Showing posts with label Approbation Comics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Approbation Comics. Show all posts

Thursday, October 13, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: CHAOS CAMPUS #43

CHAOS CAMPUS: SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES #43
APPROBATION COMICS

STORY: B. Alex Thompson
ART: Ricardo Mendez
COLORS: Alivon Ortiz
LETTERS: Krugos
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: John P. Ward
EDITOR: B. Alex Thompson
MISC: Ricardo Mendez with Alivon Ortiz
COVER: Ricardo Mendez with Alivon Ortiz
28pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (2019)

Rated: Teen 13+

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies created by B. Alex Thompson

“She Blinded Me With Magic”


Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is the long-running zombie apocalypse comic book series from Approbation Comics.  Mixing in elements of comedy, horror, adventure, and magic, it is the creation of B. Alex Thompson.  The series is set during a zombie invasion and follows the adventures of three members of the sorority, Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY):  ass-kickin’ Jamie Lynn Schaffer, brainy and magic-wielding Paige Helena Patton, and sexy goddess-type Brittany Ann Miller.  The series is written by Thompson.  It is currently drawn by Ricardo Mendez; colored by Alivon Ortiz; and lettered by Krugos.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #43 (“She Blinded Me with Magic”) opens on the “Campus” in the wake of the events of “Convocation.”  “The Alts” – a squad made of alternate world versions of our heroes – have injected Paige with “Nanobites” in order to kill her.

Now, the Campus heroes try to figure out a way to remove the Nanobites without killing Paige or blowing up half the country.  Since the Nanobites are anchored by Paige’s energy signature, the group decides to temporarily drain her of her powers so that they can disable and remove the tiny invaders.  Paige's mother, Morgan, is really big on the idea.  When Paige doesn’t consent to the procedure, Morgan overrides her decision. Paige doesn’t take it well…

Now, Paige has gone all “Dark Phoenix” on the people who should be her allies.  They can't stop her, but that ever scheming super-skank, Mitzy Peterson, is eager to volunteer her services – if everyone would only be good enough to help restore to Mitzy her powers...

THE LOWDOWN:  Yes, dear readers, I am continuing to review towards the conclusion of the Chaos Campus comic book series.  Every time I read an issue of this genre-busting series, however, I get deeper into the denial that the end is near.

Chaos Campus #43 continues a run of exceptionally good issues of this series.  With each issue, writer B. Alex Thompson offers what amounts to a graphic novel's worth of narrative – a trade paperback's worth of bombast in only 28 pages.  No one else is doing that.  Issue #43 joins #42 in a kind of two-fisted delivery system of “WOW!'  Thompson offers some of his best dialogue; the foul, mean-spirited crap coming outta Paige's mouth … Jeez!  It certainly makes for a good read.

Ricardo Mendez has already cemented his place as Chaos Campus' signature artist.  He makes each issue seems like a giant crossover event, as he juggles what seems like a cast of thousands.  Mendez manages to make it a better read than most big event series offered by Marvel or DC Comics.  Alivon Ortiz's colors sparkle and continue to make the graphical storytelling pop.  Krugos' lettering is the thumping soundtrack that Chaos Campus needs.

So, dear readers, it is easy to join the Chaos Campus fun.  I have placed a link where you can order issues at the bottom of this review – just for you.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of zombies, video games, and of horror-comedies will want to try Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies.

A
★★★★+ out of 4 stars

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"



Buy Chaos Campus here or at https://www.indyplanet.com/approbation-comics

www.ApprobationComics.com
https://twitter.com/ApproBAT
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com


The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

-----------------


Wednesday, September 14, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: CHAOS CAMPUS #42

CHAOS CAMPUS: SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES #42
APPROBATION COMICS

STORY: B. Alex Thompson
ART: Ricardo Mendez
COLORS: Alivon Ortiz
LETTERS: Krugos
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: John P. Ward
EDITOR: B. Alex Thompson
MISC: Ricardo Mendez with Alivon Ortiz
COVER: Ricardo Mendez with Alivon Ortiz
28pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (2019)

Rated: Teen 13+

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies created by B. Alex Thompson

“Convocation”


Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is the long-running zombie apocalypse comic book series from Approbation Comics.  Mixing in elements of comedy, horror, adventure, and magic, it is the creation of B. Alex Thompson.  The series is set during a zombie invasion and follows the adventures of three members of the sorority, Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY):  ass-kickin’ Jamie Lynn Schaffer, brainy and magic-wielding Paige Helena Patton, and sexy goddess-type Brittany Ann Miller.  The series is written by Thompson.  It is currently drawn by Ricardo Mendez; colored by Alivon Ortiz; and lettered by Krugos.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #42 (“Convocation”) opens on the “Campus” in the wake of the events of “Commencement.”  Tyler Patton interrogates the recently captured Mitzy Peterson about the actions of Dr. Lucian Campbell – still alive and still plotting to bring Skull Drudgery to this dimension.

Then, there is a gathering of the round table of the Campus' leadership, which includes the EAZY girls, of course.  Tempers flare, but Tyler forms an action team that will leave the campus in order to battle a new squad of alternate dimensional versions of themselves.  Called “The Alts,” they are led by Roger Sinclair and include alternate versions of Marco Aguilar, Janisha Johnson, Karen Kim, Katie Parker, and Billy Baker.  But can Tyler and his team:  Damien, Sanee, Dylan, and Mikhail, stop a group that doesn't plan on leaving until they have this world's version of Paige – so that they can killer her?

And Dylan plots to save Marco...

THE LOWDOWN:  Yes, dear readers, we are continuing toward the conclusion of the Chaos Campus comic book series.  Every time I read an issue of this genre-busting series, however, I get deeper into the denial that the end is near.

Chaos Campus #42 continues a run of exceptionally good issues of this series.  With each issue, writer B. Alex Thompson offers what amounts to a graphic novel's worth of narrative.  Here, twenty-eight pages reads like one of those 64 page annuals or paperback graphic novels from the 1980s and 90s.  Thompson makes each issue feel like an entire story arc of imaginative storytelling, and by the end, I honestly want more of his wonderful characters and their machinations.

