Fellowship Reviews: October 2011

A Review: NIGHTMARES IN OZ

The Fellowship was fortunate enough to obtain advance copyof Viper Comics’ latest project – NIGHTMARES IN OZ. Dale Mettam wrote the story,Courtney Huddleston did the artwork and Ed Ryzowski handled the colors.

The story begins in the past with a people of OsmannGrove, Kansas accusing a girl named Beryl Storstap of being a witch. While beingburned on a scarecrow post in a cornfield, Beryl places a curse on them andtheir descendants. Flash forward to the present – it’s Spring Break and a groupof college kids decide to go camping. Thatis until flying creatures and a scythe-wielding scarecrow attack the group. Thenthe ghost of Beryl Storstap appears...

Mettam’sstory has a sense of familiarity, but seems fresh at the same time. He gives aninteresting twist to the elements from the Wizard of Oz (scarecrow, flying monkeys, the wicked witch, the woodsman, the lead female named Dee and Totes thedog). Huddleston’s art is very impressiveand the violence is appropriate, not extremely graphic as it could have been. Ryzowski’scolors do a great job setting the mood of this dark tale.

Ifyou enjoy slasher horror with a mix of the supernatural, this is your book. NIGHTMARESIN OZ will be available digitally Halloween day via Graphicly, iVerse andComicxology. You can also download the graphic novel from www.vipercomics.com.

A Review: FLESH & BLOOD Book I

The Fellowship was fortunate enough to obtain advance copiesof Monsterverse’s latest project - FLESH AND BLOOD Book One. Robert Tinnell (writer and director of KIDS OF THE ROUND TABLE and FRANKENSTEIN AND ME) pens the graphic novel, with illustrations by Neil Vokes (FROM THE VAULT: DOCTOR STRANGE #1, ADVENTURES OFTHE MASK). Both have worked together before on THE BLACK FOREST and THE WICKED WEST.

After the killing of the vampire Carmilla Karnstein, ateam forms to battle Dracula and the forces of evil. In the group are tworecognizable names, one a famous doctor, the other a medical student who willhave further run-ins with the Prince of Darkness.

Vokes’ art andTinnell’s writing captures the beauty, horror, sexiness, and mystery of theclassic Hammer horror films. FLESH AND BLOOD is literally a love letter tothose films. The cover by Dan Brereton (NOCTURNALS, THRILLKILLER) is the icingon the cake.

Also included is a story called OPERATION SATAN, written by Tinnell with art by Bob Hall. Inaddition, a pinup gallery features the art of David Michael Beck, Adrian Salmon, Michael Oeming, Dan Gallagher Jr., and Mark Wheatly. Volkes’ character sketch gallery is includedas well.

If you like classic horror, this is your book. FLESH ANDBLOOD comes out this Wedenesday October 26. Monsterverse also publishes BELA LUGOSI’STALES FROM THE GRAVE.

For What It's Worth: The Right to Cosplay (Regardless of Shape)

It has been brought to my attention regarding an online article from a fitness website. I won't bother even mentioning their name, but I'm sure some of you may know which one I'm talking about. The article basically slams people who attended the New York Comic Con in costume when, well, they don't have the perfect physique for it.

To say that the article has had a negative response is like saying the Grand Canyon is a little hole in the ground. They knew there might be some problems when they posted the link on their Facebook page with the comment that this was done in jest. Once again, it shows why there are muscles in a group dynamic, and then there are brains.

I personally don't cosplay - part of it is because I am an overweight person, part is I'm just not interested. However, if you want to dress up as your favorite character to go to conventions, go for it and have fun! Don't let these muscle-brained bullies tell you that you can't! There's no guarantee on how long we're on this planet, we should have some fun while we can.

This pissed me off and made me want to get my hands on these people. But frankly, they aren't worth the effort to even get mad at them. I should just shake my head, feel sorry for these idiots, and move on. There's more important things to worry about then these...fill in the blanks.
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For What It's Worth: My Look at "Batman: The Line."

Recently I received an email from Henry Tripson, the writer/director of a fan film called Batman:The Line asking me to take a look at it. The film has already been a featured selection at The Superman Celebration, Florida Supercon's Geek Film Festival, Renovation, and will be shown at the Tri-Cities International Fantastic Film Festival on October 8th.

The film takes place during the issues of Batman #424 and #425. At the end of #424, Jason Todd had either pushed or forced a serial rapist to jump to his death. The film deals with Bruce trying to reason with Jason saying that killing a bad guy is not a line you can cross. I had already discussed the Jason Todd issue, and believe it was at this point Bruce started thinking he was failing him. Unfortunately, Jason would be dead a couple of issues later.

I thought the film was really good. A very well-written, very much in character of Bruce, Jason, and someone else (I'm not telling....). Don't take my word for it, see for yourself...

If you want to know more about the history of this project or stay up to date, visit Henry's website at http://flaminghammer.wordpress.com/. The film also has a Facebook page.

Thank you Henry for finding us and letting us know about your film. Continued success my friend!