Tag Archives: jose exposito

Review: Hollywood Trash #1

Posted on by
Hollywood Trash #1

There’s a lot to like about Hollywood Trash #1. It’s a debut issue that’s full of potential and some entertaining moments. But, it also feels like a story I’ve come into about a quarter of the way. The series follows to garbage men who have picked up something that an evil cabal of Hollywood celebrities want and need. We don’t know what that is. We don’t know how they did it. We’re just thrown into the story with “go get them” and then the attempt to kill these two sanitation workers. It also leaves a lot to question like why someone doesn’t just tell them they grabbed something they shouldn’t have and ask for it back.

Stephen Sonneveld delivers a story that could use a bit more setup to start but as the issue gets rolling it turns into a Looney Tunes fight. While the details are a bit scant, Sonneveld focuses on the attempt to retrieve the MacGuffin and kill these two workers. The how just gets crazier and crazier as the story rolls on. By the end, it feels like this is a spin on Wile E. Coyote attempting to capture or kill the Road Runner. The garbage men are blissfully unaware and their pursuer might as well have credit at acme.

That over the top nature feels like it’s the draw of the series. The villains are rather thin. It’s a cabal of celebrities and we don’t know what their deal is other than being famous in their spaces. What they do and why doesn’t really seem to matter. They’re just the setup for the explosions and plots to get whatever was taken back in over the top ways.

That over the top nature is driven by the art of Pablo Verdugo. Verdugo is joined by Jose Expósito on color and Justin Birch on lettering. Like those Looney Tune cartoons, there’s a calm about the story up until there’s not. It’s almost a build-up to the insanity just like those classic cartoons. And that’s what works the most of the comic. It’s driven by the crazy nature of it all and the draw will be to see what crazy plan is concocted next.

There’s definitely potential for the series after reading Hollywood Trash #1. The entertainment feels like it’ll mostly be derived from the situations and attempts to get back whatever it is that needs to be returned. It’s a debut where you just need to go with the flow of it all and get lost in the absurdity of it all. Think too much, and it falls a bit short.

Story: Stephen Sonneveld Art: Pablo Verdugo
Color: Jose Expósito Letterer: Justin Birch
Story: 6.75 Art: 7.0 Overall: 6.8 Recommendation: Read

Mad Cave Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Mad Cave

Mad Cave Studios Announces 4 New Titles and the 2020 Talent Search

Posted on by

Mad Cave Studios‘ virtual event brought forth all sorts of news from the publisher including four all-new titles as well as details on the Mad Cave 2020 Talent Search!

Hollywood Trash

Writer: Stephen Sonneveld, Artist: Pablo Verdugo (Mr. Beaver), Colors: Jose Expósito (Mr. Beaver), Letters: Justin Birch (Knights of the Golden Sun, RV9)
October 7

Ah, Hollywood! Famous for celebs, sun– and murder cults! The Privy Council is the most exclusive club in town, headed by the entertainment industry’s top mogul, a ruthless exec who enlists his famous underlings to kill the people who stole from him, two local garbage men. James and Billy must survive one epic day of sword fights, forest fires, and giant mechs! At least there’s hazard pay. Hollywood Trash​ is five-issues of all-out action and wacky satire!

Hollywood Trash

Villainous

Writer: Stonie Williams, Artist: Jef Sadzinski (Show’s End), Colors: Joana Lafuente, Letters: Justin Birch (Knights of the Golden Sun, RV9)
October 14

Villainous ​follows Tilly, one of the newest super-powered beings to join the Coalition of Heroes through their sidekick program, as she navigates the dizzying world of Super-Heroes. Working with her idols should be a dream come true, but when she learns too much too soon, Tilly’s dream quickly turns into a nightmare. As she learns more about the sordid history of the CoH, Tilly has to make a choice – Get in line and stand with her heroes or take a stand and risk becoming something more… Villainous.

Villainous

Pantomime

Writer: Christopher Sebela (Crowded, Shanghai Red), Artist: David Stoll (Metaphorical HER), Colors: Dearbhla Kelly (Red Sonja, Queen of Bad Dreams)
November 4

Haley and her brother Max are all alone after their mother’s death and a fresh start at Wayfair Academy, a special needs boarding school, isn’t what she expected. Normally, Haley would withdraw back into herself, but when she finds a family with other deaf kids, she embraces her new life and begins to come out of her shell. Until one night where the group dips their toes into crime, and the thrill is too much to leave behind. Though they soon find out by stealing from the wrong person, that this world isn’t for kids. With no one to turn to but each other, they will have to make a choice, one where no one will come out the same on the other side.

Pantomime

Terminal Punks

Writer: Matthew Erman (​Long Lost, Power Rangers, Dark Crystal), Artist: ​Shelby Criswell (The Nib), Letters: Micah Myers (Dead Beats)​
November 11

Four lousy, grimy and greasy gutter punk teens are en route to their big show in the big apple but when things go monstrously wrong and mutant animals are unleashed in the airport, our four punk heroes must put on their combat boots, fly their Black Flag and try to survive a viral genetic mutant nightmare. 

