Tag Archives: lauren perry

Local Man #1 is a fantastic debut, full of nostalgia but charting its own path

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Local Man #1 introduces us to Jack Xaver, a former member of the superhero team Third Gen. Going by the superhero name Crossjack, Jack has washed out and is forced back home to his parents who live in the Midwest

Story: Tim Seeley, Tony Fleecs
Art: Tim Seeley, Tony Fleecs
Color: Felipe Sobriero, Brad Simpson
Flats: Lauren Perry
Letterer: Comicraft

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TFAW
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Local Man #1 celebrates and continues Image’s superhero roots

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Local Man #1

I remember when Image Comics launched over 30 years ago. It was a massive event and ushered in a new wave of superheroes and teams. It also ushered in some rough stories and general a line whose art trumped the stories. While it’s been decades, my memories that for a while Image was more flash than substance, cool ideas without focus beyond flashy art. Thankfully, the publisher shifted over the years and has been putting out buzz and award worthy comics regularly. Some of those look back fondly, both good and bad, at those early years of Image. Local Man #1 feels like one of those comics as well as one that deserves a lot of buzz.

Created by Tim Seeley and Tony Fleecs, Local Man #1 introduces us to Jack Xaver, a former member of the superhero team Third Gen. Going by the superhero name Crossjack, Jack has washed out and is forced back home to his parents who live in the Midwest. Clearly whatever he’s done is newsworthy and his return is generally not welcomed. There’s tension with his parents, the locals, and generally Jack needs to get his act together.

Local Man #1 feels like the latest in media focusing on older men whose life hasn’t gone the way they expected. They’re sad sacks and you feel both bad for them and also want to yell at them to get their act together. But, the duo also are having a lot of fun with the comic with mentions of Brigade and Cyber Force, the comic feels like it’s plopped into the history of Image.

And history is shown. The comic features Jack’s current situation and his time with Third Gen as the comic features a mission of the team. And it’s a revealing one. We get to know the members more and maybe Jack’s not the problem? It’s also a lot of fun with riffs on a more “classic” Image superhero team, silliness and all. It’s both a spoof, homage, and love letter to what has come before.

Seeley and Fleecs trade off the art with each handling one story and are joined by Felipe Sobriero and Brad Simpson on color, Lauren Perry on flats, and lettering by Comicraft. The styles are great together with one having a more modern and the other a bit more retro feel to it all. The comic does an excellent job of focusing on Jack as his body language and expressions tell us so much. And his Third Gen team members wink and nod laughs with their powers but it’s not distracting.

Local Man #1 isn’t another dissection of the superhero nor is it just a riff on what’s come before. By the end, there’s clearly something more going on. While the comic has a foot in its past, it also feels like it’s charting it’s own future and part of the new wave of heroes coming out of Image that show you can deliver fantastic story and eye-popping visuals at the same time.

Story: Tim Seeley, Tony Fleecs Art: Tim Seeley, Tony Fleecs
Color: Felipe Sobriero, Brad Simpson Flats: Lauren Perry Letterer: Comicraft
Story: 9.0 Art: 8.6 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

The Best Comics of 2021

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2021 was another strange year for the comic industry which saw a lot of changes in almost too many ways to count.

But, despite all of those changes, there were some amazing comics released.

Here’s 10 that stood out to me from the year.

The full list of everything that stood out from the year!

Graphic Policy’s team’s “best of” lists!

The 10 from the video:

Blue, Barry & Pancakes (First Second)
Story/Art: Daniel Rajai Abdo, Jason Linwood Patterson

Glamorella’s Daughter (Literati Press)
Concept: Jerry Bennett Story: Charles J. Martin
Art: Jerry Bennett Letterer: Charles J. Martin Sensitivity Editor: Brandy Williams

BRZRKR (BOOM! Studios)
Story: Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt Art: Ron Garney
Color: Bill Crabtree Letterer: Clem Robins

Did You Hear What Eddie Gein Done? (Albatross Funnybooks)
Story: Harold Schechter, Eric Powell Art: Eric Powell

The Other History of the DC Universe (DC Comics)
Story: John Ridley Layouts: Giuseppe Camuncoli
Finishes: Andrea Cucchi Color: José Villarrubia Letterer: Steve Wands

