Monitor Review: Sci-Fi Noir At Its Finest

Technology can be a double-edged sword. The more it connects us, the further apart we can feel when there’s nothing but bad news in the world or we find ourselves dissatisfied compared to someone else. But we still have our privacy despite all the data breaches that have happened in the last decade and that’s something to be grateful for.

But what if our privacy was taken away? What if life was simply about collecting and monitoring data? That is the world of Monitor, a dark sci-fi noir graphic novel written by Damian Wampler. Creepy, poignant and gritty, Monitor plays with themes of connectivity and true freedom.

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The Banks Review: An Epic, Multigenerational Crime Story Of Empowered Women

When it come to the crime genre, comics are a unique method for storytelling. Whether it’s presenting violence or showcasing the inner monologue of a detective, the graphic medium of comics is perfect for heightening the drama that’s essential for a memorable crime story.

Roxane Gay takes full advantage of that in The Banks, a gritty, multi-generational comic series set in Chicago. The women of the Banks family have built their legacy by being the most successful thieves in the city. But when the youngest member of the Banks decides she wants to join the family business, chaos isn’t far behind.

Eve Of Extinction Review: A Gripping, Gender Subversive Dystopian Comic Series

The dystopian genre has produced some of my favourite stories. It’s the kind of genre that features relatable themes and highlights the destructiveness of humanity. The best kind of dystopian stories tend to focus on the relationships between survivors. In that regard, Salvatore Simeone and Steve Simeone’s Eve Of Extinction comic series succeeds.

Published by TKO Studios, Eve Of Extinction is set during the outbreak of a virus that specifically affects men. A band of women are forced together to try and survive the destruction, leading to compelling story that deals with motherhood and sisterhood.

Pound For Pound Review: Ballsy, Violent And Utterly Engrossing

The bond that two sisters share can be extremely powerful, especially in the wake of a traumatic family event. In Natalie Chaidez’s Pound For Pound series, the power of sisterhood is put to the test with the story of underground MMA fighter Dani Libra. Ballsy, violent and utterly engrossing, Pound For Pound is the kind of indie comic series that will keep you invested from start to finish.

The series is published by TKO Studios, which binge releases full comic collections at once. So, rather than wait six months to read the full story, I was able to read six issues in one sitting. It’s indie comic storytelling at its finest.

Untold #2 Review: WW2 Era Fantasy Makes For Some Impressive World Building

World War II was one of the most brutal conflicts in history, with a lot of people still remembering the kind of trauma that it caused. Donnie Souza’s Untold series shows the nature of war through a fantasy lens, placing humans alongside elves, orcs and other magical creatures. Untold #2 picks up from the previous issue, as veteran soldier Buchanan Daniels tries to uncover who blew up his tavern. The second issue highlights themes of racism, camaraderie and bravery.

A Guide To Getting Your Independent Comic Reviewed By Bloggers

It’s an amazing time to be a comic creator. The industry has expanded to the point that there are so many different ways to get your stories and art in front of an audience. Whether it’s through a Kickstarter campaign or posting comic panels on sites like Deviant Art, indie creators have greater opportunities than ever before. An effective way of building up good faith in your comic is by having it reviewed by a blogger.

Having a comic reviewed means it’ll be seen by a blogger’s audience and raise your profile. As someone who’s been reviewing independent comics for a while, I wanted to put together a guide to help indie creators who are thinking of approaching comic bloggers and review websites. There are certain methods that’ll increase your chances of getting a comic reviewed.

Lucy Chaplin: Science Starlet Review: Female Empowerment And Realistic Women

Comics provide an excellent opportunity for worlds to be created, with characters spinning off into their own series. Drew Edwards, the writer of Halloween Man, decided to do exactly that by creating Lucy Chaplin: Science Starlet. The comic features the adventures of Lucy Chaplin, a capable scientist who is considered to be one of the greatest minds in the world. The comic is intriguing because it contains a mixture of feminist empowerment and gender politics.

Son Of Hitler Review: A Rip-Roaring Thriller That Defies Expectations

For many people, World War II doesn’t seem that long ago. Countless lives were lost and plenty of stories have been told that cover Hitler’s evil and Nazi tyranny. You’d think there wouldn’t be any new ways to tell a story revolving around Nazis. Anthony Del Col and Geoff Moore’s Son Of Hitler will prove you wrong. The graphic novel is set in an alternate reality where the British secret service look to stop Hitler by sending his own son to kill him. Violent, entertaining and creative, Son Of Hitler goes off like a firecracker from the very first page. Del Col sent a copy of the graphic novel to The Comic Vault in exchange for an honest review.

Abbott #5 Review: A Satisfying, Supernatural Conclusion To An Exciting Series

Since it started in January, I’ve been following Saladin Ahmed’s Abbott series, which has continually impressed me with its subject matter and protagonist. Elena Abbott’s journalistic integrity combined with her status as a black woman has provided an interesting journey. Each issue has built momentum, showing elements of a supernatural threat lingering over Detroit. In Abbott #5, Elena finally confronts the demons of her past and future with explosive results.

The Black Monday Murders: Vol 2 Review: Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely

Money is one of the most powerful forces in the world because it gives people the chance to live the life they want to lead. In certain situations it can be treated like a religion, with people doing whatever they can to earn more. Johnathan Hickman focuses on the cult-like effect money has with The Black Monday Murders: Vol 2. The graphic novel is set in a world where different banking firms control the world through magic, blood sacrifice and ruthlessness. A member of the wealthy Rothschild family has been murdered, leading to a brutal war between the firms.