Ricardo Mendez has already cemented his place as Chaos Campus' signature artist.  He has made Chaos Campus as much a character drama as it is a multiverse of zombie adventure.  Alivon Ortiz's colors sparkle and bring a vividness to this world.  Of course, Krugos' lettering completes the storytelling with a thumping soundtrack.

So, dear readers, it is easy to join the Chaos Campus fun.  I have placed a link where you can order issues at the bottom of this review – just for you.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of zombies, video games, and of horror-comedies will want to try Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies.

A
★★★★+ out of 4 stars

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"



Buy Chaos Campus here or at https://www.indyplanet.com/approbation-comics

www.ApprobationComics.com
https://twitter.com/ApproBAT
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com


The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

-------------------

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: CHAOS CAMPUS #40

CHAOS CAMPUS: SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES #40
APPROBATION COMICS

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Ricardo Mendez
COLORS: Alivon Ortiz
LETTERS: Krugos
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: John P. Ward
EDITOR: B. Alex Thompson
MISC: Ricardo Mendez with Alivon Ortiz
COVER: Ricardo Mendez with Alivon Ortiz
24pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (2018)

Rated: Teen 13+

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies created by B. Alex Thompson

“Expiation”


Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is the long-running zombie apocalypse comic book series from Approbation Comics.  Mixing in elements of comedy, horror, adventure, and magic, it is the creation of B. Alex Thompson.  The series is set during a zombie invasion and follows the adventures of three members of the sorority, Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY):  ass-kickin’ Jamie Lynn Schaffer, brainy and magic-wielding Paige Helena Patton, and sexy goddess-type Brittany Ann Miller.  The series is written by Thompson.  It is currently drawn by Ricardo Mendez; colored by Alivon Ortiz; and lettered by Krugos.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #40 (“Expiation”) opens in the wake the “Alts” attack that did damage to the campus.  Jamie had a shocking reunion with Charles, her father, and with Aimee, her sister.  Aimee has been transformed into “Aqua Aimee,” a bio-mechanoid-like creature, because of an alien symbiote inside her … that is also killing her.

Jamie and Aimee have been placed in a coma so that Paige and Brittany can save them both.  Meanwhile, Jamie and Aimee wake up as children and are forced to grow up again while their real bodies and minds struggle to fight off the alien symbiote's influence.  Can the twin sisters survive this taxing mental and physical ordeal?  Or will the symbiote ultimately kill them both?  And will they survive the replay of an important moment in Jamie's life...

THE LOWDOWN:  Yes, dear readers, we are continuing toward the conclusion of the Chaos Campus comic book series.  Every time I read an issue of this genre-busting series, however, I get deeper into denial about the end.

In Chaos Campus #40, B. Alex Thompson offers his usual antics – fight, fight, and creature feature.  However, “Expiation” is an enjoyable story about clashing siblings.  It is one of the best depictions of the tensions between siblings and of their rivalries that I have ever seen in a comic book.  It feels authentic and genuine.

Ricardo Mendez, perhaps Chaos Campus' signature artist, captures the usual fun and the sibling melodrama that Thompson offers this issue.  Alivon Ortiz's sparkling colors really play well – surprisingly – on the girls' hair and costumes.  Of course, Krugos' lettering completes the storytelling with a ringing soundtrack.

It's easy to join the fun, dear readers.  The details are at the bottom of this review.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of zombies, video games, and of horror-comedies will want to try Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies.

A
★★★★ out of 4 stars

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"



Buy Chaos Campus here or at https://www.indyplanet.com/approbation-comics.

www.ApprobationComics.com
https://twitter.com/ApproBAT
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com


The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

-------------------

Saturday, April 9, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: CHAOS CAMPUS #39

CHAOS CAMPUS: SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES #39
APPROBATION COMICS

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Ricardo Mendez
COLORS: Alivon Ortiz
LETTERS: Krugos
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: John P. Ward
EDITOR: B. Alex Thompson
COVER: Ricardo Mendez with Alivon Ortiz
24pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. print/$1.99 U.S. digital (2018; digital release date – November 7, 2018)

Rated: Teen 13+ / 15+ Only – comiXology rating

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies created by B. Alex Thompson

“Penance”


Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is the long-running zombie apocalypse comic book series from Approbation Comics.  Mixing in elements of comedy, horror, adventure, and magic, it is the creation of B. Alex Thompson.  The series is set during a zombie invasion and follows the adventures of three members of the sorority, Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY):  ass-kickin’ Jamie Lynn Schaeffer, brainy and magic-wielding Paige Helena Patton, and sexy goddess-type Brittany Ann Miller.  The series is written by Thompson.  It is currently drawn by Ricardo Mendez; colored by Alivon Ortiz; and lettered by Krugos.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #39 (“Penance”) opens in the wake of the sudden kidnapping of Worm and Nikki's newborn baby by an alternate universe version of the late Roger.  The damage done to the campus by the alternate universe versions of our favorite characters (“Alts”) has created multiple campus entry points for the zombies.  Now, the campus is overrun by zombies, and our heroes are barely holding their own.

But the zombie riot is interrupted by a family reunion.  First, Jamie's father returns, seemingly from the clutches of death.  Right behind him is Jamie's sister, the “Aqua Aimee,” sporting blue symbiotic armor.  What's going on?  And what does the Schaeffer family reunion mean for our heroes?

THE LOWDOWN:  Dear readers, we continue toward the conclusion of Chaos Campus.  This genre-busting series continues to surprise with shocking reveals and new characters, new old characters, and also the narrative-changing returns.

B. Alex Thompson continues to add unresolved subplots and cliffhangers, pushing us deeper into this chaotic series.  I truly enjoy how he uses his vivid imagination to continue to grow the universe in which this series is set.  His imagination is why it is hard for me to believe that Chaos Campus is coming to an end.  He can't possibly be running out of ideas.

Meanwhile, Ricardo Mendez continues to bring Thompson's world to life in vivid graphical storytelling.  Every issues seems to involve a cast of thousands, and Mendez expertly depicts the kind of large storytelling that Marvel and DC Comics churn out as big event miniseries.  Alivon Ortiz's sparkling colors and Krugos' lettering complete the storytelling, making it all pop.