Robin & Batman (DC Comics)
Story: Jeff Lemire Art: Dustin Nguyen
Color: Dustin Nguyen Letterer: Steve Wands

The Recount (Scout Comics)
Story: Jonathan Hedrick Art: Joe Bocardo
Color: Sunil Ghagre Letterer: Christian Docolomansky

Shadow Doctor (AfterShock)
Story: Peter Calloway Art: George Jeanty
Color: Juancho! Letterer/Backmatter: Charles Pritchett

Solo Leveling (Yen Press)
Original Story: Chugong Translation: Hye Young Im
Rewrite: J. Torres Letterer: Abigail Blackman

Stray Dogs (Image Comics)
Story: Tony Fleecs Art: Trish Forstner
Color: Brad Simpson Layouts: Tone Rodrigeuz, Chris Burnham Flatter: Lauren Perry

Review: Stray Dogs #5

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Stray Dogs #5

I love how Stray Dogs #5 wraps up the comic series but at the same time, I’m not sure I love the issue as a whole. It’s an issue that’s full of action, tense moments, and sadness. But, it also feels a bit “short” and too much of a quick read. The contents of Stray Dogs #5 feels like it’d have been fine in an extended fourth issue than merits an issue on its own. But, it also means the series will likely be a fantastic read once it’s collected.

With a story by Tony Fleecs, the dogs know the truth and the Master is clearly a murderer. They need to escape or they’ll likely meet a deadly fate as well. This means they have two options to fight and to flee. What Fleecs does with this issue is fantastic. It’d be so easy to turn this final issue into a “Home Alone” like battle with the dogs tripping master or setting up obstacles so they can get away. Instead, Fleecs keeps it all grounded. They run and they fight. No tricks, only panicked attempts to escape. It also delivers a sadness to it all in the fact that they’re dogs. They’re boxed in by fast moving cars they don’t know what to do with and have to face a world they don’t know at all.

A lot of that emotion is delivered in the art by Trish Forstner with colors by Brad Simpson. Featuring layouts by Tone Rodriguez and Chris Burnham and work by flatter Lauren Perry, the art continues its amazing Don Bluth-like style. The look and colors creates a sweetness about the dogs it’s hard to not feel bad for them. Their fear and panic ooze off the page. There’s also an interesting bit of reserved quality about the finale. It’d be easy to have gone over the top in the blood and gore. Instead, what’s shown is minimal emphasizing the aspect just enough to make it clear where things stand.

Stray Dogs #5 is a solid ending to the series. It wraps things up nicely with an emotional rollercoaster that at times tugs at heartstrings. But, the issue doesn’t quite stand on its own. It feels like returning to a film “after the break” and in ways is a little unsatisfying as a stand alone issue. Yes, it’s part of a single story but it’s a single story broken up in issues and in this case the issue itself feels a little thin. But, it works so well as part of the whole. If you haven’t read the single issues, it’s a story that sticks the landing and will be a collection that’s well worth picking up when released.

Story: Tony Fleecs Art: Trish Forstner
Color: Brad Simpson Layouts: Tone Rodrigeuz, Chris Burnham Flatter: Lauren Perry
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Zeus Comics

Review: Stray Dogs #4

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Stray Dogs #4

The previous issue of Stray Dogs had me guessing as to whether “Master” was really a killer or the dogs’ memory made it seem that way. Stray Dogs #4 gives a pretty definitive answer as the house of horrors is revealed. I’m not sure how you can explain away what’s revealed.

In the previous issue, Victor tried to call for help and Earl ratted him out to Master. Victor was then taken out behind the shed where we were left with a “bang”. Stray Dogs #4 picks up on that as panic sets in and the dogs attempt to figure out what happened to Victor. The revelations are a spiral of gross and sickening as the issue just builds and builds until its final moment.

This is house of horrors level of crazy and it’s been impressive that writer Tony Fleecs has kept readers guessing up to this point. But, with all that’s shown in this issue, it’s hard to dismiss any of it. This is a level of crazy that just builds and builds with one horrible thing leading to the next in a series of shocking revelations. Fleecs masterfully builds it all up using the dogs’ reactions to drive home to escalation. He also brilliantly sows dissension among the dogs. Sophie and Rusty attempt to make their case with Earl not wanting to accept the truth.

