SPX BOOTY PART DEUX

[MattBrady]

by Ryan McLelland

SPX, the Small Press Expo, was held in Bethesda, Maryland on October 1-3, highlighting the best of the independent comic scene. I've already clocked in with one report, and now, my second article highlights some more of the comics that I enjoyed, this time around two mini-comics, an anthology, and a graphic novel.

The Ron-Thology #1

They say you only roast the ones you love, so the writers and artists who put together The Ron-thology (Triumvirate Press, $2.00) his book must really love Ron. A quick introduction by a guy named Mr. Asshole introduces us readers to a fellow named Ron: a bald, slightly overweight man who wears black T-shirts with obscure sayings on them. He’s more then a comic book geek, he is a pop-culture God.

One must assume that Ron’s friends have him pretty down pat as no matter who is writing or drawing a Ron story, the character is pretty much the same. Ron loves being by himself with his DVDs and books. One story has Ron scouring E-Bay looking to score his holy grail, a Rom Spaceknight Marvel Masterworks Vol.8. Sure the highest bidder is already near $1,000, but Ron is determined to win. Ron bids, Ron bids, Ron loses. So Ron laughs and laments that, “What moron would pay $1,000 for Rom?” A quick look at the empty space on his bookshelf and Ron realizes he is that moron.

The book continues with little short stories like these. While the art might sometimes be a little lacking, these ‘odes’ to Ron make it quite worthwhile. Ron didn’t get back an RSVP for a wedding? It’s too much money to go and he just spent 250 bucks on bootleg DVD’s. Trying to masturbate in peace in your plush basement apartment? Cue Mom to come in to tell Ron that dinner is ready. Don’t believe Ron really exists? The back cover of the book has the proof, showing which DVD you can buy to see Ron (if only for a scant two seconds).

While it doesn’t look like Triumvirate Press has a website, if you want to bother them for a copy of this grand toast to Ron, give them a holler at: givemefreedom2001@yahoo.com .

Raised by Squirrels #1.1 – 1.4

Scouring the freebee tables I was quite intrigued by a small interoffice shotgun envelope. I scooped it up and immediately looked inside, surprised to find four small mini-comics. The first thing that caught me about Raised By Squirrels ( http://www.raisedbysquirrels.com , FREE!) was the artwork. Simple yet straight on I was instantly drawn into the first page where a woman talks to a mystery person on a cel phone, about to rendezvous with a man she hasn’t seen in years.

It turns out Rose is an espionage agent sent in to bring Tyler back on the job. Tyler isn’t exactly happy to see Rose or have the invitation extended since he was shot during his last mission and left by Rose to die. The next mini-comic sends us into Tyler’s world five years ago when he was sent on a routine surveillance operation that wasn’t routine at all. Assassins spring forth to take both Tyler and Rose out, Tyler only ‘surviving’ by jumping out a window. Shot and broken, Tyler blacks out as he watches his partner leave him to die.

When Tyler is brought back in S.Q.R.L. (Special Qualities Research Laboratory) he learns that his former boss is the one who tried to have him killed. The reason Tyler was brought back after all these years is to bring Director Gabriel back in.

The story moves along quickly and the artwork is truly top notch. The comic is done by a duo only known as Bram and Monica on the back of the mini-comics. The Raised By Squirrels website offers each issue on the web and I’m not exactly sure how anyone would be able to get a print version of them. Perhaps writing Bram and Monica a nice e-mail would help. This espionage thriller, which seems to deal with superpowered covert agents though we have yet to see them actually use these powers, is a comic worth reading. Especially when you can get read it free on the net.

Learn more at: www.raisedbysquirrels.com

The White Elephant

The White Elephant (Alternative Comics, $8.95) is a haunting look at a trouble young man named Gene who is a prisoner to his dreams and the events of the past. Writer Damon Hurd presents us with a truly unique look at Gene’s horrors as he presents the comic book graphic novel to us as a sort of stage play. The reader reads and watches the characters move and interact while reading the text that is usually elsewhere on the page. At first this method seemed a tad daunting before quickly moving along flowingly.

Gene hasn’t seen his family for many years thus causing him the anxiety, dreams, and the insomnia he’s been shackled with. Gene thus talks with a therapist who tries to help him guide through what might have happened in his past, what made him never want to have any contact with his family again. As Gene moves through these harrowing dreams, he’s forced to relive a disgusting event that still sends shivers down his spine to this day. As if that isn’t bad enough, he sees a massive white elephant that no one else can, something of big significance that Gene is unable to figure out.

As the reader follows Gene from a yearly family barbeque, to a reunion with a cousin, to his own wedding, we learn of the horrors that Gene has had to face through his life. It isn’t horror in a Freddy or Jason sort of way, but a horror that any of us could experience and perhaps never forget.

Hurd’s amazing story is made this amazing with the help of artist Christopher Steininger. His black and white pencils give the book a spooky, eerie presence that does nothing but strengthen as you read through. I was amazed at how great The White Elephant really was, so much that I hope Hurd and Steininger would continue to work together forever if they are able to continue produce books of this caliber.

Learn more at: http://www.sulfurstar.com/origincomics/catalog/twe.php

Ape Omnibus Volume 1

A great way to suck me in is monkeys on a front cover. My Ape Omnibus Volume 1 (Ape Entertainment, $7.95) was a specially made variant so instead of the cartoon gorilla pictured here, I have a bunch of monkeys dressed up like soldiers! I’m a soldier, I like monkeys, this was an easy buy!

