My review of the 12 issue BULLET GAL comic series by Andrez Bergen. Plus, I talk about an important Kickstarter related to the series. Awesomesauce!

Interior art from issue #2 by Andrez.

Although there has been individual issue by issue coverage of Bullet Gal by Andrez Bergen on my blog before, I recently finished reading the entire series, and decided to review it as a whole. My review is spoiler free, as I am dealing with the basics contained in the story, and not going into specific detail. I would like new readers to approach this with their minds wide open, and for them to be able to have the same amazing experience I had reading the series, constantly wondering what new trick Andrez would pull out of his sleeve in the next issue. Every time Andrez sent me a new story in the series, my anticipation was on the same level as a child on Christmas day, and like that child, I immediately tore into my new present. And I was amazed by what was inside... I hope you have the same experience.


 Reading anything by Andrez Bergen is always a distinct pleasure. Case in point- his Bullet Gal comic book series. 12 issues of genre blending goodness, this series is a more than worthy edition to his ever growing fictional universe. For the new reader, here's a mild spoiler... Read through the author's work diligently, as they are seriously interlinked, and you never know who might pop into the current story. That said, any of his works can be enjoyed on their own, but reading them as a whole adds to the overall experience. The Bullet Gal series is a bridge between two of his stories, filling in the events between two fixed points. Sounds simple, yes? The truth of the matter is that it is far from simple, and this isn't in any way filler material. Andrez surprises the reader at every turn, and manages to connect his works seamlessly...

Interior art from issue #3 by Andrez.

The protagonist of the series is a young woman named Mitzi (here's a review of her origin story), who has just blown into the city of Heropa (Here's a review of the Heropa novel. It was my first review for my blog, and I have to thank Andrez for helping me get off my butt with this awesome read.). She has plenty of reasons to hate the criminal element residing in Heropa, and the gal, plus her twin pistols, immediately go to work. As she racks up quite a body count, Mitzi is approached by someone who has a quite different vision for Heropa, a plan that, if it succeeds, will turn Heropa into a virtual utopia...


The author's narrative generously blends sci-fi dystopia, noir, hard-boiled elements, and Golden Age superheroes into a unique blend of storytelling wizardry. Mitzi's initial baby-steps in the new world of Heropa followed in the tradition of pulp heroes, such as The Shadow or The Spider, but she is soon set upon a different path. Although she is initially suspicious of this new element (a man named Lee, who is offering to train her under the auspices of a third party), she reluctantly begins to work with the man. While she still has reservations about the whole situation, she begins to enjoy working with Lee, and comes to think of him as a friend and mentor. The relationship between the two is a genuine focal point in the story, and Andrez nails the characterization of both Mitzi and (her) Lee. Everything isn't sweetness and light, and the two butt heads frequently, but they bring out the best aspects of one another. Together, they are much more than the sum of their parts...

Interior art from issue #4 by Andrez.

While the series is focused on Mitzi's transformative journey, the other characters (major or minor) are not simply roughed in. They all (even down to what could have been filler characters), have their own distinct personality. Two of the issues are dedicated to other character's exploits, and/or backstory, and they fit seamlessly into the narrative. Andrez isn't worldbuilding, at this point, the world has already been built. Instead, he's filling in the gaps between point A and point C. Fleshing out characters, chronicling unknown events, expanding his mythos. Despite knowing where the series ended up, he constantly surprised me with the character's reactions to events, and with the events themselves. The story is akin to a rollercoaster ride, constantly bringing the reader to new highs and lows, emotionally.


Let's talk about the art... If you've ever seen a classic noir film (I'd recommend The Third Man, The Maltese Falcon, and Touch of Evil, among many others), then you have experienced the type of art employed by Andrez in Bullet Gal. Black and white (heavy on the black), yet surprisingly beautiful, and at times serene... Andrez takes both found images, and original art, and then painstakingly manipulates them to match the various scenes contained within this release. As the series moves along, Andrez plays with panel composition and the overall flow between scenes, creating a rather mesmerizing effect on the reader. The feel is very experimental, while also being similar to watching a classic movie, frame by frame. His art style and overall composition reminds me of the cinematography employed in the groundbreaking film, Point Blank, directed by John Boorman. The further you get into the series, the more Andrez pushes the envelope, and the results are amazing. Gaining artistic confidence as he goes, he manages to produce something entirely unique, and gives us a story that is better in quality and execution than a majority of what is being put out in the mainstream market today. Hopefully, we get a collected edition of this series, which brings me to my next point of information...

