Tag Archives: brian posehn

Mini Reviews: Dungeons and Dimwits, Something is Killing the Children, and Grommets!

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SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN #38

Sometimes, the staff at Graphic Policy read more comics than we’re able to get reviewed. When that happens you’ll see a weekly feature compiling reviews of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full one for.

These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews and Recommendations.

Logan

Dungeons and Dimwits #1 (Dren Productions) – This is a comic by James Mascia and Kodaris about a group of kids who get sucked into the world of Dungeons and Dragons. There are some silly jokes about the player characters fighting enemies way above their level, but the visuals are amateurish with kind of chibi style characters with one single, intense facial expression. Also, not all the jokes land in 2024, especially ones about a cast member always wanting to play a female character, ending up as one, and that being “Ew gross”. I love a good fantasy comedy series, but this doesn’t get the job done despite an insane cliffhanger. Overall: 5.0 Verdict: Pass

Something is Killing the Children #38 (BOOM! Studios) – This arc of Something is Killing the Children, “Road Stories”, has featured standalone stories from Erica Slaughter’s past, and issue 38 is no exception. Erica is passed out in a kid’s treehouse for most of the issue, and James Tynion and Werther Dell’Edera create suspense by keeping you in the dark if the monster is still around. SiKtC #38 provides an outsider’s view on Erica and her work with a few creepy moments from the plush she carries around. The last third of the issue start to show that she’s beginning to care about the people who she saves from monsters instead of getting the job done like when she helps even out the kids’ older sister’s hair after they made a mess of it with scissors. “Road Stories” has definitely been a “breather arc” after the intense New Mexico storyline, but SiKtC continues to be a solid, character driven horror book. Overall: 8.0 Verdict: Buy

Grommets #2 (Image) – From the first page of a bedroom plastered with punk rock and Marvel Comics posters, Rick Remender, Brian Posehn, and Brett Parson continue to bathe in (occasionally gory) nostalgia in Grommets #2. Rick and Brian skate or die throughout Sacramento, actually meet some girls, and savor some Imperial phase Taco Bell. (Pre-Chihuahua/Enchirito era.) in the latest installment of this slice of life series. The scripting and dialogue feels like two buddies hanging out and trying to bust each other’s chops with Rick and Brian not being at a stage in their friendship where they can bare their souls about the deeper things in life. (Plus they’re teenage boys living in Reagan’s America.) The Jens (Badass female skaters) are a great addition to the supporting cast, especially Jen 2, who is ACAB personified. Grommets #2 is funny, scary, and even triumphant once Rick gets more confident at skating and continues to nail how epic every day as a kid used to feel. Overall: 8.5 Verdict: Buy

Grommets #1 lands the trick and gets a second printing

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Writer Rick Remender and comedian and writer Brian Posehn alongside artistic powerhouse Brett Parson and colorist extraordinaire Moreno Dinisio have a kickflip hit on their hands with last week’s buzzy debut of Grommets #1. This seven issue miniseries from Image Comics has instantly charmed readers with its slice-of-life, coming-of-age story and is being rushed back to print this week in order to keep up with escalating demand.

Like some of the best John Hughes movies, Grommets takes readers on an ’80s-infused journey of a young Rick starts a new school and tries desperately to find his place amongst the cliques of foul-mouthed high schoolers of the Sacramento suburbs. Skateboarding provides him with an opportunity to make some ‘cool’ new friends—but he soon finds out that they may not be as ‘cool’ as he (or they!) first thought.

Grommets is at once an authentic look at punk rock and skater culture and a snapshot of the generation that turned skating into a worldwide phenomenon. It’s a heartfelt story that follows two friends from troubled homes as they navigate their damage in an era when no one cared.

Grommets #1, second printing (Lunar Code 0524IM810) will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, July 3.

Grommets #2 Cover A by Parson (Lunar Code 0424IM280) and Grommets #2 by Alex Riegel, 1:10 copy incentive (Lunar Code 0424IM281) will both be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, June 26.

Grommets #1, second printing

Mini Reviews: Ultimate and Punk Spider-Man and Grommets

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Grommets #1

Sometimes, the staff at Graphic Policy read more comics than we’re able to get reviewed. When that happens you’ll see a weekly feature compiling reviews of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full one for.

These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews and Recommendations.

