Cool Projects #12

Thanks again for returning for another edition of our "Cool Projects" series. In #12 we have a couple creator owned comics that we think you'll enjoy as well as a crowd funding campaign for a movie that NEEDS to be made (in our opinion)! As always, enjoy and share!

Comic creator Todd Rayner sent us a review copy of his creator owned series, 'Icepick'. This book focuses on a costumed vigilante called 'Icepick'. 'Icepick' has what seems to be a mystical power to harness energy as a weapon, and a relentless ferocity thats one part Spawn and one part The Punisher. We dont get much of the characters back story in this first issue, but there is a connection between the vigilante and a scientist who's targeted by a mafia-like gang.

As I mentioned, Rayner doesn't touch on the back back story much, but the comic is very well scripted (I promise that comment makes sense. Read it, you'll understand), and written to the point that I have a confidence in Rayner and his intent to fill the voids in future issues. The solid writing combined with the great art reminiscent of Miller's Dark Knight with a bit of influence from Dave Gibbons' work on the Watchmen. Mr. Rayner, compliments his writing by creating very dark and gritty metropolitan landscapes, which as a fan of characters like Batman and Spawn, I really dig. This books definitely has me intrigued, and I'll be on the lookout for book 2. You can get a copy of 'Icepick #1' HERE or through Todd Rayner by finding him at a con or on Facebook. 

Another solid creator owned comic submitted to us, is The Space Heists Of Vyvy & Qwerty. This fun read is written and created by Niall Presnall, with art from Carlos Trigo and Osmarco Viladao.

This one was a fun read about Vyvy, a sarcastic, bombshell of a smuggler alongside her partner in crime, Qwerty, who we join mid mission. The mission: to find Qwerty the cyborg's creator. The plan goes weary, setting a wild chase in motion, and hopefully more books in the series.

The thing that stands out and intrigues me about this comic is the homages to many of our favorite stories and franchises from Robin Hood to Firefly to Star Wars and more...especially Star Wars as Vyvy and Qwerty feel like a tribute to Han Solo and Chewbacca specifically. 

I love the well written, sarcastic, innuendo laced dialogue, which gives us a sense who these characters are, without having to  push much backstory. That paired with the bold, anime inspired artworkb really make The Space Heists Of Vyvy And Qwerty work. I think Preanall, Trigo, and Viladao have a solid series budding here. Go grab a copy of The Space Heists Of Vyvy & Qwerty on Comixology and check out their Kickstarter to get book #2 published: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1090882041/the-space-heists-of-vyvy-and-qwerty-2 

I also mentioned a film project in the "crowd funding" stage of production...

Check out the GoFundMe for the film 'Preacher Six'. This film is an action-thriller produced by and starring Kyle Hester. Kyle is known for starring in Alterna Comics' 'The Chair', and the currently filming 'Zombie With A Shotgun'.

'Preacher Six', according to IMDb, "is a film about a small town preacher, who is brought to the city to fight evil "in a literal sense".  This one is slated to have an awesome cast including Carmen Argenziano (Godfather 2), Bill Oberst (Criminal Minds), Naomi Grossman (American horror Story), Zach Galligan (Gremlins) and Hester. Check out the trailer and decide for yourself. Personally, I want to see this one made, so lets push the GoFundMe campaign! Have a look and consider supporting it here: www.gofundme.com/preacher-six-los-angeles-shoot, and check out this trailer:

Stay tuned here at www.thestevestrout.com for more "Cool Projects", and if you want to contribute to the site (covering conventions, doing reviews, or anything relevant to the nerdy/pop culture theme), or  maybe know of a project we should mention, get in touch!

Steve Strout is the media mastermind (haha) behind this site, host of the Comic Book Swap Meet, nerd, terrible artist, gamer, convention goer and comic book reader who spends more time rescuing toys from thrift shops than a normal adult should. He is also known around the northwest for his promotion of live music and stand-up comedy events and is the creator/producer of the Comic Book Swap Meet mini convention, and Olympic Peninsula Comedy Competition (which will make it's big return soon!). Follow him on Instagram at http://instagram.com/thestevestrout, and  He can be reached for comments at ptcomedy@yahoo.com on twitter at @thestevestrout

          

Cool Projects #11

I've mentioned multiple times how I'm  pro wrestling fan, and that I want to share some wrestling stuff here, so this edition of 'Cool Projects' is all about a couple awesome wrestling themed comic books from Boom Studios.

Boom started a WWE comic series featuring a series of stories covering debuts and other milestones in WWE superstar's careers. For example, early issues featured Seth Rollins' big heel turn and betrayal of the Shield faction under the tutelage of HHH and the Authority.

The series has been ongoing, with special issues including the 2018 Royal Rumble Special, and features the art and writing of such talented creators as Dennis Hopeless (Spider-Man), Dan Mora (Klaus), Ross Thibodeaux (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), Rob Guillory (Chew), Ryan Ferrier (Kong On The Planet Of The Apes), Kevin Panetta (Regular Show), Kendall Goode (The Doorman), and Daniel Bayliss (WWE: Then. Now. Forever.) alongside contributions from the wrestlers themselves.

Cool Projects #10

In this edition of "Cool Projects', were bringing you a couple creator owned comics, a awesome goth and horror themed artist's shop and more...Enjoy, support these projects, and share!

Robert Tritthardt (Writhe and Shine)

Robert Tritthardt has been known on the scene for years with his comic series 'Writhe and Shine'...Recently he launched an etsy page to sell his gothic and horror themed art. This stuff is stunning work featuring but not limited to themes such as monsters, steampunk, goth and fantasy. Check out his page at www.etsy.com/shop/WritheAndShine. You can also find more art, including original art from his comic, 'Writhe and Shine' at  writheandshine.storenvy.com! 

Jet City Comic Show 2017 Recap

This recap of the 2017 Jet City Comic Show will be short and sweet. Let me tell you why...

As I've mentioned in recent posts, I had some health issues. Unfortunately those issues kept me away from my beloved convention scene. Being away also deprived me from seeing so many friends and acquaintances that I always crossed paths with at these fandom conventions, so I kind of got sidetracked a bit too much visiting all of my people at this show, also depriving myself from taking a ton of pictures like I normally would have. With that being said, it was fantastic getting back into the swing of things, and you can expect so much more in the coming months (as life permits). I also only attended one day, for the aforementioned reasons.

The Jet City Comic Show usually marks the end of the convention season in the Northwest, and as with each year, it culminates with one of the friendliest and exciting shows around. This year expanded the floor a bit adding some awesome replica automobiles from our favorite shows and more great panels than ever.