Cover art for the Bullet Gal collection by Niagara Detroit.

Bullet Gal is published monthly through IF? Commix, a Australian comics publisher. Quite recently, a Canadian publishing group, Under Belly Comics, has picked up the entire series and moved forward with releasing it in a new format... As a complete collected volume, compiling all 12 issues of Bullet Gal, and releasing the physical copies throughout Canada and the States! As a huge supporter of the series, I was dead chuffed to hear the news. Under Belly has recently launched a Kickstarter for the project, which can be found here. I feel that this is a project that needs to reach fruition, and I hope that you guys will stop by, and help this release become a reality. You'll be supporting one of the best comic series out there, and a creator that is moving in areas that are outside the box, as far as the current landscape of comics and genre fiction goes. Get in on the ground floor!


Lastly, I'd like to say thanks to Andrez Bergen for simply being an all around rock star, and blowing my mind with every new story. You're aces with me, laddie! Get some sleep, matey, I don't know how you do it... And to my like-minded compadre Galo Gutierrez from Comic Book Geeks and Project-Nerd (who had a BIG hand in this latest development), you rock, mate! As usual, happy reading, and I'm signing off... Zero Signal.........................

Here's where you can get digital copies of Bullet Gal, and inquire about acquiring physical editions.

Here's the author's blog. I'm sure Andrez would love to see you pop by, look around, and say hello.

Finally, here's another link to the Kickstarter. Drop in and support indie comics!

Here's my review of the first issue of THAT BULLETPROOF KID.

Well, I recently finished reading through issue #1 of That Bulletproof Kid by the team of Matt Kyme (creator/writer), Arthur Strickland (art), and Brendan Halyday (lettering). I must say I was quite impressed with the comic in its entirety. Matt and company have put out a quality comic, and I'm very interested in seeing where the story goes in future issues. Here's some thoughts on the individual elements.




We open with a brief interlude between our hero, Anth (That Bulletproof Kid himself), and his mother. After reading an article in the local paper, she voices her opinion that she believes that teenagers should not be allowed to be superheroes by the Tribunal (apparently an over-watch group that regulates supes). Little does she know that the teenage superhero in the post she is complaining about is her son. We then flashback 30 years, and witness the superhero Mr. Tremendous break out his brother, Dr. Formidable, from the Tribunal's holding center. Not everything is as it seems, however. Mr. Tremendous actually wants to take his brother back to their home planet to answer for his crimes. Dr. F is not too keen on this idea...


Back in the present, Anth is starting his first day of year 11 at school. Things are a bit complicated, in that his friends have noticed his numerous absences throughout break, and Anth is having trouble coming up with suitable explanations. He can't very well tell them that he was running around in a mask and fighting crime, now can he? The sequences where he is fighting crime is covered in a brief flashback. Add a bully to the list, and Anth's day just keeps going downhill... until the story kicks it up a notch, and the action starts to flow...




That Bulletproof Kid is a top notch indie comic release. Matt's writing chops are just as impressive as his artistic talent (Yes, he's an artist as well. Lucky devil.). He accomplishes what every writer of an ongoing series should aspire to; namely, showing you enough of the different plot elements to get you interested, but not giving you all the answers at once. That way they can be slowly built upon in upcoming issues, and the reader, basically, has to keep reading to discover just where the story is going. I'm impressed by how restrained and nuanced this is, especially for the superhero genre. Very nice.

