Holy MOLY! Mr. Fantastic has let himself go!!!

Super shout out to @anthonybachman for the inspiration!

Guerillas Volume Two give away

Hey everybody,

If you've been following me for awhile you know how I feel about Guerillas. It is my favorite comic book ever.

I probably couldn't explain to you how much I loved volume 1 ... maybe it's the war.. maybe it's the Guerillas... But the book really means a lot to me and has helped me overcome some of my own struggles after I was discharged..

So I started a fan account for Goliath...

I started it because I searched to see if someone had already started a fan account for him and to my bewilderment.. there wasn't...

So I thought... Maybe its a good thing one hasn't been made yet.. maybe there isn't a fan alive that can do a better job than I could? ... and so I decided to do it.

 I love Guerillas and could talk about them or how awesome Brahm Revel is all day long...
ands so could my brothers and sisters in The Guerilla Army!

Now, Goliath doesn't have the thousands of followers he deserves so I came up with a plan to hopefully offer enough incentive to not only follow @TheRealGoliath_ but to check out Guerillas 1 before the second volume drops in July!

I decided to make a game of it... Starting right now the competition is open. The person with the most points will not only win Guerillas Volume 2 , but a couple other prizes that I'll come up with along the way.  Here is how you score points...

Follow @TheRealGoliath_ no points will be awarded if you're not following Goliath!

Tweet Goliath a #HootHoot for 1 point!

Anytime you include #Guerillas #HootHoot in any tweet, to anybody, you get 1 point

If you give Goliath a #FF tweet you'll get 3 points! Must be a single #FF for only Goliath

Refer a follower for 5 points! Tell him/her to tweet Goliath and mention you..don't forget to
#HootHoot

Tweeting fan art to #Goliath will also give you 7 points!

Follow @elrevel ( Brahm Revel ) the creator , and get 10 points!

Last but not least... if you do a blog post about your love for Guerillas you get 15 points!!!

The final whistle will be blown on 7/4/12

I'll post the top dogs and their points every month so you know what you have to do to win..

I am trying to come up with two runner up prizes..

Thank you for helping me support my favorite Creator and Comic! Together we can do huge things.. #HootHoot

NOW JOIN THE GUERILLA ARMY!!

A Pleasant Review! Howard Lovecraft-and the-Undersea Kingdom

Howard Lovecraft

-and the-

Undersea Kingdom

Written by-Bruce Brown and Dwight L. Macpherson

Art by- Thomas Boatwright

Letters by- E.T. Dollman

Cover Art by- Erik Fokkens

So if you managed to catch my mistake on Twitter tonight you'll notice that I mentioned the wrong book before I corrected myself. I mentioned a book titled Howard Lovecraft-and the-Frozen kingdom. I accidentally said that I was reviewing that book instead of this one, Howard Lovecraft -and the-Undersea Kingdom. There's a reason for that mistake. You see... when Bruce asked me to review a couple of his books I was not only intrigued and happy, but eager to read some new items in the comic book world. I first read Clay County (you can find the pleasant review here.) and I was so blown away by the book that I quickly dove into the Undersea Kingdom immediately after. As I was reading I became so excited about the work in my hands that I decided to stop and do some more research on Bruce Brown. Then I discovered that there was another book, Howard Lovecraft-and the-Frozen Kingdom, which I also enjoyed. So naturally, I had both books on my mind.

This cover absolutely brings home the point of these books, in my opinion. A truly beautiful cover with deep colors, unique monsters, set in a unique world. There's mystery and there's horror behind Howard in the depths behind him. Not to mention that large tentacled creature standing guard over the child. All of which btw..is under water! This cover is as unique and thought provoking as the book itself. The ocean has always been a place that leaves me in awe and this cover captures the things that make the ocean such a powerful place. The deep vastness of the cold dark ocean grips my mind with sensations of fear and dread. I think it's a human thing...Anyway, you put a child in there with some creepy monsters and you now have my complete and undivided attention!

So I start reading this book and I have the feelings of a child. For a second I remembered what it is was like when I was a child and yet behind all that nostalgia that these pictures brought me, I still had much trepidation for the young Howard.