It's easy to join the fun, dear readers.  The details are at the bottom of this review.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of zombies and of horror-comedies will want to try Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies.

A
8 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"



Buy Chaos Campus here or at https://www.indyplanet.com/approbation-comics

www.ApprobationComics.com
https://twitter.com/ApproBAT
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com


The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

------------------


Friday, February 18, 2022

#IReadsYou Review: CHAOS CAMPUS #38

CHAOS CAMPUS: SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES #38
APPROBATION COMICS

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Ricardo Mendez
COLORS: Alivon Ortiz
LETTERS: Krugos
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: John P. Ward
EDITOR: B. Alex Thompson
COVER: Ricardo Mendez with Alivon Ortiz
28pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. print/$1.99 U.S. digital (2018; digital release date – November 7, 2018)

Rated: Teen 13+ / 15+ Only – comiXology rating

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies created by B. Alex Thompson

“Atonement”

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is the long-running zombie apocalypse comic book series from Approbation Comics.  Mixing in elements of comedy, horror, adventure, and magic, it is the creation of B. Alex Thompson.  The series is set during a zombie invasion and follows the adventures of three members of the sorority, Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY):  ass-kickin’ Jamie Lynn Schaeffer, brainy and magic-wielding Paige Helena Patton, and sexy goddess-type Brittany Ann Miller.

The series is written by Thompson.  It is currently drawn by Ricardo Mendez; colored by Alivon Ortiz; and lettered by Krugos.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #38 (“Atonement”) opens in the wake of the shocking discovering of alternate realities.  And alternate realities mean alternate versions of some of our favorite characters, especially the doppelgangers from one particular reality who are “Paige Hunters.”  Now our Jamie, Brittany, and Paige and company must join forces with the enemy, Tess Raven, Paige's “sister” who is really an alternate reality Paige.  Confused yet?

Well, welcome to the big throw down: Brittany versus Brittany.  Sometimes your greatest enemy is yourself.

THE LOWDOWN:  It is clear that B. Alex Thompson is building towards something big as he heads to the end of this series.  It is hard to accept that the end is coming because Chaos Campus has evolved since the first issue.  What was a zombie apocalypse comedy and parody of multiple film genres is now a complex genre-buster with enough characters for a video game franchise.

What else can I say that I have not already said.  Thompson is one of the most imaginative comic book writers working in comics over the first two decades of this still new century.  There is never a dull moment in Chaos Comics, and Thompson is the master of the cliffhanger.  Of course, Chaos Campus #38 offers a humdinger of an ending, one to assure the reader of returning for more

It's easy to join the fun, dear readers.  The details are at the bottom of this review.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of zombies and of horror-comedies will want to try Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


Buy Chaos Campus at comiXology or https://www.comixology.com/Chaos-Campus-Sorority-Girls-vs-Zombies/comics-series/63703?ref=c2VhcmNoL2luZGV4L2Rlc2t0b3Avc2xpZGVyTGlzdC90b3BSZXN1bHRzU2xpZGVy

www.ApprobationComics.com
https://twitter.com/ApproBAT
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com


The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

--------------------


Friday, December 31, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: CHAOS CAMPUS #37

CHAOS CAMPUS: SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES #37
APPROBATION COMICS

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Ricardo Mendez
COLORS: Alivon Ortiz
LETTERS: Krugos
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: John P. Ward
EDITOR: B. Alex Thompson
COVER: Ricardo Mendez with Alivon Ortiz
28pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. print/$1.99 U.S. digital (2018; digital release date – November 7, 2018)

Rated: Teen 13+ / 15+ Only – comiXology rating

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies created by B. Alex Thompson

“Restitution”


Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is the long-running zombie apocalypse comic book series from Approbation Comics.  Mixing in elements of comedy, horror, adventure, and magic, it is the creation of B. Alex Thompson.  The series is set during a zombie invasion and follows the adventures of three members of the sorority, Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY):  ass-kickin’ Jamie Lynn Schaeffer, brainy and magic-wielding Paige Helena Patton, and sexy goddess-type Brittany Ann Miller.

The “Higher Learning” story arc gives way to a new story, “Restitution.”  It is written by Thompson; drawn by Ricardo Mendez; colored by Alivon Ortiz; and lettered by Krugos.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #37 ("Restitution") opens in the wake of the battle to stop Paige's father, Parker Patton, who had become the villain, “Tech Locke.”  As the story begins, Paige, Jamie, and Damien are attempting to kill off the remaining horde of Neo-Zombies in order to protect a nearby survivors' colony.  Suddenly, Tess Raven, Paige's sister (of sorts), joins them in battle, but Paige and Damien would rather take her prisoner.

Paige is willing to hear what Tess has to say, but they are suddenly separated from the other two.  Paige and Tess also discover that they are suffering from drained powers.  The cause may be the sudden appearance of some of Paige's friends and allies:  Brittany, Sanee, Darren Wormsor, Roger, Oliver, Mikhail.  However, this Brittany seems strange.  Roger is supposed to be dead!  And Sanee is in full attack mode.  Meet the alternate friends from another world, the “Paige Hunters.”

In order to escape them, Tess will finally have to tell her origin story.  Now, she is going to reveal her true connection to Paige.

THE LOWDOWN:  B. Alex Thompson has recently presented some big story lines in the Chaos Campus narrative, such as “The Road to Salvation” and “Higher Learning.”  It is clear that Thompson is building towards something big as he heads to the end of this series.

Chaos Campus #37 directly ties into the trippy Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies: Extra Credit #10, with its alternate take on the beginnings of Chaos Campus.  There is also a connection to the early issue, Chaos Campus #7.  Here, Thompson offers a wonderful and mind-bending trip through multiple universes, alternate worlds, and mirror images.  I am loathe to spoil it, but Chaos Campus #37 is one of the series' best issues.

Artist Ricardo Mendez delivers sterling storytelling as he depicts a head-spinning number of dimensional jumps.  Mendez seems to be the ideal artist to graphically chronicle Thompson's current Chaos Campus status quo, and he continues to show that he can do the big event stories.