Arthur's artistic style is bold, colorful, and assured. His renderings are quite believable in nature, and between his art, and Matt's writing, you come away with the feeling that you are dealing with everyday teenage students (except for the fact that won is a superhero, of course). His style is unique, and I was really having a rum go trying to figure out a comparison (there is something familiar about the art, not a heavy influence, but just a light touch around the edges of the character compositions). I finally hit upon it, and it's probably just me, as I said the similarities are very minor. If you take away the color, and add a bit more darkness, the art reminds me (slightly) of the much missed Barry Blair, whose independent press Aircel Comics was much loved by myself. That's all I got. Like I said, Arthur's style is unique to himself, and very much appreciated.




Well, here's where I tell you to read That Bulletproof Kid... Read it, dang it! You'll make myself, Matt, Arthur, and all involved happy if you do. Plus, and more importantly, you'll be picking up a really good adventure, and getting a lot of enjoyment out of it, if you do. A really rocking first issue, and here's hoping for many more. There are some links at the bottom of the page which I'm sure Matt and Co. would love you to take a look at. As for me? Back to reading, as usual... Bye, all, and happy reading!


You can get your hands on this book here, and here's the official Bulletproof Kid website.

Review of "Tales to Admonish" issue #2! Some very good stuff...

I'd like to start out by saying that I believe, unintentionally, to have put my foot in my mouth. I had mused one day about different author's works that I would like to see recreated in a graphic format on my Facebook page. I had recently finished reading "Who is Killing the Great Capes of Heropa", and included it's author, Andrez Bergen on that list. Mind you, Andrez had sent me a PDF version of "Tales to Admonish" #2 to take a look at before said musing. I had downloaded it and taken a quick look, but hadn't gotten past the title page, with which I was impressed. I came back to it earlier this week, and read through it. Back to the foot in mouth incident; Andrew already has a talented artist illustrating his characters in Matt Kyme! Mea culpa Matt! Your artistry perfectly fits the stories that Andrez brings to the table. Let's get to the review, now that I've got that off my chest. We start out with 'Adam's Ribs' a tale featuring Andrez's character's Roy and Suzie, involved in a bit of vampire hunting. Roy's the hard-bitten professional type, with a flair for sarcastic wit; Suzie's his vivacious assistant, who seems to have a bit of a problem with the proceedings, which I'll get to in a sec. The tale starts at what you would think would be the end; Roy musing about previous vampire kills to himself, about to stake another fanged bozo. As he brings the hammer down to drive in the stake... OBJECTION! On Suzie's part, that is. Apparently, she wants to be dead certain that the corpse in question is actually what he appears to be. Her distraction, causing Roy to misplace his strike, does just that... Roy's musings throughout the ensuing incident are pure gold, along with Suzie's comebacks. A nice piece of noir, mixed with the supernatural. Matt's illustrations are stark black and white, with color inserted at times, which really draws the eye. His work illustrating the trio's expressions (Roy, Suzie, fang-boy) are highlights. Very nice! Had me laughing from the get-go! Moving on, we have 'All Fur Coat, No Knickers', in which Bullet Girl manages to not only foil a robbery, but also find something nice to wear for her date! Pure old-school superhero goodness, in my opinion. If you want more (much, much more) background on Bullet Girl, check out the aforementioned "Who is Killing the Great Capes of Heropa." The opening illustration by Matt definitely reminds me, in many ways, of a image of Sand Saref by the master Will Eisner. Once again, stark black and white, with accents of color. The last of the tales is 'Salvation Nation' set in an a post WWIII setting, where almost everyone is dead. Two survivors in radiation suits search a deserted government base for the 'Salvation Device', their oxygen supply running low, in a desperate bid for survival. Their search is rewarded, but the results are not quite as they hoped for. The last couple of frames had me crying "No you fools!", but that's just me. Definitely evokes the feel of EC and Warren titles from yesteryear, crossed with Stan Lee and Jack Kirby (one of the characters even makes a Kirby reference in the story). Matt's art is once again, black and white, with flashes of color interspersed, but I believe this is a real highlight! Matt really knocks it out of the park on this one... By the way, everything I just referenced, for those of you who haven't experienced the publishers/creators mentioned, means that you should run out and get this title... It's that good! Summing up, I'd rather be reading this than a large majority of more "mainstream" comics that are on the market. Andrez and Matt are both at the top of their game, and you all should take a look. Highly recommended, and if I could give it more than 5 stars on the ranking I would. As it stands, 5 out of 5.

