TOXIC SHOCK COMICS #1 REVIEW

[Adam Chapman]

Reviewer: Adam Chapman adam.chapman@sympatico.ca
Quick Rating: Interesting
Title: Kind Budz, Generic Super-Hero Man; Killer Lawn Gnomes from Hell; Generic Super-Hero Man; The Subcultural Syndicate

An Anthology of stories published by Toxic Shock Comics.

Reviews:

Cover: Nick Clark & Mike Storniolo
Cover Logo: B.R. Salazar
Lettered: Mike Storniolo
Printed by: Ka-Blam
Publisher: Toxic Shock Entertainment

Last year, Toxic Shock Entertainment had a special preview limited edition which was released, and featured early versions and prototypes for most of the sketches which see print with this issue. The anthology is an enjoyable read, combining different styles, both from a writing and artistic standpoint, which really takes the advantages of indie comics and proves why they are advantages. There's breakage of the fourth wall, self-aware characters, and gritty, realistic art which really helps the book succeed. The black and white look also enhances the rough-edged nature of the artwork which in turn enhances the stories.

Kind Budz
Written and Illustrated By: Nick Clark and Zach Russell

When I first reviewed the preview book last year, it was this strip, by Clark & Russell, which was far and away my favourite. This trend continues with this issue, as the story is very relatable, to the point, and possesses an important rawness. Its a very simplistic story, told in a stripped-down style, but once again its this style which allows it to succeed, as the main character interacts with the reader, and takes him along for the ride which is the story. The story is utter simplicity, but its because of the interaction with the reader that it succeeds, because you really do get drawn into this event, this almost-fight, and the lead character is likeable and relatable because he represents what most people would be feeling in such a situation. Relatability, a stripped-down writing and artistic style allow this story to not only succeed, but provide an enjoyable reading experience.

Generic Super-Hero Man in "It was... anonymous"
Writer: Mike Storniolo
Art: Chris Wilson

The second story employs satire, as Storniolo mocks the superhero genre with his creation "Generic Super-Hero Man." Its a humorous one-page story, the fun is not only in the hero, but rather the villain, and how he is defeated.

Killer Lawn Gnomes from Hell
Writer: Mike Storniolo
Artist: Nick Clark

This brief strip is a set-up for an ongoing serial, as Lawn Gnomes go missing, as they gather together and prepare their revenge upon the human race. There's a lot of fun potential here, as this issue mainly features the Gnomes gathering for a large rally of Lawn Gnomes. Clark's art sells the story because its suitably weird, odd, and perfect in capturing the creepiness of the Garden Gnomes.

Generic Super-Hero Man in "Stop! Colllaborate and Listen!"
Writer: Mike Storniolo
Pencils: Chris Wilson

Another Generic Super-Hero Man short, once again including Fruit Pies, as the Mad Rhymer strikes and attempts to mind control the masses into bringing him fruit pies. Of the two Generic Super-Hero Man shorts in this collection, this was my favourite of the two, with a more original and fun villain, and rhyming is always a great feature in a comedic send-up of a villain.

The Sub-Cultural Syndicate
Writer: Mike Storniolo
Art: Nick Clark & Mike Storniolo

Once again, a monkey named Kirby, weapons, and, of course, ninjas. This is a fun yet violent romp, complete with absurdist fare. Its a nice way to end the issue, the art by the team of Clark and Storniolo works really well with the latter's scripting, and results in a weird yet funny issue which is easily enjoyable.

Ratings:

Overall:

[MikeStorniolo]

Thanks for the review Adam, glad you enjoyed the book. People can check out www.myspace.com/toxic_shock_comics for more news on the book, ordering info, and previews on #2 in the next few weeks. Thanks again man...