mishka and the sea devil - Graphic Policy

Preview: Mishka and the Sea Devil

Posted on October 15, 2014 by Brett

MISHKA AND THE SEA DEVIL HARDCOVER ALBUM

Writer(s): Xenia Pamfil
Artist Name(s): Xenia Pamfil
Cover Artist(s): Xenia Pamfil
100 Pgs./ FC/ All Ages
$24.99

Eleven days trapped on a mysterious island. Eleven chapters drawn in eleven different styles. One incredible artist. After a chance encounter at sea, fisherman Mishka washes ashore on an uncharted island. Surrounded by monsters and worse, can Mishka survive long enough to solve the mystery of the Sea Devil and return home? Join her, Captain Furball and Admiral Ghost on the adventure of their lives!

Review: Mishka and the Sea Devil

Posted on October 15, 2014 by

They say that one should not judge a book by its cover, but in some cases it actually works. Those that were to have a look at the cover of Mishka and The Sea Devil would not be too far off the mark in terms of what to expect. The story inside is one for all-ages and it tells the story of Mishka, a fisherman (fisherwoman) and later shipwreck survivor that is forced to deal with the strange denizens of an island inhabited by pirates. Along the way she makes some unconventional friends in her ordeal against the sea devil, the creature that caused so many of them to be stuck on the island, and eventually she leads them into a final confrontation.

What is possibly most interesting about this issue from a comic book standpoint is the presentation of the art. Some comic books will have a changing roster of artists throughout a single issue, and the specific artistic style of each is evident in the presentation of the story. The same holds true here, in that there are seven different artistic interpretations in this story, but what is most interesting is that they come from only one artist, who also doubles as the story’s writer. From a technical sense, this is therefore an impressive accomplishments, as not only the characters but the backgrounds change throughout, as the artistic styles do become distinctly different of each other.

Thematically, the story reminds me of what little I know of Adventure Time, it is more geared towards children, but with some darker themes for adults. As it stands, this is probably not the most engaging story for an adult, but would be enjoyed by a child of an appropriate age. Equally I would suggest that fans of the medium at least have a look at this one because of the achievement from an artistic standpoint.

Story and Art: Xenia Pamfil
Story: 7.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 7.4 Recommendation: Read

Action Lab Entertainment provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Action Lab in September 2014

Posted on June 16, 2014 by Brett

CRIMSON SOCIETY#1

Writer(s): Mike Hunau
Artist Name(s): Carlos Trigo
Cover Artist(s): Carlos Trigo (r), Daniel Logan (v)

In the very near future, supernatural beings live among humans in peace, yet Jack Crimson finds his life as a werewolf frustrating, and wants nothing more than a cure. Desperate to free himself from this curse, he makes a series of decisions leading him down an unexpected path. Join Jack as he makes his way through this dark new world. Features a variant cover by Daniel Logan (Ghost Town), limited to 1,500 copies!

32 pgs./ Mature Readers/ FC $3.99/$4.99 Variant

DRYSPELL # 3 (Bi-Monthly)

Writer(s): Ken Krekeler
Artist Name(s): Ken Krekeler
Cover Artist(s): Ken Krekeler

The stage is set. Tom Ferris, once little more than an office drone, is about to return to the man he once was. Side-by-side with masks and costumes, he has calculated a grand return to the limelight of his yesteryear. His entourage assembled, his target marked, his city is calling to him. It watches and waits for the black.
32 pgs./Mature Readers/ FC $3.99

EHMM THEORY: EVERYTHING AND SMALL DOSES #1

Writer(s): Brockton McKinney
Artist Name(s): Larkin Ford
Cover Artist(s): Larkin Ford (reg), Jerry Gaylord (var)

Action Lab’s underground hit series returns! Time-jumping assassin monkeys, an evil military super-force, and paranormal ex-lovers plague Gabriel Ehmm and his blood-bound talking feline Mr. Whispers in this eye-smashing, brain-messer of a sequel entitled; Everything and Small Doses. Features a variant cover by Jerry Gaylord, limited to 1,500 copies!