Ape’s first anthology throw six different tales at you, all done by a different writer and artist team. The first story ‘Possum at Large Vs. The Ankhst’ perhaps has the best artwork of the book and funniest story. A private-eye looking guy, a midget guy with a Moe Howard hairdo, and a walking talking dog who might just be the Egyptian God of Death.

So the three fall into a weird sub dimension that is at war. Unfortunately for the trio it’s a war of the bad 1980’s cartoon pop-culture remake people. From G.I. Moe (again funny because they all have the Moe Howard hairdo…even Scarlett!) to She-Man, they all launch an attack on the evil ninja empire The Fist of Wang Chung. That’s right and before everyone can Wang Chung tonight they’ll have to face the group’s evil leaders: Andrew Ridgley, Oates, and the guy from The Pet Shop Boys who doesn’t sing. Ah comedy.

From obscure superheroing to manga this anthology has it all. Perhaps the best of the entire book is Prometheus by David Hedgecock. In a fantasy world where there animals can walk and talk like people, scrubby little rabbit Prometheus is trying to get a job. Sure he may lack brute strength, but he can hear trouble from miles away with his big ass ears. Who needs a horse when you have a chicken-steed that can help you scout ahead? Did Prometheus mention he’s available for half the normal rate? SOLD!

Prometheus joins a party trying to lead a caravan through a jungle but little do they know that the evil monkey Grime (yup, a monkey who has an eyepatch, is evil, and is the leader of a pack of humans) knows they are coming. Might the little rabbit step up to save the day? I think he might, but as this is a short story, I’ll try not to give too much away. If you are a fan of Usagi Yojumbo or a lover of fantasy, then this story alone is enough to purchase the Ape Omnibus. Luckily all the stories are more then entertaining and well worth your eight dollars.

Learn more at: www.ape-entertainment.com

Links!!

I could review comics from SPX forever but by the time I’m done the next SPX would be here. While my SPX comic wrap-up is done I thought I would share with you a multitude of links. From different comic books, companies, and even organizations like Friends of Lulu, there are many great websites supporting independent comics that readers might never find unless they are actually looking. Here is just a small portion from SPX and I welcome everyone to throw in more websites of indy press and creators that they know of. Take the time out and look at some of these great sites, you might just find a new favorite book.

Jax Epoch and the Quick Forbbiden: http://www.quickenforbidden.com
Symplectic Press: http://www.outsidecomics.com
Feastering Season: http://www.stickmangraphics.com
Jane’s World: http://www.girltwirlcomics.com
Evenfall: http://www.petestathis.com
Silent K Graphics: http://www.silent-k.net
PV Comics: http://www.pvcomics.com
Fatalysia: http://www.fatalysia.com
Friends of Lulu: http://www.friends-lulu.org
Onion Head Monster: http://www.onionheadmonster.com
Leland Pervis: http://www.packrabbitpress.com
Suburban Folklore: http://www.ourobor.com
The Dada Detective: http://www.likelystories.com
Finder: http://www.lightspeedpress.com
Goats: http://www.goats.com
Lorelei: http://www.starwarpconcepts.com
Mad Yak Press: http://www.madyakpress.com
House of Twelve Comics: http://www.houseoftwelve.com

A special last shout out goes to Code Deco’s Jonas – Tales of an Ironstar. Brian Colin and his crew came to SPX with a lot of incredible looking artwork and one hell of a marketing campaign. Brian’s book isn’t actually printed yet, he was there just to inform fans and readers that the book was coming out this November. From the previews he had at his table one could easily tell that Jonas is going to be fantastic. You can learn more about this book at http://www.ironstarcomics.com .

[benjaminbirdie]

You can actually pick up my SPX book, the daringly designed Benjamin & Mike's Split 7" Mini-Comic, here. Click on "...more detail" for a FIVE PAGE preview.

Total excitement.

[pacorabbit]

...should be the following...

givemefreedom2001@yahoo.com

Thanks,
PACO RABBIT

Be sure to visit the POPCULTUREJUNKIE website...

http://www.angelfire.com/zine2/popcu...nkie/blog.html

[dhedgecock]

Thanks for the kind words on OMNIBUS V.1! Being the guy who wrote and drew the Prometheus story, I'm especially thankful of the praise.

FYI- OMNIBUS V.2 is now available for order in the October issue of PREVIEWS (Page 228 in the catalog, page 31 on your order form).

Another 64 pages of comic goodness but at a friendlier ($5.95) price! Most of the hooligans from issue one are back in this new book but now have even GREATER deadly-ninja-artist-type skills.

If anyone needs to see a preview to decide, head over to the website-
http://www.ape-entertainment.com

Thanks again for the review!

[Darren J. Gendron]

The Expert's Guide on How To Kill Things That Go Bump in the Night also made its debut at SPX.

[Ryan Twombly]

Here's an early prediction: Hedgecock's Prometheus = the next Bone! Remember I said that.

[monica]

thanks for the great review, and thanks to everybody who visited the site and requested a leftover spx package.

anyody who'd like to be notified when we finish new issues can email us at email@raisedbysquirrels.com, and we'll add you to our list.

_monica