Then the story really begins! And it's awesome!

I wouldn't call the predicament that Howard is in a total nightmare, I would describe the situation as being grim with the anxiousness of a nightmare. Yet I almost feel like young Howard has some control. If you add those things together you'll find it makes this story completely unpredictable. It's so imaginative and it's all perceived through the eyes of a child. So you must understand by this point that the possibilities are truly endless and the dangers are infinitely limitless. That realization had me excited and it was at this point precisely, that I stopped reading and started looking up Bruce and found the "Frozen Kingdom". Which I bought right away.

But this isn't about that book it's about this one!

Right, so back on track! So I continue reading and soon I'm not only captivated by the story but I'm head over heels in love with the art. This is the type of art that I really enjoy in books. Especially in books like this one, one that's meant for both kids and adults alike...Unique and precise.

The art is not only a bit dark, but at times it speaks more than the words on the page. This is a quality that most comics lack these days. A glance at the panel and you'll notice the environment, the darkness, and most importantly the feelings of the characters. It brings it all together like an expertly crafted pizza. The style and the attention to detail make me feel like I made a wise decision with my money.

It's really a beautiful book and when I let my daughter read it she also commented on the art 5 pages in. Her  words were " This is so cool!!" She was excited because she too could see the adventure in the art. The panels flowed nicely and like I said earlier the colors were deep and complex.

The story itself was great, obviously, I loved it. It was pure and in my opinion perfect for kids. The whole approach was that of a child. ( Wow Kyle..that was deep ) That's the only way I can describe the writing. The reader knows as much as Howard knows and Howard is a child. So we see things the way he sees it, the way a kid would see it. Including Howard's fears and his hopes. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me flipping the pages and I remember wondering at one point how this was all going to play out in the end. All signs of a great story.

When I was done I decided that it was appropriate for my daughter and I bought her a copy on comixology. When she was done she also commented on how cool the story was and started to try and explain it to her younger brother and sister. She's 8 going on 9 this October.

So how about a final thought for the conclusion of this Pleasant Review?

Hey, check out the Jerry Springer of comics over here...

This was another home run by Bruce Brown and his team and I'm glad to not only say I read them, but that I own them. A perfect book for Adults who are into a non-gory adventure and children who are looking for an imaginative thrill ride. I see a very successful future ahead of Bruce and his team and wish them nothing but the best. I will surely keep my eyes peeled and purchase anything he comes out with. I think the world needs more stories like this. Especially ones that not only capture us adults, but our kids too. Our kids tend to live a stressful life at such a young age and it's unnecessary. These books help relieve that stress for them too. And even we can become kids again with the help of a book like this.

So until next time...SMILE!!!

(I HAVE NEVER AND WILL NEVER BE PAYED FOR A REVIEW. BECAUSE I'M COOL LIKE THAT.)

The Heroes ( The Creators and The LCS )

We all have them, a personal hero, maybe a favorite athlete, a teacher who inspired you, maybe it's your mom-maybe it's your dad. Maybe, those aren't the heroes I'm talking about. O_o .... COMIC BOOK HEROES!

No, not the superheroes-- the Creators and the LCS!

That's who gets this blog post...The Creators and The Comic Shop Owners!

I've had the pleasure of reading some really great stuff the past couple weeks. -Smiles- Comics, I love em and I know you do too! We cannot live without them. They have been there for some of us since we were children. Through every cruel girlfriend or boyfriend, through all the criticisms, the highs,and the lows. Come to think of it, pretty much through just about everything our comics have been there when we needed them.

Sometimes we put them away for years or sometimes months...only to find them there waiting for us when we return. Glossy cover...detailed pages.... all ready to catch us and swoop us away to wherever the hell we want to go. A comic is a very magical and sacred object to us. Yeah, to some they might just be jumbled of words and pictures, but we know comics are so much more!

