Derry Green

Sun, 11 May 2008 20:05:00 EST

This amazing anthology of indie comics is so huge it had to be divided into two volumes. As a sampler of contemporary small press cartoonists it's an absolute must have, weighing in with the work of some 53 different comikers. The stories range in length from one to five pages, with the majority being two. This issue's diaries are all about dating and the autobio comics herein pull no punches. By the time you finish all 138 pages you'll have seen it all—sex, lust, disgust, elation, heartbreak, warmth, laughter, anticipation, worry, weirdness, straight, gay, other,—oh yes, and L-O-V-E—thank God there's some love in these date diaries too!

There are plenty of favorites in this anthology but I'm going to resist singling them out. This wonderful collection is best taken as a whole. And it's pretty impressive when taken that way. I have nothing but admiration for the contributor's who share their stories and took the time to tell them in comics form. Editor Green deserves some kind of award too for bringing this all together into a beautiful handmade package. If you've ever dated, you'll love reading these true-life diaries. If you've never dated, it's even more worthwhile.

Not My Small Diary #14 is 138 b&w pages, split into two volumes with colored paper covers, and bound with hand-tied ribbon. It's available for $7 (postage paid) from Delaine's Small Web Site. (Comics > Not My Small Diary > NMSD 14)

Midnight Ramblings - May 10th

Sat, 10 May 2008 13:00:00 EST

Joanna Priesley's PrimoPix Portland filmmaker Joanna Priesley has produced, directed, and animated 19 award winning films about subjects dear to her heart: relationships, abstraction, plants, magic, menopause and prison. Bill Plympton named her "The queen of independent animation."

She's had retrospectives at the Museum of Modern Art (New York), Center for Contemporary Art (Warsaw, Poland), American Cinematheque (Los Angeles, CA) and the Stuttgart Animation Festival (Stuttgart, Germany) and has received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the American Film Institute, the MacDowell Colony, Fundación Valparaíso and Creative Capital. Director Gus Van Sant called her, "One of the most interesting and adept personal animators and filmmakers. I have enjoyed her work for years and been amazed at how she gets into her own thoughts onto the screen in a very elegant and focused way."

Priestley teaches animation workshops worldwide, was founding president of ASIFA Northwest and has been a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts since 1992. Her films are available on DVD from Primopix or Microcinema International.

Her latest work, Streetcar Named Perspire is a thrill-filled roller coaster ride through the mood swings, brain fog, pimples, rage and confusion of one of life's big transitions. Computer animation drawn with Flash Pro 8.

Steiner Starts Blogging
Indie cartoonist Steve Steiner has started a new blog loaded with his comics. It includes finished work, sketches, and previews of material in development. Steve is best known for his zine, Nobody Can Eat 50 Eggs. Check out his new blog (he posts often).

Raised By Squirrels #12
The new issue of Raised By Squirrels, which begins a new story arc, is now available for download in PDF format. When last we left Rose and Tyler, they planned to turn the fiasco at Reginald's to their advantage. But how will it stand up to opposition?

The Bat Segundo Show
Former radio DJ, Bat Segundo interviews contemporary authors and artists on his show. Among his recent guests are director/animator Bill Plympton, who talks about his latest movie Idiots and Angels (Show #190). All of these great shows are available for download in MP3 format.

Imaginary Civilizations
Peter Hamlin has created a beautiful animation for the Imaginary Civilizations show at the Pony Club Gallery in Portland. Check out his website to view it.

Review: Storm Front by Jim Butcher

Tue, 06 May 2008 10:06:00 EST

The Harry Dresden series may be the closest thing to a pulp magazine on the newsstands today. It combines all of the heroic, fantasy, and criminal elements common in the heydays of characters like the Spider and the Phantom Detective, and updates them to a modern day setting.

I first heard about the character from watching the TV series, The Dresden Files. Another short-lived�rare, but genuine hit�that aired on the Sci Fi channel. Paul Blackthorne was brilliant playing the scruffy freelance wizard-for-hire. Unfortunately, the show wasn't renewed for a second season.

While browsing the newsstand, I discovered the novels and was pleased to learn they weren't based on the show, but rather the TV series was drawn from them. That was enough incentive to give the first one a try.