Logan

Spider-Punk: Arms Race #4 (Marvel) – Arms Race #4 is a loud, flashy end to Spider-Punk’s second miniseries from Cody Ziglar, Justin Mason, and Morry Hollowell. The mini could have maybe used another issue to flesh out the villain, Earth-138’s Dr. Octavius, who is just a run of the mill baddie with cool tech, or the new Wakanda supporting characters, but makes up for it with pure action fun. Mason and Hollowell draw and color one hell of a mech battle, and Ziglar’s one-liners are straight out of an edgy Saturday morning cartoon. Compared to the badass action and political commentary of the original Spider-Punk, Arms Race is a little bit of a disappointment, but overall, I had fun with the series and this group of characters. Overall: 7.5 Verdict: Read

Ultimate Spider-Man #5 (Marvel) – Jonathan Hickman and David Messina go into what makes Harry Osborn tick in Ultimate Spider-Man, which is the series’ weakest issue, but connects the comic to the larger Ultimate Universe. The writing is especially Hickman-y and goes into great detail about how the Green Goblin armor works, but is offset by some menacing interactions with Kingpin and some more soul-searching with Peter Parker. Harry and Peter are truly brother heroes even if Mary Jane not knowing Peter’s secret, and Gwen Stacy knowing both of theirs will lead to trouble. After last issue, the interactions between Harry and Peter feel out of sequence, but Hickman and Messina make young Mr Osborn as complex as he’s been in years. Overall: 7.7 Verdict: Read

Grommets #1 (Image) – Grommets is a chill, laidback book about 2 up and coming skaters named Rick and Brian in 1984 Sacramento from Rick Remender, Brian Posehn, and Brett Parson. (Seriously, it’s the most chill Remender book ever.) It does a great job of capturing what it’s like to be an utter loser and suck at everything, including the one thing you’re really passionate about. Like his work on Tank Girl, Parson brings a kind of MAD magazine attention to detail with his artwork, and the skating scenes are fluid and effortless with one notable exception. All in all, Grommets #1 is a humorous examination of the terrors of adolescence (The line from Rick’s dad “Find something you like to do other than comic books” really hit home.) and the euphoria of finally finding a close friend. Definitely a breezy, summer read. Overall: 8.6 Verdict: Buy

Grommets #1 delivers an exaggerated 80s

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Grommets #1

Two best-friend outcasts navigate the Sacramento suburbs of 1984, where they find a home in skateboard culture and punk rock. On one side of the coin, Grommets is an authentic look at 80s skate culture, a snapshot of the generation that turned skating into a worldwide phenomenon. On the other, it’s a heartfelt coming-of-age story that follows two friends from troubled homes as they navigate their damage in an era when no one cared. Grommets #1 is an interesting start that takes us back to the 80s, warts and all.

I wasn’t a skater in the 80s. I orbited the world, but hanging out in skate parks and hopping on a board weren’t things I did growing up. There were friends that skated though, so I had a peak into that culture and world. Writers Rick Remender and Brian Posehn attempt to capture it all and the result is a rather exaggerated, comedic take, that also takes us back to the more cringe of that time period too.

Grommets #1, so far, is about two outcasts. One is due to their constant moving while the other is that person you knew that always exaggerated. The duo are up against the pressure of their peers with teasing and put downs and challenges to put up or shut up. It all works, and works well, and captures the time period. That includes the constant homophobia which will likely make readers cringe now but it’s realistic to that time period. Remender and Posehn lay it on a bit too much but the comic overall is full of exaggeration and extremes.

That exaggeration is emphasized in the art by Brett Parson with color by Moreno Dinisio and lettering by Rus Wooton. The extreme is clear in the final moments of the comic that lead to a titanic spill and embarrassment. The style though is solid for the story and world, it captures a bit of the skater vibe.

Grommets #1 is an interesting debut. It’s more a comedic “slice of life” comic than anything else with low stakes. It’s all rather quaint in a way delivering a comic that’s nostalgia of a time growing up.

Story: Rick Remender, Brian Posehn Art: Brett Parson
Color: Moreno Dinisio Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 7.25 Art: 8.0 Overall: 7.35 Recommendation: Read

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Preview: Grommets #1 (of 7)

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Grommets #1 (of 7)

(W) Rick Remender, Brian Posehn (A) Moreno Dinisio (A/CA) Brett Parson
In Shops: May 29, 2024
SRP: $3.99

MINISERIES PREMIERE
Two best-friend outcasts navigate the Sacramento suburbs of 1984, where they find a home in skateboard culture and punk rock. On one side of the coin, GROMMETS is an authentic look at 80s skate culture, a snapshot of the generation that turned skating into a worldwide phenomenon. On the other, it’s a heartfelt coming-of-age story that follows two friends from troubled homes as they navigate their damage in an era when no one cared.