A hilarious, wild, and fun thrill-ride! ​Terminal Punks​ is a blaring colorful love letter to the music and attitude of rebellion. It is also a tongue-in-cheek takedown of rich idiots doing stupid things for bad reasons.

Terminal Punks

The Third Annual Mad Cave Talent Search is Here!

For the third year in a row, Mad Cave Studios is looking to discover and publish new talent in the comics industry. This year is a little different, as three artists and three writers will be chosen to take part in Mad Cave’s first-ever anthology!

Since the first talent search in 2018, Mad Cave Studios has continued the trend of bringing fresh voices to comics with exciting titles like Show’s End, Savage Bastards, Over the Ropes, and many more…

How Do Creators Sign Up?

The Mad Cave Studios talent search has some guidelines you need to follow in order for their editorial team to review your submission. Below is a brief overview of the contest details:

  • Contest runs from June 1, 2020, through September 1, 2020
  • Each submission entered must be set in the universe of a Mad Cave IP (Battlecats, Honor and Curse, Knights of the Golden Sun, Show’s End, etc.)
  • Six Winners (Three writers and three artists) will be announced on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2020, on PREVIEWSworld and PREVIEWSworld Weekly
  • Visit the Mad Cave Talent Search Page for complete submission guidelines
Mad Cave Talent Search 2020

Preview. Mr. Beaver Vol. 1

Posted on by

MR. BEAVER VOLUME 1

Writer: Pablo Verdugo Muñoz
Artist Name(s): Pablo Verdugo Muñoz (Pencils and Inks), Jose Expósito (Colors)
Cover Artist(s): Pablo Verdugo Muñoz
128 pgs./ T+ / FC
$5.99
Digital-First

The world’s most powerful crime organization – “The Twelve” – managed to evade justice for far too long and in desperation, the police reach out to the one individual who just might be able to turn things around. Enter special agent Mr. Beaver, returning to his hometown fresh from the Alpha Academy and itching to take down the dark underbelly… after taking care of his own rumbling belly, of course. In his confrontation with an old acquaintance, Richard, and his henchmen from “The Twelve”, a mysterious power known as ‘Theos Lampsi’, or ‘God’s Shining’, will come to light, requiring Mr. Beaver to dig deep in order to overcome his adversaries.

MR. BEAVER VOLUME 1

Preview. Mr. Beaver Vol. 1

Posted on by

MR. BEAVER VOLUME 1

Writer: Pablo Verdugo Muñoz
Artist Name(s): Pablo Verdugo Muñoz (Pencils and Inks), Jose Expósito (Colors)
Cover Artist(s): Pablo Verdugo Muñoz
128 pgs./ T+ / FC
$5.99
Digital-First

The world’s most powerful crime organization – “The Twelve” – managed to evade justice for far too long and in desperation, the police reach out to the one individual who just might be able to turn things around. Enter special agent Mr. Beaver, returning to his hometown fresh from the Alpha Academy and itching to take down the dark underbelly… after taking care of his own rumbling belly, of course. In his confrontation with an old acquaintance, Richard, and his henchmen from “The Twelve”, a mysterious power known as ‘Theos Lampsi’, or ‘God’s Shining’, will come to light, requiring Mr. Beaver to dig deep in order to overcome his adversaries.

MR. BEAVER VOLUME 1

Preview: Mr. Beaver #5

Posted on by

MR. BEAVER #5

Writer: Pablo Verdugo Muñoz
Artist Name(s): Pablo Verdugo Muñoz (Pencils and Inks), Jose Expósito (Colors)
Cover Artist(s): Pablo Verdugo Muñoz
32 pgs./ T+ / FC
$2.99
Digital-First

Mr. Beaver successfully infiltrates the lair of the powerful criminal organization known as “The Twelve” where he faces off with his nemesis, Richard, a former acquaintance from his days at the Alpha Academy. Determined to bring him to justice, Mr. Beaver will have to dig deeper than ever before with Richard having mastered an extraordinary power known as Theos Lampsi, one that Mr. Beaver himself tried to learn. As all hell breaks loose, Mr. Beaver may yet need help from an unlikely source as he realizes that his lone wolf days may well be numbered.

MR. BEAVER #5

Preview: Mr. Beaver #2

Posted on by

MR. BEAVER #2

Writer: Pablo Verdugo Muñoz; Editor: Ben Slabak
Artist Name(s): Pablo Verdugo Muñoz (Pencils, Inks), Jose Expósito (Colors)
Cover Artist(s): Pablo Verdugo Muñoz
32 pgs./ T+ / FC
$2.99 (Digital-First)

Mr. Beaver, a special agent fresh out of the Alpha Academy, is begrudgingly paired up with a junior detective in order to take down a powerful crime organization known as “The Twelve”. Hot on the heels of a member of “The Twelve”, Mr. Beaver comes face to face with an old acquaintance long thought dead.