Colorist Alivon Ortiz makes the art crackle in living color, and Krugos' lettering continues the steady beat of this series, pounding out fonts like surround sound.  So where does Thompson go from here?  Let's keeping following, dear readers, because it is worth discovering.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of zombies and of horror-comedies will want to try Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


Buy Chaos Campus at comiXology

www.ApprobationComics.com
https://twitter.com/ApproBAT
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

----------------------


Friday, December 3, 2021

Review: CHAOS CAMPUS: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies: Extra Credit #10

CHAOS CAMPUS: EXTRA CREDIT #10
APPROBATION COMICS

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Ricardo Mendez
COLORS: Alivon Ortiz
LETTERS: Krugos
EDITOR: B. Alex Thompson
MISC. ART/BACK COVER: Ricardo Mendez with Alivon Ortiz
COVER: Ricardo Mendez with Alivon Ortiz
24pp, Color, $4.99 U.S./$1.99 digital-comic (2018; digital release date – October 31, 2018)

Rated: Teen 13+ / 15+ Only – comiXology rating

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies created by B. Alex Thompson

“Beginnings are Endings that Begin”


Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is a zombie apocalypse comic book series that mixes in elements of comedy, horror, and adventure.  Chaos Chaos is set during a zombie invasion and follows the adventures of three members of the sorority, Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY):  ass-kickin’ Jamie Lynn Schaeffer, brainy and magic-wielding Paige Helena Patton, and sexy Brittany Ann Miller.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies: Extra Credit is a “side series” to the main series.  It offers readers something “extra,” and is also set in the continuity of the main series.  Both series are the creation of B. Alex Thompson and are published by Thompson's company, Approbation Comics.  Chaos Campus: Extra Credit is written by Thompson; drawn by Ricardo Mendez; colored by Alivon Oritz; and lettered by Krugos.

Chaos Campus: Extra Credit #10 opens at the EAZY sorority house, the current location of debauchery and maybe, of an orgy.  College boys are ready to unleash as many loads as possible, and one of them is Paige's slutty boyfriend, Roger.  Buxom Brittany, Paige's friend, has had enough of Roger's cheating ways, and she plans on telling him off.  But she sure is in for a surprise.

Roger wants Brittany to convince Paige that the three of them should form a threesome, especially because he knows Brittany is bisexual and has romantic feelings for Paige.  But the kinkiness will have to be put on hold.  There are zombies about.

THE LOWDOWN:  I did not like Chaos Campus: Extra Credit #9 as much as I usually enjoy the main series.  It was not one of B. Alex Thompson's better efforts, but it was still enjoyable because it's a Chaos Campus comic book.

Extra Credit #10 is quite enjoyable, and it holds a delightful surprise for longtime readers.  It is a retelling (in a way) of the first two issues (more or less) of the original series, Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies.  I went back and took a look at Chaos Campus #1 and #2, and one of the things I realized is that the series could have taken a totally different direction than it did back then.  That exemplifies the fluid nature of both this series and of the Chaos Campus concept.  Chaos Campus is not “anything goes.”  However, it can be described as “anything is possible.”

As usual, artist Ricardo Mendez presents solid storytelling, and Alivon Ortiz's sharp colors add a vividness to the retelling that the original chapters did not have.  Letterer Krugo provides the new soundtrack of screams and comedy.

So, for those who can't get enough zombie-action from the main series, try Chaos Campus: Extra Credit #10.  It give it credit for being extra special.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Chaos Campus will always want to try Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies: Extra Credit.

A
8 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"



Buy Chaos Campus: Extra Credit #10 at comiXology.

www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

-----------------


Friday, November 12, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: SURFACING #9

SURFACING #9
APPROBATION COMICS

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Nato Magalhães
COLORS: Santtos
LETTERS: Krugos with Jahch & J< Yellodragon
EDITORS: Denise Thompson and John Ward
MISC. ART: Cesar Grego with Alivon Ortiz
COVER: Cesar Grego with Alivon Ortiz
24pp, Color, $4.99 U.S.

Rated: “M” for Mature

“Psychic Touch”


Surfacing is a comic book franchise created by B. Alex Thompson and published by Approbation Comics.  The four-issue miniseries, Surfacing: Depth Perceptions, focuses on a series of encounters, sometimes violent, between humans and mermaid-like creatures.  The eponymous Surfacing is an anthology series in which each issue offers a story in which a mermaid finds herself trapped in or confronting the world of humans.

One of the more recent standalone Surfacing stories is “Psychic Touch.”  It is written by Thompson, drawn by Nato Magalhães; colored by Santtos; and lettered by Krugos with Jahch & J< Yellodragon.

Surfacing #9 (“Psychic Touch”) opens in an unnamed city.  An unnamed young man sits on his bed while using his laptop to search the job listings at a website named “KruJobs.”  He doesn't find anything of interest until he comes across a listing for “Local Paid Clinical Trial.”  The next morning, he is at a medical building where a bizarre surgery is performed upon him.  A few hours later, he has the ability to sense the feelings and emotions of others.  That leads to good things, bad things, and strange things when he meets some creatures of fantasy and myth.

THE LOWDOWN:  I enjoyed the miniseries, Surfacing: Depth Perceptions, very much.  However, I prefer the ongoing Surfacing series, not only because it is an anthology, but also because it really showcases B. Alex Thompson's imaginative storytelling.

On occasion, Thompson has written stories that go right over my head, which “Psychic Touch” does, to an extent.  “Psychic Touch” does not have any dialogue, but it is not a pantomime comic because it does have caption boxes and lettering effects.  Thompson offers an interesting concept, but the mermaid elements seem not thrown in so much as out of place.  Still, I think this premise does merit further exploration.

The art team of illustrator Nato Magalhães and colorist Santtos are good for this story, partly because their art is similar to Surfacing's regular art team of Ricardo Mendez and Alivon Ortiz.  Magalhães' compositions capture the vague but menacing atmosphere of this premise while Santtos' colors capture the shifting emotional states of the characters and also how jarring the changes in settings and environments in this story can be.  In conveying how overwhelming emotions and feelings can be for a psychic, Krugos and company successful pull that off in an interesting style.

I recommend Surfacing #9 to regular readers of this series, and I think readers looking for something offbeat will also like it.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of fantasy comic books published by DC Comics' late imprint, Vertigo, will want to read Surfacing.