Grommets #1 (of 7)

Comedian Brian Posehn, Fall Out Boy’s Joe Trohman, and Chris Johnson team for Rifters

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Comedian Brian Posehn teams up with Fall Out Boy’s Joe Trohman to co-write alongside artist Chris Johnson the upcoming time-traveling comedy romp, Rifters. This all-new ongoing series is set to launch in June from Image Comics.

Readers will be hurtled in the wild world of Rifters—where Time Cop collides with Law & Order, filtered through the lens of Mr. Show—when they meet Fenton and Geller. These two part-time Wisenheimers, full-time vice time-cops suck at rule-following but excel at busting time-travel crimes. Unfortunately, their daily grind involves tedious police work—like chasing down douchebag influencers hellbent on live-streaming illegal transtemporal trips to 1920s Chicago to steal primo bootleg hooch.

In a twist of fate, the duo finds themselves at the center of an inter-time serial homicide mystery—and in the crosshairs of potentially lethal consequences.

The stakes are high, time is of the essence, and Fenton and Geller are about to discover that playing with the time-stream isn’t all flappers and jazz hands. Readers are in for a high-octane, double-illegal adventure that promises to rewrite the rulebook on time-travel tales.

Rifters #1

Rifters #1 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, June 12:

  • Cover A by Johnson – Lunar Code 0424IM211
  • Cover B by Michael Avon Oeming – Lunar Code 0424IM212
  • Cover C by Tony Moore – Lunar Code 0424IM213
  • Cover D (1:10 incentive copy) by Johnson – Lunar Code 0424IM214
  • Cover E (1:25 incentive copy) by Mike Allred – Lunar Code 0424IM215

Iron Maiden and Z2 Join forces to celebrate the album Piece of Mind

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40 years have passed since the release of Iron Maiden’s groundbreaking fourth studio album, Piece of Mind. Released in 1983, Piece Of Mind was the band’s first album to enter the U.S. Billboard Top 20, peaking at #14, achieving RIAA platinum certification in the U.S. More than an album, it was a thunderous statement of intent by a band whose meteoric rise from the East End of London would thrust them into the realms of legend. This fall the metal pioneers have partnered with Z2, the award-winning publisher, to bring the multi-platinum album Piece of Mind to book form. Available Tuesday, November 21, Iron Maiden: Piece Of Mind, is a stunning love letter to fans from one of the most celebrated metal bands in music history. Opening with an introduction titled “Piece of Mind at 40” by ever-present manager Rod Smallwood, this commemorative book is packed with comics, art, and testimonials from acclaimed writers, artists, actors and musicians, as a powerful celebration of the living legend that is Iron Maiden.

A jaw-dropping work that pushes the boundaries of print production and presentation, The Oversized Deluxe and Asylum Editions of Iron Maiden: Piece Of Mind are encased in an asylum clamshell with locking mechanism. Maiden’s iconic mascot Eddie growls and snarls from behind the die-cut bars on the asylum doors, but the sliding bolt is designed to keep him safely confined! However, when the reader dares to unlock the book, they will be delighted as Eddie breaks free of his chains and straitjacket!

Assembling an all-star team to create new interpretations of the most important metal album in music, Iron Maiden: Piece of Mind features original stories for each of the nine album tracks including Where Eagles Dare – written by Steven Grant illustrated by Carson Thorn, Revelations – fittingly crafted by Bruce Dickinson with Tony Lee and illustrated by Damien Worm; (“Revelations” being the first track in Maiden history to be solely-credited to Dickinson), Flight of Icarus by Eisner nominee Ivan Brandon illustrated by Francesco Dossena, Die With Your Boots On by Emmy-winning director and screenwriter Sacha Gervasi with art by Christian Rosado, The Trooper by Antony Johnston illustrated by Staz Johnson, Still Life by Leah Moore and John Reppion painted by John Pearson, Quest for Fire from metal authority Brian Posehn with art by Michael Avon Oeming, Sun and Steel by multiple World Fantasy Award-nominee Chris Roberson with art by Danijel Žeželj, and To Tame a Land, written and illustrated by Alison Sampson. In addition, between each story, the book is packed with original pieces of art by acclaimed illustrators, including Montos, Ghoulish Gary, Steve Chanks, Jan Meininghaus, Kyle Hotz, Jay Geldhof, Darin Hazmat, Travis Knight, Akirant and Nat Jones.