There's no doubt the show influenced my enjoyment of Storm Front. I already knew the characters and could picture the well-cast TV personas as I read the book. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed this murder mystery with a spellbinding twist. I also really enjoyed the backstory of the character's lives and histories that connects the novels beyond the excitement of the current edition.

I always enjoyed Ditko's Dr. Strange and although Harry Dresden the man, is nothing like the good doctor; as a wizard he recalls the magic and excitement of those wondrous realms of good and evil. If you're a fan of the old pulp magazine heroes, The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher offers you a glimpse of what it may have been like to pick up the latest title back then and lose yourself in its pages.

Review: Phantascape #2 edited by Jim Main

Mon, 05 May 2008 10:15:00 EST

It's always great to see the second issue of a small press title make it to print—especially one that features continuing series like this one. As Associate Editor Sam Gafford said about small press comics in his issue one introduction, "You have to be really determined. There are so many roadblocks and speedbumps along the way..."

So congratulations to the Phantascape creative team for overcoming the challenges along the way and delivering another fine issue of this adventurous, supernatural small press comic.

The lead feature is the second chapter of The Chronicles of Reverend Moore . Created by Publisher and Managing Editor, Jim Main and Sam Gafford, it's a tale of good versus evil, set in the mid-1700's. Moore struggles against the agents of evil that attack him from all directions and his own sense of duty and morality as he chooses his path. Main and Gafford are progressing nicely through an epic tale that's layered with history, mystery, and plenty of action. The artwork and layouts are nicely rendered by Greg Woronchak. His artwork is bolder and simpler, with more blacks and virtually none of the crosshatching he used in issue one. He seems to be working toward a noir/goth style. Many of the best looking panels and pages—like the title page—have this noir look.

The other comic in this issue is part two of Sister Steel , written and illustrated by George McVey. This yarn is part scifi and part sword and sorcery. A modern-day woman finds herself in 2000 BC, compelled to don the battle armor of a warrior. Her surroundings are so alien she isn't sure if she's dreaming, hallucinating, or if her perceptions are really happening. McVey's pages are packed with detailed artwork that's a visual treat.

Phantascape #2 is 24 b&w pages, plus full color cover. Veteran small press artist and painter Dan W. Taylor provides a bold front cover featuring a scene from the Reverend Moore story. Dave Farley contributes a classic back cover pin-up of Sister Steel, with Jack Bertram handling the inside back cover and a letters page illo. Production Management provided by Richard Sullivan. Available for $3.95, postage paid, from Main Enterprises.

Stumptown Comics Fest 2008

Sun, 04 May 2008 13:43:00 EST

The fifth Stumptown Comics Fest put on by Indigo Kelleigh, Kip Manley, Zeo Cohen, and John Worsley was the biggest one yet, with over 1200 attendees.

Although I spent considerable time at Stumptown this year, I still only met a small portion of the dozens of artists and writers selling their small press comics and zines in the Exhibit Hall. Here is a small army of talented folks who gratiously allowed me to snap their pictures.

Midnight Ramblings�May 3rd

Sat, 03 May 2008 11:15:00 EST

Free Comic Book Day
May 3rd is Free Comic Book Day and the celebration is happening on the ground and in cyberspace. Tom Heintjes at Hogan's Alley are offering to send a free copy of their excellent small press cartooning magazine to anyone who emails a request on May 3rd.

Josh Blair is offering a free PDF file of his Candy or Medicine mini comic on his website beginning today.

30% Off Mini Comics Sale
Rick Bradford is running a 30% Off Sale at his Poopsheet Shop's eBay store. The sale runs through the end of May. You can see the original and sale prices here.

Fan-Atic Press
Small press publishers Cosmic Moustache Comics and Fan-Atic press have teamed up for The Cosmic Norseman versus Morgana X #1. This new comic by Clint Basinger and Allen Freeman is available from the Fan-Atic Shop. For an interview with Allen Freeman conducted by Karen O'Brien for The Comic Buyer's Guide, check out their podcasts here.

Midnight Times
The e-zine Midnight Times provides stories for fans of weird fiction to read online or print out from PDF files. The Spring 2008 issue's theme is vampires.

New Links
So many new links were added to the Links page this week, that I won't try to highlight them all here. Suffice to say it's somewhere between 50 and 100 news ones. However, in the category of free PDF files, but sure to note the addition of Age of Aces Pulp Fiction and String #1 & 2.