And that’s part of the brilliance of the issue. We’re not quite sure what is the truth until this issue. You can understand Earl’s reluctance to accept reality. He’s been treated well from what he remembers. But as things build, the panic that sets in is felt and reverberates from the page. It’s everything that works for horror stories in a cute package.

That “package” is delivered through the art of Trish Forstner. With color by Brad Simpson, layouts by Tone Rodriguez, and flatter Lauren Perry, the art continues to be beautiful. The style is classic animation with the dogs being their adorable self. What’s amazing is that mix of tones with this “cute” art juxtaposed with the very horror driven plot. The revelations keep the style but add a sense of terror. The mix is interesting and works really well.

Stray Dogs #4 is a fantastic issue that lays the cards on the table. You find yourself yelling “get out of the house” much like you would a horror film. The build up of revelations is perfectly executed delivering a punch in that last page. This is the issue where the truth is clear and will make you want to see what happens next immediately.

Story: Tony Fleecs Art: Trish Forstner
Color: Brad Simpson Layouts: Tone Rodriguez Flatters: Lauren Perry
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW

Review: Stray Dogs #3

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Stray Dogs #3

There’s certain combinations out there that works well despite them being opposites. Stray Dogs feels like an example of that. The series delivers a style like Don Bluth that hides the dark interior. Stray Dogs #3 is another instance of that with an issue that has the dogs on edge as they’re convinced their new owner is also a serial killer.

Written by Tony Fleecs, the issue features debate and discovery as the dogs attempt to figure out what’s going on. As readers, it’s clear something isn’t right. The “owner” has a secret and what that is can still be debated. Is he a killer? Is there something more innocent and the dogs are misremembering? Fleecs keeps readers guessing as the dogs themselves struggle to remember what’s going on and what happened in their past.

We’re given some hints and the dogs come across another clue but all of it together can also point to something else going on. As a reader, I think the owner is a killer but at the same time, there’s other explanations as to what has been discovered. It’s easy to see why the dogs are coming to the conclusions they are and part of that is the innocence and cuteness of the art. There’s a combination of the visuals and the story that comes together in weird ways like that.

Those visuals are courtesy of Trish Forstner. They’re beautiful as always. The dogs are cute as can be but there’s a darkness about the comic. There’s a dread that exists. Part of that is helped with the color by Brad Simpson. The color is bright and doesn’t pop. It delivers a slightly darker tone to it all. Tone Rodriguez provides layouts and Lauren Perry is the flatter. The visuals are an interesting one in two instances of the comic (which I don’t want to spoil).

The dogs discover something that’s really head scratching. One thing is hinted at but it doesn’t quite make sense. Visually, it’s done really well hinting at what might be going on but, wouldn’t dogs be able to smell things? There’s also the final scene where there’s a fantastic choice to allow the reader’s imagination to fill in the blank. It’s far worse than anything can be drawn and adds a sense of horror about it all.

Stray Dogs #3 continues the cute dog meets murder mystery. It does so with tension and excitement that builds through the issue. It’s another fantastic entry that’ll keep readers guessing what’s true and what’s not and where things are going from here.

Story: Tony Fleecs Art: Trish Forstner
Color: Brad Simpson Layouts: Tone Rodriguez Flatter: Lauren Perry
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW

Review: Stray Dogs #2

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Stray Dogs #2

The first issue of Stray Dogs was fantastic delivering a familiar mystery but in a way and from a perspective that’s so new and different. Stray Dogs #2 continues to build on the mystery of what happened to Sophie’s owner all in Don Bluth style visuals.

Written by Tony Fleecs, Stray Dogs #2 is an interesting comic that delivers fear and emotion in unexpected places. The readers can feel for Sophie who feels lost and at the same time something bad has happened. It’s an interesting story in that it’s a murder mystery from a dog’s perspective but it also delivers characters readers can connect to. Every dog has a very distinct personality but it’s Sophie and her new friend Rusty that stand out. Sophie is scared in an unknown place and wants to find out the truth. It also happens Sophie has a horrible memory. Rusty is her one real friend in the bunch and so far has shown a friendship so many long for.