 I don't thank DC and or Marvel for these things...I don't thank them for providing me with hours of comic enjoyment...I thank the creators and the shop owners. The shop owners who till the soil and lay down strong roots in neighborhoods... Cultivating the fans which in this case are the water that feeds the tree. A tree that will eventually produce a hefty bounty of sweet comic produce <---That's the Creators. The LCS and Creators of comics deserve the royal treatment from us fans. They are the real heroes of our world. They are the superstars! In my eyes, when I get a RT from my favorite creator it might have well been from Tom Brady. Except Brahm Revel's RT is worth a shit load more tome than a RT from Tom Brady. I love football, but I love comics way more. This is how it should be. We should embrace our heroes and spread their good name so we can see more of what they can do.

But we need to be real with ourselves..we cant have it all for nothing. We cant promote our favorites and support Creator Owned books and expect to pay nearly nothing for them. Unfortunately money rules the world and it can dictate or control the people involved. We are all just trying to survive. And it's the LCS and The Creators that risk the most and unfortunately... the payoff isn't always there for them.

How much risk is there involved when a man or woman decides to stand up and say,"You know what...I'm going to pursue my dream because this is all I want to do." ? Answer= A ton! I bet such a decision comes with a ton of scrutiny for the would be creator or the would be shop owner. Example A: " Selling wha??? Comics??? For a living?" or Example B:" Your spending your time making a wha??? A comic book? I thought you grew out of that?" all very sad and mean responses that I bet happen all too often when the Creator or LCS decide to pursue their dream. The skepticism is not only real but it merits a tiny bit of truth. The odds are so heavily stacked against these heroic people... These people who are more than fans... The people who are the roots and fruit of the comic industry. I bet each person that dared to make their dream a reality can admit to receiving some pretty harsh criticisms... even from the closest relatives. It's time us fans acknowledge the risks and take more risks ourselves by buying more creator owned comics and by investing in the growth of this section of the comic industry.

Perspective! No one creates comics or opens up a comic shop to be super rich. Sure, some people may have that particular motive, and sure to some it can be the sole reason to embark on such an endeavor , but I can guarantee those few have already closed there doors or decided to give up. The Creators and or shop owners that do it out of love will always tell you it was never really about the money. . Just another reason why they are heroes! I can only hope that my children will have something that can inspire the same sort of courage and passion that these men and women possess.

I'm sure the ups and down are epic for the creator and Shop Owner...And yet they persevere...Just like our favorite super heroes on the pages of our beloved comics!


The Creators and Licensed Comic Shops are like our parents in this comic universe. We reap the benefits of all their sacrifice and hard work. Very rarely will these creators be recognized for the amount of talent that they pour into panel after panel...and better yet, never will the brick and mortar shop get the credit that it deserves as the rock of the industry. Oh how I dream of a world where shops begin to pop up left and right, all across the United States

It's time the fans get together and brainstorm ways to help the comic industry grow. Maybe somehow we can alleviate some of the burden and or risks associated with opening a comic shop or creating a comic.

Brainstorming and feedback are the tools to success!

So to close this I want to be the first one to share an idea. Proof that it doesn't matter how ridiculous or improbable the idea may be, all that matters is that we have our eyes open for new ways to help nourish the comic tree. Not just because times are tough...but because of principle! We love comics and the people who sacrifice so mush to bring them to us and create them for us should be taken care of by us. I'd like to see the money go directly to these heroes,opposed to just giving my money to the "Boss" who bathes in money.

So here is my idea and pitch

 Imagine if the payoff was there at the end of selling your own creator owned book while promoting the LCS.. Imagine an extra incentive to make a book that would not only provide a cash prize but a year long promotion of your name and work.

The creators need to have their names put out there so that recognition may come to it. They are fighting Goliath in that respect. So it led me to thinking some more..( don't worry I'll stop thinking soon before I hurt myself..) How do we bring in new and old blood alike into an LCS while promoting Creators?

I'm not naive enough to think that this question hasn't been asked or that my tiny brain could come up with the answer, I just know it's a huge question that needs answering. It needs ideas... So without further delay here is my idea for that very question.