32 pgs./Mature Readers/ FC $3.99/$4.99 Variant

THE F1RST HERO # 2 (OF 4)

Writer(s): Anthony Ruttgaizer
Artist Name(s): Phillip Sevy (art), Fred C Stresing (letters/colors)
Cover Artist(s): Lee Moder (standard cover), Ray-Anthony Height (variant)

Back on American soil, Jake settles into his normal life. But when the police attempt a violent takedown on a teen extrahuman, will Jake endanger that normal life and use his own powers to save the boy? Or will he keep quiet and abandon the youth to his grisly fate? Variant cover by Ray-Anthony Height (Midnight Tiger and Marvel’s: Fear Itself, Spider-Girl) limited to 1,500 copies!

32 pgs./ Teen/ FC $3.99/$4.99 Variant

JACK HAMMER: USURPER #1 (OF 2) (Bi-Monthly)

Writer(s): Brandon Barrows
Artist Name(s): Ionic
Cover Artist(s): Ionic

Just as things are starting to get back to normal for Jack McGriskin and friends, a new shadow falls across their path… and lands squarely on Ramona! A mystery man stalks her through the streets of Boston, but is she his target or only a means to an end?

32 pgs./ All Ages/ FC $3.99

MIDNIGHT TIGER #3 (Now a monthly series)

Writer(s): DeWayne Feenstra, Ray-Anthony Height
Artist Name(s): Ray-Anthony Height
Cover Artist(s): Ray-Anthony Height (Marvel: Fear Itself, Spider-girl, Image: Noble Causes)

Gavin has to shake down an old friend for some intel, but may end up going too far. Unfortunately for Gavin, Powerstone and the Apollo Bay Police Department are on the hunt…and it’s Midnight Tiger season!

32 pgs./ Teen/ FC $3.99

MISHKA AND THE SEA DEVIL HC

Writer(s): Xenia Pamfil
Artist Name(s): Xenia Pamfil
Cover Artist(s): Xenia Pamfil

100 pgs./Teen/ FC $24.99

SHINOBI: NINJA PRINCESS #2 (OF 6)

Writer(s): Martheus Wade
Artist Name(s): Martheus Wade (Pencils, Inks, Colors) Marvin Chevealier (color assists)
Cover Artist: Tressina Bowling

After successfully completing her first mission, Shianndrea is allowed to accompany Kim on reconnaissance to New Tokyo in order to spy on the Azumi Ninja Clan. Things can’t be better! However, just when things are getting cozy between the two ninja, Ai joins the mission, making these three ninja a crowd.

32 pgs./ Teen/ FC $3.99

SKYWARD VOL.4: SINS OF THE FATHER

Writer(s): Jeremy Dale
Artist Name(s): Jeremy Dale
Cover Artist(s): Jeremy Dale

Jeremy Dale and Action Lab proudly present the fourth volume of the smash-hit, SKYWARD! In the wake of the Battle at Three Rivers, it’s certain that new alliances must be formed to withstand the armies of the Brother Kings. Enter: The Berserkers! Continuing the fantastic action-fantasy epic from CGS 2013 Breakthrough Creator and Harvey Award nominee Jeremy Dale (G.I. Joe, Marvel Kapow!), following the thrilling tale of Quinn and his dog, Jack– as we travel ever further into the strangeness of the unknown! Collects Skyward #10-12!

96 pgs./ All Ages/ FC $9.99

SOUTHERN DOG #2 (OF 4)

Writer(s): Jeremy Holt
Artist Name(s): Alex Diotto
Cover Artist(s): Riley Rossmo

After revealing his involvement with the KKK, Jasper’s farther forces him to confront a bully from school through violent tactics. Refusing to participate, Jasper fleas the scene only to succumb to another “episode” as the beast inside of him resurfaces. Unable to fight it, Jasper suddenly finds himself in the middle of his town’s racial war. Featuring series covers by red-hot artist Riley Rossmo (Drumhellar)!

32 pgs./ Mature Readers/ FC $3.99

ZOMBIE TRAMP #3

Writer(s): Dan Mendoza, Jason Martin
Artist Name(s): TMChu
Cover Artist(s): TMChu

Zombie Tramp has fallen in with the wrong crowd in her adventure to Las Vegas… specifically, the undead clutches of the king of Sin City’s sex trade. Now she’s being forced to wed the jump-suited monster of a man in a private ceremony at the Grand Canyon! But in this unholy wedding, “Til death” is just the start. Features a “risqué” variant cover limited to 2,000 copies!

32 pgs./Mature Readers/ FC $3.99/$4.99 Variant