But what Fleecs does that’s truly amazing is keeps the readers guessing. It’s not clear as to what has happened to Sophie’s former owner. Was she murdered? Is Sophie living with the murderer? Is there something else going on? Fleecs teases just enough to keep readers guessing. It also helps build the creep factor into it all.

That’s helped by the art of Trish Forstner. Along with color by Brad Simpson, layouts by Tone Rodriguez, and work by flatter Lauren Perry, the series looks like classic animation, a beautiful almost innocent style that belies the more sinister undertones. Looking at these cute dogs and their antics, you almost forget it’s possible they’re living with a serial killer. The art style disarms the readers in some ways. The art also helps drop Fleecs’ hints. You’re forced to linger on pages and panels looking for the clues as to what has happened.

Stray Dogs #2 is another solid issue that builds upon the mystery. It teases hints and answers but leaves readers guessing. It also builds a dread throughout that you’re not quite sure about. A fantastic series with a familiar concept but a whole new perspective.

Story: Tony Fleecs Art: Trish Forstner
Color: Brad Simpson Layouts: Tone Rodriguez Flatters: Lauren Perry
Logo/Design: Lauren Herda Pre-Press: Gabriela Downie
Story: 8.25 Art: 9.0 Overall: 8.45 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW

Review: My Little Pony/Transformers #1

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MY LITTLE PONY/TRANSFORMERS #1

Two properties that I’d not expect to crossover are My Little Pony and Transformers. The exception might be the more kid-friendly Transformers: Cyberverse or Rescue Bots. The concept of robots that turn into things and ponies in the same universe just doesn’t quite jive. Not to mention the fact My Little Pony, in my little experience, doesn’t exactly scream intergalactic civil war, lasers, and death. But, despite being so different, My Little Pony/Transformers #1 actually works!

The story is simple. An evil wizard pony wants allies and through a spell accidentally pulls Decepticons and Autobots through their space bridge into the world of My Little Pony. From there, the battle begins as Decepticons attempt to take over Equestria while the Autobots play their best defense and try to figure out what’s going on.

My Little Pony/Transformers #1 actually features two stories but they’re blended together in a seamless transition that makes it so it’s not noticeable at all. James Asmus handles the first story involving the mashing of worlds while Ian Flynn does the second focused on Arcee who takes on Starscream.

Despite the tonal differences between the two properties, the comic works and works well. The strengths of each are played off of each other and the general “wtf” reaction from everyone makes the story feel a bit more grounded. The characters seem to recognize the silliness of it all in a sort of meta self-awareness.

The violence of the Transformers is downplayed a bit and lets face it, the Decepticons would probably roll through Equestria fairly quickly if they wanted. But instead of the violence we get Starscream’s ego being his downfall and logically preventing a genocide of ponies. He wants the adulation and followers, and needs ponies the achieve that.

The art style of the comic is interesting with Tony Fleecs and Jack Lawrence handling the first and second stories. Their styles are really close to each other so there’s a pretty easy transition from one to the other. The Transformers are adapted to be more in the style of My Little Pony and I think that’s the one thing I don’t enjoy. It’d have been interesting visually to have each kept their distinctive look and style. The tone of the series would be different though and it wouldn’t be as kid-friendly as likely. Visually though, it could have been cool.

Fleecs, Lauren Perry, and Luis Antonio Delgado provide the colors for the comic, and Jake M. Wood and Neil Uyetake handle lettering. The art team really set the tone of the series making it much more geared towards younger readers. A shift in look more towards the Transformers could have made the result feel a bit more adult.

The concept might seem like it shouldn’t work but the team pulls My Little Pony/Transformers #1 off. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and seems to know it’s a bit goofy. But, more importantly, it knows it should just have fun. I never mashed up these toys into battle together as a kid but as an adult I get to see what might have been and escape into some innocent and fun entertainment.

Story: James Asmus, Ian Flynn Art: Tony Fleecs, Jack Lawrence
Color: Tony Fleecs, Lauren Perry, Luis Antonio Delgado Letterer: Jake M. Wood, Neil Uyetake
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Amazon – Kindle – Zeus Comics