B+
7 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"



https://twitter.com/ApproBAT
www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

--------------


Friday, October 22, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: CHAOS CAMPUS #36

CHAOS CAMPUS: SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES #36
APPROBATION COMICS

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Ricardo Mendez
COLORS: Alivon Ortiz
LETTERS: Krugos
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: John P. Ward
EDITORS: B. Alex Thompson and John P. Ward
MISC. ART/BACK COVER: Ricardo Mendez with Alivon Ortiz
COVER: Ricardo Mendez with Alivon Ortiz
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. print/$1.99 U.S. digital (2017; digital release date – October 24, 2018)

Rated: Teen 13+ / 15+ Only – comiXology rating

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies created by B. Alex Thompson

“Higher Learning, Part 4 of 4”


Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is the long-running zombie apocalypse comic book series from Approbation Comics.  Mixing in elements of comedy, horror, adventure, and magic, it is the creation of B. Alex Thompson.  The series is set during a zombie invasion and follows the adventures of three members of the sorority, Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY):  ass-kickin’ Jamie Lynn Schaeffer, brainy and magic-wielding Paige Helena Patton, and sexy goddess-type Brittany Ann Miller.

The current story line, “Higher Learning,” comes to an end.  It is written by Thompson; drawn by Ricardo Mendez; colored by Alivon Ortiz; and lettered by Krugos.  In this story arc, Paige is reunited with her father, who also happens to be the villain, Tech Locke, and her “sister,” Tess Raven.  Now, Paige's friends must free her from his father's influence … if they can.

As Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #36 opens, the heroes, led by Paige's mother, Morgan, have invaded Tech Locke's stronghold.  Jamie takes charge in a bid to free Paige as well as the recently captured Brittany, but Paige is seemingly all-in on her father's plans.,

The bad guys prepare to assist Locke's ally, Doctor Lucian Campbell, who wants to ascend as “Skull Drudgery's” vessel.  Luckily, the heroes have some new allies from the other side, and by the end, many of these opponents, on both sides, are going to have to pay the ultimate price for their actions.

THE LOWDOWN:  After bringing “The Road to Salvation” story line to an end, writer B. Alex Thompson, offered a few issues of standalone stories.  Then, he turned his attention to what may be his most ambitious story arc to day, “Higher Learning.”  Chaos Campus #36 brings it all to an end, and it may be the series' first double-sized issue used to conclude an arc.

As usual, artist Ricardo Mendez uses his art and graphical storytelling to deftly mix the magic and the reunions.  However, with “Higher Learning,” especially with this issue, Mendez shows that he can pull off big, event-sized storytelling.  This is his version of a DC Comics “Crisis” series or his Marvel Comics Civil War.  His dynamic compositions and kinetic page designs explode off the page with action and confrontation.  Colorist Alivon Ortiz makes the art crackle in living color, and Krugos' lettering continues the steady beat of this series, pounding out fonts like surround sound.

So where does Thompson go from here?  He plans on ending Chaos Campus some time within the next 15 issues, so enjoy the new stories while you can.  I heartily recommend Chaos Campus #36, so go back and get issues #33 to #35, dear readers, so you can get your “Higher Learning.”

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of zombies and of horror-comedies will want to try Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies.

A
8 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"



Buy Chaos Campus at comiXology.

www.ApprobationComics.com
https://twitter.com/ApproBAT
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

-----------------


Thursday, September 23, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: SURFACING #6

SURFACING #6
APPROBATION COMICS

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Ricardo Mendez
COLORS: Alivón Ortiz
LETTERS: Krugos
EDITOR: Denise Thompson
MISC. ART: Cesar Grego with Alivon Ortiz
COVER: Gleidson Ribeiro and Victor Maya with Alivon Ortiz
32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (2020)

Rated: “M” for Mature

“The Stone and the Shell” Part 2 of 2


Surfacing is a comic book franchise created by B. Alex Thompson and published by Approbation Comics.  The four-issue miniseries, Surfacing: Depth Perceptions, focuses on a series of encounters, sometimes violent, between humans and mermaid-like creatures.  The eponymous Surfacing is an anthology series in which each issue offers a story in which a mermaid finds herself trapped in the world of humans.  Besides Thompson, artist Ricardo Mendez; colorist Alivon Ortiz; and letterer Krugos currently comprise Surfacing's creative team.

The latest chapter in the saga of Surfacing is “The Stone and the Shell.”  It is set two million years ago, on a Savannah, likely somewhere in eastern Africa.  This is  the home of a tribe of Homo erectus/ergaster (called the “tree folk” in this story).  Kon is a member of the tribe.  He is exceptionally good at making tools and at fishing, but in a tribe of fierce hunters, Kon's talents are seen as weaknesses.  It does not help that Kon has webbed feet, which also makes the other tree folk suspicious of him.  However, Kon encounters a beautiful young woman, “Int” of the “water folk.”  Meeting Int will change Kon's life, but what will it do to his relationship his own people?

Surfacing #6 opens as Int introduces Kon to her people, the “water folk.”  Obviously, they are suspicious of Kon and his intentions, as well as being wary of Kon's people, the “tree folk.”  Still, they welcome him into the tribe, but everything is not on the “up and up.”  And some transgressions can never be forgiven.

THE LOWDOWN:  As much as I enjoyed the miniseries, Surfacing: Depth Perceptions, I find myself really enjoying Surfacing, which showcases some of writer B. Alex Thompson's most imaginative writing.  The fifth and sixth issues of Surfacing present a big shift from the usual Surfacing tales.

Thompson's imagination gives us a story set in eastern Africa (likely modern day Kenya) during the Early Pleistocene.  That story offers a different kind of character, a complicated man who has troubles in his native world and who ends up caught between two worlds.  The Stone and the Shell” also emphasizes the familiarity of family conflict and romantic discovery, which allows the readers to recognize Kon and, perhaps, to place themselves in his life.  Thompson makes every page of this story intriguing, and like Part 1, Part 2 always has at least one thing on each page that makes me curious and want to know more about this story and its setting.

