Writer: Timothy Bach Art: Brian Atkins Publisher: Source Point Press
Like a lot of the indie comics I review, this will only cover the first couple issues, and not the trade paperback length I typically review. Because of that, we don't get insight into the greater story arc, so details may be fewer and the story may be more difficult to judge.
WHAT IS IT?
A lighthearted action/adventure melting pot where science, fiction, family, mystery and classic monsters blend together surprisingly seamlessly and naturally.
It feels like The Incredibles recast with classic movie monsters and a heavier focus on science and magic/mysticism.
WHAT'S IT ABOUT?
(Minor Spoilers)
Phil Graves is a werewolf. He and his wife and their three kids are kind of just your normal family. I mean, besides the fact that they're a Gorgon, or a zombie, or other classic monster types, the Graves family all seem pretty much like any other family you'd meet.
But when Phil finds a magical mirror that connects to other mirrors across multiple dimensions, the day-to-day of family life takes a backseat to studying the science behind these magical mirrors. Time is of the essence as they are forced to save reality (and each other) from a powerful vampire (un)dead-set on becoming even more powerful.
WHAT WORKS?
If you like classic monster types and tropes mixed with a bright color pallet and dropped into a sci-fi action/adventure story, this is the perfect book for you
In fact, it's the perfect book for your whole family; people of all ages can enjoy it (and not in a lame, this-was-written-for-kids sort of way)
The writing also feels confident and realized, which you don't always get in independent titles
Indie comics don't often have color, so it's really cool seeing this in full color
The story feels familiar, but it has a fun new spin on it that's appealing to comics veterans and those new to comics, alike
The characters and world feel like they have a ton of potential for growth and more storytelling in the future
The lettering is well done, bringing the sound effects to life through fun, textured visual effects
By the time the second issue ends, you're going to want to read more
Luckily, individual issues are under $2, so you get a lot of value for your money!
WHAT DOESN'T WORK?
It doesn't seem like minorities are represented in this title (at least so far), and the family seems well off -- may not connect with all audiences
Don't go into this thinking it'll be scary: it has spooky concepts, but it may only be scary to very young kids
It's advertised as being about a dysfunctional family, but they actually seem very close, accepting and loving compared to a lot of modern media about messed-up families
WHY SHOULD I READ IT?
This is a great title to read if you have kids and want something to read together as a family. People of any age can enjoy it and, genre-wise, it also has something for everyone.
WHAT DO I READ NEXT?
If you like the writing:
The Family Graves, #3 by Timothy Bach & Brian Atkins
Fantastic Four, Ultimate Collection, Book 1 by Mark Waid & Mike Wieringo
Super Sons, Vol. 1 by Peter J. Tomasi & Jorge Jimenez
If you like the art:
Gargoyle by Moonlight by Timothy Bach & Brian Atkins
The Terrifics, Vol. 1 by Jeff Lemire, Evan "Doc" Shaner & Ivan Reis
Essential Man-Thing, Vol. 1 by Thomas, Conway, Wein, Gerber, Isabella, Ploog, Morrow & Buscema
ABOUT THE CREATORS
Timothy Bach – Writer, Co-creator
Moniker: Also goes by "Tim Bach" and "TDR Bach" in some comics credits
New Face: While he doesn't have a long list of comics credits under his belt, I suspect we'll see more from him in the future
Started the publishing imprint, Moonrise Comics, based near your favorite yeti, in St. Louis, MO!
Brian Atkins – Penciller, Inker, Co-creator
Dream Team: Tim & Brian enjoyed working together on Gargoyle By Moonlight so much, they decided to create The Family Graves together
Based in St. Louis, too!
Multitalented: Also works as a graphic designer
Dijjo Lima – Colorist
Moniker: His real name is Diego
Multitalented: Also works as "an art director, designer, colorist and advertising consultant for large companies"
Ander Zarate – Colorist
Sometimes takes coloring commissions on his Deviant Art page
Tends to work in bright, vibrant colors
Marco Della Verde – Letterer
Test of Time: Has worked in the industry for over 20 years
Multitalented: Is also the Production Manager of Hocus Pocus Comics
HOW DO I BUY IT?
Click one of these:
Pre-order it from your Local Comics Shop:
Issue #1 comes out 9.19.2018. Give the shop Diamond Code JUL182141 to pre-order it.
Issue #2 comes out 10.24.2018. Give the shop Diamond Code AUG182202 to pre-order it.
AND FOR YOU, DEAR READERS, A SPECIAL TREAT:
The comic's writer has allowed me to share the first 10 pages of issue #1 with you. Please feel free to click through the below and check them out!
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