Again these are just open thoughts

Yearly Comic Cup

• Every Comic fan pays a one time fee for the right to vote in this tournament.
• Any single creator or team of creators can compose a series
• Creators enter for free but give the LCS a deal on the books
• I think it'd be fair to charge a bit more for these books
• The fan then goes to the LCS buys the book and takes home a rating card that is dropped back off at their local LCS before a deadline
• This goes on for some time
• There is a preliminary tally to set up a tournament tree
• Then the last couple books in each series all released on the same day to face off, single elimination style
• Eventually it's the last two books..the winner gets a trophy, even more name recognition and a monetary prize

I completely understand that this may be unreasonable and a severely flawed idea..I don't care. It's just an idea. I think if something like this could be accomplished the industry would grow and flourish. The competitive nature of humans, the privilege to vote, and the excitement of a yearly tournament drawing down would be exciting. The creators don't have to make the books for the sole purpose of winning the tourney..it's just an extra incentive. Maybe it will keep the pencil in the hand of the creator who's thinking of replacing that pencil with a hammer.

Again just a thought..I love comics and want the world to love them too. So until next time my friends...SMILE!

A Pleasant Review! Clay County

 A Pleasant Review

Clay County By

Bruce Brown, Chip Christell, and Adam Mrozowski

Clay County! I liked so many things about this book that I almost have no clue where to start. I knew writing a Pleasant Review for this was going to be difficult but I didn't realize exactly how difficult it would be. It has really made me re-evaluate how I'm going to do reviews in the future. My main concern was that I wasn't going to be able to give this book the justice it deserved. A book that I highly recommend to anyone who's of age to read it.

 You all know I stay away from negative comments about this or that, but this book was so well done that I feel I must come out and admit that there was not one thing I did not like. Something that has happened only a few times! So in the future, unless I mention that there wasn't a single thing that I didn't like, it's safe to assume that there was something that I did not like. Not something strong enough to make me not like or recommend the book though, because as you know, if I don't like a book I wont review it. End of story. Life is just too damn short to be writing about things you don't like...or read about things other people don't like!

 So here we go!!

So there I was, looking over the cover and the first thing I say to myself is "I like how this guy did this".  Obviously the first thing I noticed was the huge ass UFO hovering above the trees. Then I noticed the stars ....then the truck and the highway sign reading "Clay County Next Exit"...then it's the beer cans on the road. lol At that point I really didn't know what type of story to expect behind this well crafted cover. But I was pumped at having the opportunity to find out.

I'm reading the first couple pages and the characters really came to life. The characters, their traits, and the dialogue sucked me in and would not let me go until I reached the back cover. I want to say everything about this book was remarkable and just leave it at that, but I'm trying to be exact for the sole purpose that this is supposed to be a review.

 The dialogue would have to be the tip of the spear for me. The conversations were not only entertaining but hysterically funny. If you can even imagine a takeover of planet earth by aliens, who are now occupying us for a resource, and imposing a form of tyranny over the people during this process, you will easily understand the gravity of the situation presented. An extremely heavy situation that you'll find made extremely light by these incredibly funny characters. These guys are not only funny in each character's own way, but fun to laugh at. They seem very real at times and will probably remind you of someone you know or maybe even yourself. These guys had me laughing out loud more than once and left a smile on my face in between. So as with any great story, it was the characters that took me away from here and brought me to Clay County. For which I am very grateful. A+++

This story I would describe as a sci-fi comedy. To take it another step further, I would say it is the funniest sci-fi comedy I've read to date! Which is crazy because, I'm going to be honest, I wasn't really expecting that after a glance at the cover. To be fair though, I could never have expected to know how funny this book was going to be. As I started reading, I started laughing. Really! I also kept having the same thought reoccur in the back of my mind every once in awhile.. This would make an awesome movie..To me that's really the highest praise I can give a book. A praise that states more than what was written. Meaning, I loved Clay County so much that the book, while being perfect ( Yes, I said perfect!), wasn't enough for me. I hope to experience the same story in another way and more than once! This book is fun, funny, entertaining, creative, witty, and a must read. I think anyone who reads Clay County will agree with me entirely

You know I always stay away from describing too much about the plot of a book because I think I could never do it justice that way. That's regardless of a book I liked or didn't like. I just don't believe in it and I will keep the oath I made to myself before I started doing reviews. I'm not going to summarize a story..No way! But for the first time I have this itch in my mind that wants to tell you all these hilarious moments and quotes.. to tell you about this or that...but if you enjoyed something as much as I did this book, you would be resigned to say what I'm about to say to you now..You are just going to have to see for yourself. 