Artist Ricardo Mendez has proved to be a perfect collaborator for Thompson in this writer-artist team.  In “The Stone and the Shell,” Mendez creates a beautiful prehistoric pastoral world that is as interesting as the main story.  As he did in the first part, Mendez deftly tells this second chapter of “The Stone and the Shell” via his figure drawings of the characters, which give the story a sense of naturalism.  Alivon Ortiz's muted colors allow the emotions of the characters to stand out in the story.  Krugos' lettering and sound effects are also muted, but are “pitch-perfect” for this chapter's emphasis on betrayal.

I highly recommend Surfacing #6, just as I did for issue #5.  Surfacing is like nothing else you will find in mainstream, alternative, or indie comics, so please, dive into this.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of fantasy comic books published by DC Comics' late imprint, Vertigo, will want to read Surfacing.

A
9 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://twitter.com/ApproBAT
www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

------------------------


Tuesday, September 14, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: CHAOS CAMPUS #35

CHAOS CAMPUS: SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES #35
APPROBATION COMICS

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Ricardo Mendez
COLORS: Alivon Ortiz
LETTERS: Krugos
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: John P. Ward
EDITORS: B. Alex Thompson and John P. Ward
MISC. ART: Ricardo Mendez with Alivon Ortiz
COVER: Ricardo Mendez with Alivon Ortiz
24pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. print/$1.99 U.S. digital (2017; digital release date – October 24, 2018)

Rated: Teen 13+ / 15+ Only – comiXology rating

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies created by B. Alex Thompson

“Higher Learning, Part 3 of 4”


Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is the long-running zombie apocalypse comic book series from Approbation Comics.  Mixing in elements of comedy, horror, adventure, and magic, it is the creation of B. Alex Thompson.  The series is set during a zombie invasion and follows the adventures of three members of the sorority, Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY):  ass-kickin’ Jamie Lynn Schaeffer, brainy and magic-wielding Paige Helena Patton, and sexy goddess-type Brittany Ann Miller.

The current story line is “Higher Learning.”  It is written by Thompson; drawn by Ricardo Mendez; colored by Alivon Ortiz; and lettered by Krugos.  In this story arc, Paige is reunited with her father, who also happens to be the villain, Tech Locke, and her “sister,” Tess Raven.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #35 opens in the “Campus Survivors Compound.”  Paige's mother, Morgan, wants the group to have a really good plan of action before they launch an attack on Tech Locke's compound to retrieve her daughter.  Jamie and Brittany, newly recovered from her injuries, are raring to go.  What they don't know is that Paige is willing to help her father and is all-in on his diabolical plans, which she doesn't see as diabolical.

Locke will assist his ally, Doctor Lucian Campbell, who wants to ascend as “Skull Drudgery's” vessel.  In order to do that, he needs the “Ever-Ice,” and that can only be found on an alternate Earth – an “Ice Earth” that Tess visited a few years ago.  But Tess will need Paige's magical powers, which are only getting stronger, to open a portal to that world.

Meanwhile, the other two EAZY sisters are in a pitched battle against Neo-Zombies outside Locke's compound.  Now, they must follow Paige and Locke to the Ice Earth, but if they do, tragedy will also follow them.

THE LOWDOWN:  After bringing “The Road to Salvation” story line to an end and delivering a series of standalone stories, writer B. Alex Thompson turns the focus of Chaos Campus' narrative eye to Paige Helena Patton.  The fun thing of that, especially for regular readers of Chaos Campus, is that this story arc, “Higher Learning,” means a return of favorite characters that have been absent for several issues or even longer.  Thompson brings family drama, tragedy, and real pain to Chaos Campus #35, and he also delivers some epic action.

Ricardo Mendez's art and graphical storytelling deftly mixes the magic and the reunions.  As he did in the second issue, Mendez also conveys how important this story arc is both in terms of Paige's development and in her personal story and in terms of how the story affects the future of the series.  In this thirty-fifth issue, Mendez also offers readers six cool double-page spreads that greatly heighten the sense of drama and action; they are like a kick of adrenaline to your imagination, dear readers.

Alivon Ortiz's dazzling colors and impressive color effects make “Higher Learning's” magic look … well, magical.  Krugos' lettering continues the steady beat of this series, as he carries readers into an alternative world of high-powered action.  I heartily recommend Chaos Campus #35, so go back and get issues #33 and #34, if you have to, as you prepare for the conclusion of “Higher Learning.”

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of zombies and of horror-comedies will want to try Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies.

A
9 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"



Buy Chaos Campus at comiXology or at https://www.comixology.com/Chaos-Campus-Sorority-Girls-vs-Zombies/comics-series/63703?ref=c2VhcmNoL2luZGV4L2Rlc2t0b3Avc2xpZGVyTGlzdC90b3BSZXN1bHRzU2xpZGVy

www.ApprobationComics.com
https://twitter.com/ApproBAT
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

-----------------


Friday, June 25, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: CHAOS CAMPUS #34

CHAOS CAMPUS: SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES #34
APPROBATION COMICS

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Ricardo Mendez
COLORS: Alivon Ortiz
LETTERS: Krugos
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: John P. Ward
EDITORS: B. Alex Thompson and John P. Ward
MISC. ART: Ricardo Mendez with Alivon Ortiz
COVERS: Ricardo Mendez with Alivon Ortiz
24pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. print/$1.99 U.S. digital (2017; digital release date – December 27, 2017)

Rated: Teen 13+ / 15+ Only – comiXology rating

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies created by B. Alex Thompson

“Higher Learning, Part 2 of 4”


Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is the long-running zombie apocalypse comic book series from Approbation Comics.  Mixing in elements of comedy, horror, adventure, and magic, it is the creation of B. Alex Thompson.  The series is set during a zombie invasion and follows the adventures of three members of the sorority, Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY):  ass-kickin’ Jamie Lynn Schaeffer, brainy and magic-wielding Paige Helena Patton, and sexy goddess-type Brittany Ann Miller.

The current story line is “Higher Learning.”  It is written by Thompson; drawn by Ricardo Mendez; colored by Alivon Ortiz; and lettered by Krugos.  In this story arc, Paige is reunited with her father, who also happens to be the villain, Tech Locke.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #34 opens in the “Campus Survivors Compound.”  Paige's mother, Morgan, wants the group to have a really good plan of action before they launch an attack on Tech Locke's compound to retrieve her daughter.

