SPX Finds: Fun Indy Comics!
October 9th, 2008 | by Frank |
This past Saturday I went to the Small Press Expo in Bethesda MD, as you would know if you read DC Metblogs, and picked up a handful of new independent goodies from small time comic book creators (and some not so small-time ones that just like to come out.) Of note:
Jesus hates Zombies. Do I need to say more? Okay. Jesus Christ, with a baseball bat, comes back to Earth to rid people of the zombie menace that has overrun the planet. Why a baseball bat you ask? His powers are faith derived-and with no one left to believe the Son of God has to take care of shit the old fashioned way-by getting Biblical baby. The sideline story of Lincoln hates Werewolves? Just as good.
Toupydoups. This comic is put out by a guy named Kevin McHale who happens to be a friend of a friend. So when I saw he was here I went and introduced myself, talked for a bit and bought some comics as much out of interest as out of loyalty to the friend network. The whole time I’m thinking “Jesus that’s a weird name for a book…”
Turns out I’m a complete ass for thinking that as this is one of the funniest books I’ve read in a while. Part Roger Rabbit and part Swingers (as the author puts it-fairly) Toupydoups moves from his Oberlin College comic strip to Hollywood to make it big in comics. Not as a writer or an artist. Not in comic book movies-but in actual comics. As if they are actors. Accompanied by half bear friend TeeterEater (who is clearly the cool/things break his way friend to offset Toupy’s hard luck/aww shucks demeanor) Toupy has been living the life of the ‘can’t get work’ actor with an awesome comic book twist. The sight gags and concept was cute enough already, but the rant against fanboys blindly loving Watchmen and thinking “Bendis being the best writer ever” sucked me in completely. Funny for almost anyone and an excellent companion for any true fan of comics. Don’t believe me? Try the Free Online Preview.
Also the backup story explaining the name of the book and why I should let it go-totally nailed me. I am converted.
The Myth of 8-Opus Tom Scioli is a devotee of Jack Kirby. If you couldn’t tell by Godland then his remaining work sort of puts the nail in the coffin. If you still couldn’t tell-then you clearly don’t know who Jack Kirby was.
And he’s not just a fanboy-he’s good. Real good. If I could have bought any of his art prints (especially the one that was commissioned at the show-a fight between Dr. Doom and Darkseid) I would have-alas too pricey. When I am a rich ass lawyer after hitting the lotto though-I’m calling Mr. Scioli up. His work was good enough for me to plunk down for The Myth of 8-Opus which I haven’t had a chance to read yet. However New Gods like art + the universe as a giant snake that is eating itself + a war between the good guys and the guys who worship said snake=at least pretty awesome if not totally awesome.
Eight ball Graphics: Jim Coon’s comics were a lot of pamphlet works. I really liked Jesus of Nazareth, PA but SuperSoap was a bit too silly for me. Still both had their appeal.
That was about it for what I bought-Girls with Slingshots was also there and a bunch of other cool things, but time and money are constraints still. Still-that’s what I got and that’s that.