But I will try and convince you that this is worthwhile in other ways..

If I gave stars as ratings this would surely get a 5 and even though I've read the book digitally, I feel like that's not enough for me. I want to and will own this book! I will read it probably 3 or 4 more times and the collector in me will probably buy two copies, just so I have an unread copy in 'new' condition and hopefully that copy will be signed one day. I have another little tidbit that may help explain just how much I enjoyed this book.. when I do get my hands on a printed version of Clay County, it's going on my top shelf next to my 9 other favorite graphic novels. Seriously!No joking! No exaggeration!

I would recommend Clay County to anyone who asks. I will probably even buy a couple this upcoming Christmas to give away as gifts... Why am I telling you this? Well, I'm hoping it shows not only how much I loved this book, but how confident I am that anyone who reads it will thoroughly enjoy it and be grateful for to having read it. It takes you away my friends...to Clay County!

These are high praises and rightfully so! This book deserves every single one of them.

 I'm also going to post my notes that I used to help me write this because I'm struggling to give Clay County the praise it deserves. Like I said in the beginning, this has been hard to write because I haven't done a review on a book I enjoyed this much. It takes a lot of effort to not keep repeating the same praises over and over, again and again. This is a book that needs to be read to completely understand the level of awesomeness that it contains.

After you've read this book please drop me a line and share your thoughts. I'm excited to see your reactions to this extremely funny book named Clay County! So HERE is the link to Clay County on Amazon..it's only ten bucks!

I'm never paid for writing these reviews, I do it strictly out of love for comics. Also, I have not and will never sign up for any kickback from amazon or any other site. Just so you know that I'm not sending you to a link for my own gain. Never will I be that guy!

So until next time my friends, Smile!

Here are the notes I promised

• Art was as fun as the story itself, the two meshed like peanut butter and jelly
• Characters had life to them!
• Reactions and dialogue force literal Laugh Out Louds
• Hilarious... I wonder if their will be a movie or animated series in the future?..I hope so
• Great gift for other comic lovers
• Very cinematic! The panels were spot on
• Story was flawless throughout- no loose ends
• Must own and must read
• Find more stories by these guys
• Really cool cover
• Flawless...if I gave ratings it'd be 5 freakin stars
• This book easily finds a place in my top ten graphic novels all time

Pleasant Reviews

One of the aspects of my blog that I'm really looking forward to is writing pleasant reviews. Almost more than anything else. Now, I'm sure someone is asking, " What makes this guy qualified to give a review?" and "Pleasant review?". And they are legit questions. So legit that the answers deserve their own post.

Most people who do reviews are cut throat honest, have some sort of professional background in the field, and are usually an individual with name recognition - one that the reader trusts. All very great qualities in a good critic. To most there might be a lot at stake on a review, for both the reader and creator. The critic is a lot like a financial advisor to the reader. The " Buy this book" or "Stay away from this book" can help steer the investor to a good investment while avoiding a bust. To the creator those terms mean the same thing but the effect of the words can either be a gust of wind towards that tropical island or a gust blowing you back out into the cold dark ocean.

So, I want to be crystal clear. I am not a critic and don't want to be. I do not have the qualifications or the intent to be critical of anyone. That's just how I roll.

What I do want to do however is share my opinions and recommend something if I like it. If I don't like a particular book, movie or cartoon, I wont mention it. I still think the reader will be able to decide by my review if he/she would be interested in the item I'm reviewing, all without the negative. I think the world needs more people who search for the good instead of the bad so it makes sense to me to be that change that I'm seeking in my own world.

 But on top of all that,  beyond all those words I've just thrown together, here is the objective truth that we all must try and remember; all opinions are subjective. Simple as that folks! So can there really be a science to writing a perfect review? Nahhh.

