Scripts: Matt Crehan, Jon Slater & Mike West Art: Federico Avella, Jon Slater, Jon Scrivens & Mike West Publisher: Cog Life Comics
Because this is only a single issue split into 3 short stories, and not the trade paperback length I typically review, details are minimal.
WHAT IS IT?
Three short stories from different creative minds, put together in a standard-sized issue.
The art and narratives are all different and not connected beyond the theme of “Isolation.”
WHAT'S IT ABOUT? (Minor Spoilers)
The first story, Man of Mystery, is strange one, involving what seems to be an old man as he hallucinates or lets his mind water to terrible places on his way to the office (or to visit his family’s graves?). In all actuality, it follows a hero quickly through his life, showing the sad place he’s in toward the end of it.
Deliveries, the second story, explores life without a network of friends, and how people will try to connect with strangers in the absence of acquaintances.
The last, Abominable, shows a group of people on a mountain. It seems like it picks up after an accident happens, but it looks like they’re trying to prove Bigfoot’s existence. It’s definitely the one with the higher quality art (see image below) and narrative, fitting a lot of story in without having to over-explain.
WHAT WORKS?
It’s interesting to see how the medium of flash fiction can extend to comics
It’s FREE on the Comichaus app
Small, indie comics like these can create at a more abstract level than more major ones, so it’s cool to see the creative difference between the two
It’s also really cool to compare the different choices in font, lettering, and balance of art vs. dialogue to convey the story in each
The brevity of each story helps each stay on theme (isolation) and forces them to trim any fat from their narratives
Jon Scrivens' letters and color in Abominable add depth, shading and life to the comic
WHAT DOESN'T WORK?
As with the other comics reviewed this week, celebrating lesser known comics creators, it’s difficult and unfair to compare this comic to those of established professionals in the industry
This is an independent, self-published work created by people who can’t draw from a wealth of comics experience, so the quality isn’t as polished as the other titles I post about here
The first story was difficult to understand what is actually going on
This comic has no color, if that sort of thing bothers you
While edgy and thought-provoking, the art and stories don’t do much that’s new or different or innovative for the medium (although that’s a lot to ask for just a few pages per story)
WHY SHOULD YOU READ IT?
If you’re in the mood for independent comics and you’ve got an open mind, check it out! I wouldn’t put it at the top of your list, but it’s cool to see these really indie titles and how differ-ent they are from the more major ones. Plus it's free!
WHAT DO I READ NEXT?
If you like the writing:
The Art of Running: The Steve Prefontaine Story by Matt Crehan & Sigit Nugroho
The Night Shift by Mike West
If you like the art:
Vengeance, Nevada by B.J. Mendelson & Piotr Czaplarski
ABOUT THE CREATORS
Matt Crehan – Writer
Many of his comics have to do with running, one of his life’s obsessions
Jon Slater – Writer & Artist
Dream Team: Founded Cog Life Comics (this issue’s publisher) with Mike West and Declan Montgomery, who also contributed on this title
Federico Avella – Artist
Outlander: Lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Multitalented: Also works as an illustrator in multiple media for magazines
Mike West – Writer & Artist
Multitalented: Is a British Alt-Country musician
Is also a super nice guy
Jon Scrivens – Colorist & Letterer
Multitalented: You don't often find someone who's both a colorist AND a letterer, but Scrivens is talented at both!
He also works as a toy shop manager
HOW DO I BUY IT?
The image(s) used in this article are from a comic strip, webcomic or the cover or interior of a comic book. The copyright for this image(s) is likely owned by either the publisher of the comic, the writer(s) and/or artist(s) who produced the comic. It is believed that the use of this image(s) qualifies as fair use under the United States copyright law. The image is used in a limited fashion in an educational manner in order to illustrate the points of the author and not for the purpose of entertainment or substituting the original work. It is believed the use of this image has had no impact on the market value of the original work.
All Cog Life Comics characters and the distinctive likeness(es) thereof are trademarks of and copyright Cog Life Comics or their respective owners. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.