The impact of Piece of Mind and Iron Maiden across the creative community is reflected by the star-studded testimonials contained within, including Simon Gallup, AEW legend Chris Jericho, MMA Superstar Josh Barnett, multiple Grammy-nominee and Lifetime Achievement Award-honoree Chuck D, Grammy-winning director Jonas Akerlund, and multiple Grammy-nominee Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian.

With Iron Maiden: Piece of Mind, collectors will have five variants available to purchase, including: The Trooper cover by multiple Eisner-nominee J.G. Jones, Asylum Edition with cover by multiple Society of Illustrators-winner Jason Edmiston, Die With Your Boots On cover by UK Iron Maiden illustrator Dan Mumford, and The Flight of the Icarus cover by Eisner-nominee Martin Simmonds with an additional The Trooper Cutaway cover by famed poster artist Travis Knight.

Z2 present multiple collector editions of Iron Maiden: Piece of Mind – perfect for the diehard fan’s bookshelf:

  • The standard edition graphic novel (HC) with cover art by Dan Mumford ($40.00).
  • The FLIGHT OF ICARUS Edition featuring the standard edition graphic novel (HC) with cover art by Martin Simmonds – limited to only 3,000 copies and exclusive to Independent Comic Shops ($40.00).
  • THE TROOPER Edition featuring the standard edition graphic novel (HC) with cover art by J.G. Jones – limited to 500 copies and exclusive to Project M/Revolver Magazine ($40.00).
  • THE TROOPER Cutaway Edition featuring the standard edition graphic novel (HC) with cover art by Travis Knight – limited to 666 copies and exclusive to Rockabilia.com ($40.00).
  • THE TROOPER Foil Card in sealed Collector’s Case, art by Travis Knight – limited to 666 cards ($35.00).
  • DELUXE Edition including the oversized graphic novel (HC) w/bonus pages and a POP-UP insert featuring cover art by Jason Edmiston encased in the Piece of Mind Asylum Clamshell box with locking Cell Door Action and three (3) Piece of Mind Art Prints Triptych set by Hydro 74, ($150.00) – website only.
  • And for the true collector, Z2 offers THE ASYLUM Edition which includes the oversized graphic novel w/bonus pages and a POP-UP insert featuring cover art by Jason Edmiston, encased in the Piece of Mind Asylum Clamshell box with locking Cell Door Action, three (3) Piece of Mind Art Prints Triptych set by Hydro 74, one (1) 1983 Piece of Mind replica concert ticket, one (1) Die With Your Boots On Art Print, signed and numbered by Dan Mumford (only available to the first 500 orders), four (4) Iron Maiden Collectors Cards in a display case featuring the works of Dan Mumford, Jason Edmiston, J.G. Jones, and Martin Simmonds ($300.00). Additionally, The Asylum Edition includes one (1) Eddie Asylum Model Kit, which will be shipped separately. 

Rick Remender, Brian Posehn, Brett Parson, and Moreno Dinisio have you shred with Grommets in April 2024

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Writer Rick Remender teams with co-writer and Emmy Award winning comedian Brian Posehn, artist Brett Parson, and colorist Moreno Dinisio, for an all-new, ongoing comic book series titled, Grommets. This ’80s-infused coming-of-age story is set to launch in April 2024 from Remender’s Giant Generator line at Image Comics.

Grommets will feature a slew of variant covers by such artists as: David Lapham, Andrew Robinson, Alex Riegel, Chuck BB, and Jon Wayshak.

In Grommets, two outcast best friends navigate the Sacramento suburbs of 1984, where they find a home in skateboard culture and punk rock. Grommets is both an authentic look at ’80s skate culture—a snapshot of the generation that turned skating into a worldwide phenomenon—as well as a heartfelt coming-of-age story following two friends from troubled homes navigating their damage in an era when no one cared.

The series’ title sprints from skater slang, a “grommet” is a commonly used term for a young up-and-coming skater or surfer. Since the ’60s it’s been used to describe the next generation of kids who, with youthful exuberance, love the sport but want to put their spin on it.

Grommets #1 will be available at comic book shops in April 2024.