Elsewhere, in the stronghold, Paige battles her sister for Tech's amusement, and this leads to a reunion with an old (and thought to be dead) rival, Mitzi Peterson.  Later, Jamie engages in some gladiatorial combat and has some reunions of her own.

THE LOWDOWN:  After bringing “The Road to Salvation” story line to an end and delivering a series of standalone stories, writer B. Alex Thompson turns the focus of Chaos Campus' narrative eye to Paige Helena Patton.  The fun thing of that, especially for regular readers of Chaos Campus is that this story arc means a return of favorite characters that have been absent for several issues or even longer.

Ricardo Mendez's art and graphical storytelling deftly mixes the magic and the reunions.  Mendez also conveys how important this story arc is both in terms of Paige's development and in her personal story and in terms of how the story affects the future of the series.

Alivon Ortiz's good coloring continues to bless Chaos Campus, and his dazzling color effects for the last few issues just pop off the page. Letterer Krugos continues the steady beat of this series, as he carries readers through the narrative.  I heartily recommend Chaos Campus #34, so go back and get #33, if you have to, as you prepare for the rest “Higher Learning.”

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of zombies and of horror-comedies will want to try Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies.

A
8 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"



Buy Chaos Campus at comiXology.

www.ApprobationComics.com
https://twitter.com/ApproBAT
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

----------------


Thursday, June 17, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: SURFACING #5

SURFACING #5
APPROBATION COMICS

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Ricardo Mendez
COLORS: Alivón Ortiz
LETTERS: Krugos
EDITOR: Denise Thompson
MISC. ART: Gleidson Ribeiro
COVER: Gleidson Ribeiro, Maxx Marshall, and Victor Maya
32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (2019)

Rated: “M” for Mature

“The Stone and the Shell” Part 1 of 2


Surfacing is a comic book franchise created by B. Alex Thompson and published by Approbation Comics.  The four-issue miniseries, Surfacing: Depth Perceptions, focuses on a series of encounters, sometimes violent, between humans and mermaid-like creatures.  The eponymous Surfacing is an anthology series in which each issue offers a story in which a mermaid finds herself trapped in the world of humans.  Besides Thompson, artist Ricardo Mendez; colorist Alivon Ortiz; and letterer Krugos, currently comprise Surfacing's creative team.

Surfacing #5 opens two million years ago, on a Savannah, likely somewhere in eastern Africa.  There, a tribe of Homo erectus/ergaster resides.  Kon is a member of the tribe.  He is exceptionally good at making tools and at fishing, but in a tribe of fierce hunters, Kon's talents are seen as weaknesses.  Kon's brother, Nog, is a great hunter.

After Nog coerces him into going on a hunt, Kon is injured.  Kon goes to a nearby beach, where he submerges the bottom half of his body in the cool waters.  This leads to an encounter with a beautiful young woman.  She calls herself “Int,” and she is of the “water folk.”  Meeting Int will change Kon's life, but what will it do to his relationship his own people?

THE LOWDOWN:  As much as I enjoyed the miniseries, Surfacing: Depth Perceptions, I find myself really enjoying Surfacing, which showcases some of writer B. Alex Thompson's most imaginative writing.  Surfacing #5 offers a big shift from the usual Surfacing tales.

Thompson fanciful imagining of the eastern Africa (likely modern day Kenya) during the Early Pleistocene offers a different kind of character, while emphasizing familiar family conflict and romantic discovery.  Thompson makes every page of this story intriguing; it is as if there is always at least one thing on each page that makes me curious and want to know more.

Artist Ricardo Mendez has proved to be a perfect collaborator for Thompson in this writer-artist team.  Mendez creates a beautiful prehistoric pastoral world that is as interesting as the main story.  Speaking of which, Mendez deftly tells this first chapter of “The Stone and the Shell” via his figure drawings of the characters, which give the story a sense of naturalism.  Alivon Ortiz's muted colors allow the emotions of the characters to stand out in the story.  Krugos' lettering and sound effects are also muted, but is “pitch-perfect” for this chapter's emphasis on a budding romance.

I highly recommend Surfacing #5 and the series as a whole.  Surfacing is like nothing else you will find in mainstream, alternative, or indie comics.  It is something new and different like Neil Gaiman's The Sandman was when it debuted.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of fantasy comic books published by DC Comics' late imprint, Vertigo, will want to read Surfacing.

A+
10 out of 10

[This issue includes a three-page bonus section that reprints pages of Gleidson Ribeiro's pencil art for an earlier version of this series and this story.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://twitter.com/ApproBAT
www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

-------------------------


Wednesday, May 26, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: CHAOS CAMPUS #33

CHAOS CAMPUS: SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES #33
APPROBATION COMICS

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Ricardo Mendez
COLORS: Alivon Ortiz
LETTERS: Krugos
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: John P. Ward
EDITORS: B. Alex Thompson and John P. Ward
MISC. ART: Ricardo Mendez with Alivon Ortiz
COVERS: Ricardo Mendez with Alivon Ortiz
24pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. print/$1.99 U.S. digital (2017; digital release date – December 20, 2017)

Rated: Teen 13+ / 15+ Only – comiXology rating

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies created by B. Alex Thompson

“Higher Learning, Part l of 4”


Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is the long-running zombie apocalypse comic book series from Approbation Comics.  Mixing in elements of comedy, horror, adventure, and magic, it is the creation of B. Alex Thompson.  The series is set during a zombie invasion and follows the adventures of three members of the sorority, Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY):  ass-kickin’ Jamie Lynn Schaeffer, brainy and magic-wielding Paige Helena Patton, and sexy goddess-type Brittany Ann Miller.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #33 opens in the aftermath of “Lineage” (from issue #32).  Paige is having bad dreams, and the uncertainty and the frustrations with the responsibilities and hopes placed on her begin to push her to a breaking point.  Her friends and her mother, Morgan, and brother, Tyler, try to comfort Paige.  Even Oliver offers help, but Paige is not sure about his motives.