I am a pleasant guy and that makes me qualified to write a pleasant review on anything that I love. Please don't worry, my friends...This wont be an ass kissing fest.

So now when you see it you'll know what it means.


Good Vibrations, my friends.

If you're interested to see how I feel about something, suggest it!



AND SMILE!



Kyle's Pleasant Review : A review that searches for good things and completely ignores the bad.

About Kyle

Hey everyone and thanks for checking out the first of hopefully many posts on my blog. This is something I've contemplated doing for awhile and with the help of a friend, I've decided to force myself to take the time and delve deeper into the world of Comics.

So, about me... My name is Kyle and I am 27 years old. I'm a father, a husband, and a friend. This is all I know about myself...Oh! and that I love comics!

 I was lucky enough to grow up near a Licensed Comic Shop when I was a kid and better yet, I was even luckier that the owner of that shop was a man who really embraced the rough community around him. He was always there for us neighborhood kids and even sponsored my little league team. He knew the "good" kids from the "bad" and this was a big part of keeping me out of trouble. Reason being, trouble makers never could hang around his shop or browse through his shelves. Rightfully so, because these "bad" kids liked to beat the fuck out of people, vandalize, and steal. No one wants those punks around a comic shop, especially me! The comic shop did way more for me than just providing comics. When 10 and 11 years olds were finding ways to buy ciggarettes, I was trying to come up with the cash to buy comics. I'm from Lowell Mass, a very tough neighborhood to grow up in... especially during the crack boom. Larry's Comics was right down the street from my childhood home, and though I didnt realize how lucky I was to have it so close as a kid, I realize now. I think every community- especially lower class communities- need a comic shop for this reason. Incentive to be a "good" kid.

 I was always a very quiet and respectful kid and so I usually went unnoticed. But through comics I started to explore and dream of the larger world around me. From Metropolis to the dark streets of Gotham. It really helped take the stress away that came with living in such a rough place. People in Lowell are stressed because they are struggling. Drugs and alcohol were everywhere.

As I hit high school I drifted away from the comic world for whatever reason and after high school I made haste and enlisted in the USMC to stop the "evil doers" George W vowed to eliminate. Long story short, and truth be told, I joined a war machine hell bent on acquiring contracts and cheap oil. Kinda fucked up..yea...  My life was really difficult after my discharge. I returned home to my high school sweetheart who had our first child a week prior. I was 20. I count my blessings that my body was destroyed to a point that they threw me away. I tried to just jump right back into life at that point but as any vet will tell you, such a task is easier said than done. The ptsd that I was left with was so severe that it almost destroyed my life and separated me from every person that I loved, including my sweetheart who is now my wife and my child. I dont feel bad for myself..I paid a small price..but it was hard for me, especially considering at 19-20 I was still a kid. A kid with a lot of problems.

Three years later my wife gave birth to twins. It was a very great and difficult time in my life. But the perseverance my father instilled in me kept me fighting. Two years later my wife gave birth to our second set of twins. All these twins! All natural! No fertility! lol I was shocked too... The doctor said I won the lottery and indeed I did! Except lets be honest, this lottery winning has an opposite effect from the lottery most people pay and pray to win everyday. It was around this time I started to get back into comics. By getting back into comics, one book at a time, I was discovering a piece of myself that I thought had died and was never to return. Two years later my 3rd son was born! Yeah! No shit... Lottery! By this time my love for comics was already in full swing and if we fast forward to now, here I am starting a blog about the books and art that I love. My kids birth made me search for myslef, a gift I'll thank them for when they are older.

Life's a battle and I thank God for the opportunity to fight! I have friends who never lived to see this day and remembering this reminds me to be thankful for what I have. I think as long I'm thankful and keep pursuing what I love, I can be certain that slowly but surely, I'll get as much of myself back as possible. One day at a time, one comic at a time, one drawing at a time, one second at a time.

So hopefully this is the hardest post to write.. I feel a background on myself will give you insight on me as a person, which will make my posts more enjoyable to read. So until next time, be safe and One Love!