Matt Kyme's opening panels for 'Adam's Rib', a Roy and Suzie adventure.


Here's a couple of links to further your investigations...

IF? COMMIX

Matt Kyme's other project... That Bulletproof Kid!

Here's one of my earliest reviews, on Richard Lee Byers' first entry in The Imposter series.

The latest entry by Richard Lee Byers, "The Imposter#1:Half a Hero" is just pure fun. The overall premise is that Earth is suddenly invaded by insect-like aliens, and our greatest superheroes go down en masse. Who's left to pick up the pieces? Ordinary humanity, and in particular one man who needs to reach down deep and find the hero inside himself. He finds himself a reluctant recipient to two of the late heroes items of power. The set up of superheroes vs. aliens is something I would happily read in my favorite pulp magazine, but the key is pulling away the security blanket at the outset. This gives the characters no choice but to try to work together to survive. Is Matt Brown (the main character) making all the right choices? Maybe, maybe not; but his transformation into a leader is enjoyable reading. His alter ego of Dr. Umbra is a very cool character, which reminds me of The Shadow, amongst others. I'm not saying this is derivative in any way, just that it hits all the right notes, and reminds me of classic characters. As the story progresses, superpowered villains are introduced. They, of course, have been keeping their heads down, and are now trying to figure out a way to turn the situation to their advantage. When, and how, will they turn on Matt? This is a very well written, well constructed, and engaging piece by Mr. Byers. Is it short? Yes, but that did not interfere with my enjoyment of the story. Instead, it left me eager for the further adventures of The Imposter. I mean, really, it's 99 cents. Take a chance, buy the book, and enjoy.

Thoughts on Andrez Bergen's "Who is Killing the Great Capes of Heropa?"

Here's some thoughts on a really cool novel I just finished. I'd like to start out by saying that "Who is Killing the Great Capes of Heropa?" and it's author, Andrez Bergen, were not even remotely on my radar when I picked up this book. It was really by pure chance that I ended up coming across the novel, and purchasing it. I was looking through my recommendations page on Amazon, and the striking cover design caught my eye. I went ahead and took a look at the synopsis and some of the reviews. The words dystopian, noir, and sci-fi stood out; and then I saw that it also was about superheroes. Now I love these genres, and was instantly intrigued; but I wasn't really sure what to expect, and if this would be a quality read. I purchased it anyway, and started reading about a week later. It turns out that this chance pick was a great one, as this is easily one of the most entertaining takes on the genres mentioned that I have read in recent memory. The novel adds up to much more than the sum of it's parts, and is a cracking good adventure/mystery, to boot. Although the beginning of the story can be a bit confusing, there is a perfectly simple reason for this; the protagonist has been thrust into a new environment, and being immersed in his narrative, we share in his confusion and his efforts to learn about Heropa as quickly as possible. All I can say is keep reading, because you definitely do not want to miss the rollercoaster ride that is coming! After the opening, we are slowly introduced to the players, and learn of the mystery that is happening within Heropa. Superheroes are dying, and this not at all as it should be. As the story moves inexorably along, we find that there are many things about Heropa that are not as they seem. The narrative flows seamlessly from revelation to revelation, and you will find that when you finish the story, it is not at all what you expected when you began. Experiencing this evolution is quite wonderful. Although there are many different themes explored within these pages, I'll say that the growth of the protagonist, Jack, makes for a very cool coming of age story. As I said it is just one of many themes explored, but watching Jack slowly learn to be a true hero is just pure fun. I could spend all day breaking down the different elements that exist within the story, and why I personally enjoy them; however, I don't want to spoil the fun for any new readers, so I'll cut this short. By the way, I would also recommend that you read through the glossary, acknowledgements, and afterword, once you are done reading the novel. They all contain some interesting thoughts and recommendations. All in all, this was a wonderful reading experience, and I highly recommend it.