Of
what use is a beautifully wrapped package of sewage?
Battle Pope (Funk-O-Tron Publishing) is a new comic book that answers
that question. Its art is outstanding. Its content stinks.
Its
best use is as landfill.
The
premise of Battle Pope is simple. A Pope who has committed every
atrocity imaginable stands in judgment before God to receive a commission
to fight against the creature he emulates, Satan. His sidekick is to be
that 'inept' Son of God, Jesus Christ.
Ignorance is no defense of his excesses because the writer of Pope
understands the principles that he trashes. Save your breath if you would
claim the exaggeration of satire or the broad brush of parody as
justification. Satire seeks Truth as well as yaks, and the only goal of
parody is laughter. Battle Pope falls far short of anything
approaching humor or truth.
Christians will find Battle Pope blasphemous. Most other readers
will find its graphic sex, violence and profanity tasteless, excessive and
unentertaining.
The
best scenario is this pretty package won't be found at all.
Review by Michael Vance
Of
what use is a comic book without an artist?
Dark
Matters (Dark Star Comics) is illustrated by Steve Kirkland "who
cannot draw to save his life". He creates or manipulates computer art
to visually tell his story much like some people cut and paste images from
magazines to produce a montage.
Regrettably, this approach has a internal logic that is interesting and
works on many levels, but will leave some people unsatisfied.
Yes,
gentle reader, Dark Matters' packaging is somewhat unappealing. But
its content shines. This Kirkland guy can write.
Kirkland chronicles seemingly unconnected human dramas tied to a vast,
supernatural force that is symbolized by the illuminated face of a clock
tower and the moon. He does so with an intricate, wholly believable plot
and intriguing characterizations that captivate.
Dark
Matter is a page turner and a rough-edged gem that will entertain
readers who don't obsess over polished art.
Review by Michael Vance