NYCC 2023: Image and Rick Remender’s Giant Generator Studios announce exclusive talent

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Image Comics and Giant Generator

During New York Comic Con 2023, Image Comics and Giant Generator Studios announced that a massive lineup of talent that have signed exclusive deals for upcoming projects with Rick Remender’s Giant Generator line. This will all lead to a huge rollout of exciting creator-owned launches for the line.

  • Daniel Acuña (Uncanny Avengers, Captain America)
  • André Lima Araújo (A RIGHTEOUS THIRST FOR VENGEANCE, Spider-Verse)
  • Paul Azaceta (OUTCAST, Punisher)
  • Bengal (Spider-Gwen, DEATH OR GLORY)
  • Roland Boschi (THE SCUMBAG, Winter Soldier)
  • Max Fiumara (THE SACRIFICERS, Amazing Spider-Man)
  • Mike Hawthorne (Deadpool, Batman)
  • JG Jones (WANTED, Marvel Boy)
  • Francesco Mobili (Secret Wars, SPAWN)
  • Brett Parson (Tank Girl)
  • Yanick Paquette (Wonder Woman, Batman Incorporated)
  • Greg Tocchini (LOW, Uncanny X-Force)

Remender will collaborate with many of these artists on new projects, while some will be writing their own material, and others will be joined by writers yet-to-be-announced. All creators will retain full rights on books owned 100% by the creative teams.

The first launches out of this new wave of Giant Generator talent were unveiled during the Giant Generator New York Comic Con panel and include: Grommets by Rick Remender, Brian Posehn, and Brett Parson, Napalm Lullaby by Rick Remender and Bengal, and Dust to Dust by JG Jones and Phil Bram. 

The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror Ominous Omnibus Vol. 2 delivers laughs and scares like the cartoons

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The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror Ominous Omnibus Vol. 2 Deadtime Stories for Boos & Ghouls delivers laughs and scares just like the cartoons

The second of three volumes collecting the complete Simpsons Treehouse of Horror comics by creator Matt Groening-packaged in a deluxe, die-cut slipcase that glows in the dark

Collected for the first time in a deluxe hardcover slipcase with an all-new die-cut cover.

Story: Kyle Baker, James W. Bates, Ian Boothby, Max Davison, Chuck Dixon, Gerry Duggan, Glenn Fabry, Pia Guerra, John Kerschnbaum, Peter Kuper, Carol Lay, Ted May, Jesse Leon McCann, Gary Spencer Millidge, Terry Moore, Steve Niles, Troy Nixey, Brian Posehn, Dean Rankine, James Robinson, Scott Shaw!, Gene Simmons, Will Sweeney, Matthew Thurber, Jim Valentino, Jon Vermilyea, Len Wein, Shannon Wheeler, Jane Wiedlin, Jim Woodring, Chris Yambar, Neil Alsip, Tony Di Gerolamo

Art: Max Badger, Kyle Baker, Hilary Barta, Dan Brereton, John Delaney, Glenn Fabry, Pia Guerra, Sammy Harkham, Tom Hodges, Kevin Huizenga, John Kerschbaum, Peter Kruper, Carol Lay, James Lloyd, Nina Matsumoto, Gary Specer Millidge, Terry Moore, Bill Morrison, Troy Nixey, Phil Ortiz, Dean Rankine, Tone Rodriguez, Scott Shaw!, Will Sweeney, Jim Valentino, Jon Vermilyea, Jim Woodring, John Adams, Norm Auble, Bryan Francis, Christianna Lang, Abel Lacamana, William Mahoney, Istvan Majoros, Scott McRae, Kevin M. Newman, Joey Nilges, Robert Oliver, Ryan Rivette, Aaron Rozenfeld, Horacio Sandoval, Alberto Santiago

Layouts: Chris Roman

Ink: Terry Austin, Tim Bavington, Tom Hodges, Phyllis Novin, Andrew Pepoy, Mike Rote

Color: Nathan Hamill, Nathan Kane, Joey Mason, Ted May, Rick Reese, Robert Stanley, Dave Stewart, Christopher Ungar, Art Villanueva

Letterer: Karen Bates, Gary Spencer Millidge, Mike Sakamoto, Christopher Ungar

Editor: Sammy Harkham, Nathan Kane, Bill Morrison

Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.

Bookshop
Amazon

Abrams Comicarts provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
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