MR. BEAVER #2

Action Lab: Danger Zone Announces Release Dates for Amalgama: Space Zombie #4, Argus #1, Killswitch #3, Mr. Beaver #1, and Twin Worlds #1

Posted on by

AMALGAMA: SPACE ZOMBIE #4

Writer(s): Jason Martin
Artist Name(s): Winston Young
Cover A – Winston Young Regular Cover (unlimited)
Cover B – Winston Young Risqué Variant (limited to 2500)
Cover C – Bryan Baugh Variant (limited to 1500)
Cover D – Bryan Baugh Risqué (limited to 2000)
Cover E – Danielle Gransaull Artist Variant (limited to 1500)
Cover F – Danielle Gransaull Artist Risqué (limited to 2000)
24 pgs./ M / FC
$4.99

Born from the DNA of the Danger Doll Squad and then rocketed into space. Amalgama: Space Zombie’s first epic adventure concludes here, forging the legend of comic’s newest sci-fi superstar!!

Features 3 regular and risqué variants, including the special Bryan Baugh variants!

AMALGAMA: SPACE ZOMBIE #4

THE ARGUS #1

Writer(s): Mark Bertolini
Artist Name(s): Darryl Knickrehm (Art, Colors)
Cover Artist(s): Darryl Knickrehm
32 pgs./ T+ / FC
$3.99

Time travel is real! Scientific prodigy Randall Patton has had a breakthrough that allows travel through the timestream, which immediately led to the creation of The Argus, the temporal law enforcement organization that polices the time/space continuum. After an accident renders one of the members of The Argus insane, he begins killing off the others – except they are all versions of Randall Patton from various points in his own life! Who can stop Randall but himself?

THE ARGUS #1

KILLSWITCH #3

Writer(s): Jeffrey and Susan Bridges
Artist Name(s): Walter Geovani (Pencils, Inks), Brittany Peer (Colors), Simon Bowland (letters)
Cover Artist(s): Natasha Alterici
24 pgs./ M / FC
$3.99

Marcella’s captured and a surprising truth is revealed, while the Augurs’ true selves bubble to the surface as they fight for their lives and freedom. Farrell gets a nasty surprise, and Jackson lets his single-minded determination get the better of him.

KILLSWITCH #3

MR. BEAVER #1

Writer: Pablo Verdugo Muñoz; Editor: Ben Slabak
Artist Name(s): Pablo Verdugo Muñoz (Pencils, Inks), Jose Expósito (Colors)
Cover Artist(s): Pablo Verdugo Muñoz
32 pgs./ T+ / FC
$3.99

The world’s most powerful crime organization – “The Twelve” – had managed to evade justice for far too long and in desperation, the police reach out to the one individual who just might be able to turn things around. Enter special agent Mr. Beaver, returning to his hometown fresh from the Alpha Academy and itching to take down the dark underbelly… after taking care of his own rumbling belly, of course.

MR. BEAVER #1

TWIN WORLDS #1

Writer(s): Rami Al-ashqar
Artist Name(s): Jethro Morales (Pencils, Inks), Bryan Magnaye (Colors), Lucas Gattoni (Letterer)
Cover Artist(s): Jethro Morales (Pencils, Inks), Bryan Magnaye (Colors), Lucas Gattoni (Letterer)
Cover B limited to 2,500 copies.
32 pgs./ T+ / FC
$3.99

The natives of Drakkara rebel against the imperialist Earthers who colonized their planet. Two twin children, hybrids controversially born to a pioneer Earther and a Drakkaran princess, embark on a journey of survival. They’re caught between colonizer fire, natives who view them as abominations, and a manhunt by warlocks seeking to eliminate their royal bloodline.

TWIN WORLDS #1

Mr. Beaver is a Special Agent Beaver in Man’s World

Posted on by

The latest Action Lab: Danger Zone title to burst onto the scene is Mr. Beaver! Imagine the Dark Knight, but instead of the caped crusader taking on the dark underbelly, a special agent, Mr. Beaver, is called upon as the crime levels hit an all-time high. A beaver in a man’s world, he has a secret agenda that he’ll try to accomplish using his numerous skills and secret techniques. With an insatiable hunger for justice and empanadas, Mr. Beaver is begrudgingly paired up with a junior detective in order to take down the criminal organization known as “The Twelve”.

The series was inspired by such classic 80s and 90s animation such as TMNT, Street Sharks, Biker Mice from Mars, and Gargoyles. The series is written by Pablo Verdugo Muñoz with art by Muñoz, colors by Jose Expósito, and edited by Ben Slabak.

Mr. Beaver will be on comic book stands this November 2019, but you can get a NYCC exclusive cover from the Action Lab booth a month early. You can pre-order the direct market covers by using the Diamond item codes SEP191371 for cover A and SEP191372 for cover B.

Mr. Beaver