However, the fam and the friends are not the only ones who have been noticing Paige's emotional and mentally vulnerable state.  Tech Locke, always one dream or portal away, makes his move in trying to recruit Paige to his side.   What could Tech possibly have that would make Paige turn her back on her family, friends, and mission?  It's a secret.

THE LOWDOWN:  After bringing “The Road to Salvation” story line to an end, writer B. Alex Thompson continued to bring levity to Chaos Campus via a series of standalone stories.  However, in the most recent standalone story, “Lineage,” writer B. Alex Thompson revealed that Brittany shares her body with an ancient Greek goddess known as “the Twelfth.”

Now, Thompson turns Chaos Campus' narrative eye to Paige Helena Patton with the beginning of a new story arc, “Higher Learning.”  At first Tech Locke, the mystery man who is obsessed with Paige, seems like nothing more than a pest.  Thompson throws in a twist when he uses not Locke's own secrets, but the secrets others keep as the hook to pull readers into this new arc.

As usual, Ricardo Mendez's art and graphical storytelling are strong, and in many ways, he has become the second signature “voice” of Chaos Campus.  This series' narrative engine runs smoothly under the guiding hands of Mendez's compositions.  It seems that, at least for now, no one can transform Thompson's Chaos Campus scripts into comic book art and storytelling better than Mendez.

Good coloring has blessed Chaos Campus, and the colors and dazzling color effects by Alivon Ortiz make even the quite pages in issue #33 pop. Letterer Krugos continues the steady beat of this series, and that beat may very well carry more of you, dear readers, to Chaos Campus #33.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE:  Fans of zombies and of horror-comedies will want to try Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies.

A
9 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


Buy Chaos Campus #33 at comiXology.

www.ApprobationComics.com
https://twitter.com/ApproBAT
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

----------------------------------


Saturday, May 15, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: SURFACING #4

SURFACING #4
APPROBATION COMICS

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Kevin Richardson
COLORS: Santtos
LETTERS: Krugos
EDITOR: Denise Thompson
MISC. ART: Kevin Richardson
COVER/BACK COVER: Cesar Grego and Alivon Ortiz
32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (2019)

Rated: “M” for Mature

“The Milkmaids and the Mermaid”


Surfacing is a comic book franchise created by B. Alex Thompson and published by Approbation Comics.  The four-issue miniseries, Surfacing: Depth Perceptions, focuses on a series encounters, sometimes violent, between humans and mermaid-like creatures.  The eponymous Surfacing is an anthology series in which each issue offers a story in which a mermaid finds herself trapped in the world of humans.  Besides Thompson, artist Kevin Richardson; colorist Santtos; letterer Krugos, and cover artists Cesar Grego and Alivon Ortiz currently comprise Surfacing's creative team.

Surfacing #4 (“The Milkmaids and the Mermaid”) opens in the 1400s in Holland (then, a western province of The Netherlands).  In the town of Edam, in West Friesland (a region in North Holland) resides the Ruis familyPapa, Mama, and sisters, Berna and Gisla.  A recent heavy storm raised the waters of the North Sea and destroyed the dykes, flooding the nearby lands.

Berna and Gisla (the “milkmaids” of the story's title) are in a small canoe rescuing the family's dairy cows when they spot a human hand sticking out of the water.  Upon investigation, the girls find and rescue a mermaid, and bring her back to their farm.

Papa Ruis, despite objections from Mama Ruis, tends to the mermaid's injuries.  Eventually, they take the mermaid into the family – like an indentured servant and prisoner – and name her “Elin.”  After several years, Elin becomes a local curiosity, “Elin the Zeewijf.”  But what is “Elin's” real story?  Where does she come from, and how does she view her stay in the human world?  Is this a heaven or a hell, and what does her future hold?

THE LOWDOWN:  As much as I enjoyed the miniseries, Surfacing: Depth Perceptions, I did not know what to expect of the Surfacing anthology, which was apparently intended to be a three-issue miniseries.  However, I can always rely on writer B. Alex Thompson's imagination.

Initially, Thompson presented Surfacing in a way that reminded me of dark fantasy, anthology television series like the classic  “The Twilight Zone” (1959 to 1964) and the 1980s “Tales from the Darkside.”  The third issue of the series even offered a tale set in the “old West, “A Promise of Home,” that reminded me of American “Western” films.

“The Milkmaids and the Mermaid” reveals a different side of Thompson.  His best known work includes horror, comedy, relationship drama, horror-comedy, and contemporary drama.  However, Thompson sometimes reveals a side of his writing the skews toward fantasy and fairy tales.  That is what “The Milkmaids and the Mermaid” is, a fairy tail, albeit a melancholy one.  This story is not so much about plot, character, or setting as it is simply a story.  It is the kind of tale of the supernatural that pops up from time to time in one book of fairy tails or another.  Once it comes into existence, it never dies.  It just waits to be rediscovered or told again.  [There is a Dutch folktale, “Meermin van Edam,” of which there are a number of variations, that may have inspired “The Milkmaids and the Mermaid.”]

Artist Kevin Richardson presents an imaginative take on the deep waters world of the mermaids.  However, Richardson also conveys the banal evil of slavery and the dishonesty of those who insist that they can do anything in the name of bringing god to the savages and heathens.  The coloring by Santtos eschews pretty hues less this fairy tale becomes a lie, and Krugos makes the art feel like a narrative told on tapestry.

I am glad that there is a Surfacing #4, and “The Milkmaids and the Mermaid” is the kind of surprising and wonderful story that justifies more Surfacing.  So I hope more issues of this series … surface.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of fantasy comic books published by DC Comics' late imprint, Vertigo, will want to read Surfacing.

A+
10 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://twitter.com/ApproBAT
www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

-------------


Tuesday, April 27, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: CHAOS CAMPUS: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #32

CHAOS CAMPUS: SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES No. 32
APPROBATION COMICS

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Ricardo Mendez
COLORS: Miguel Marques
LETTERS: Krugos
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: John P. Ward
EDITORS: B. Alex Thompson and John P. Ward
MISC. ART: Ricardo Mendez
COVER: Ricardo Mendez
28pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. print/$1.99 U.S. digital (2017; digital release date – July 19, 2017)

Rated: Teen 13+ / 15+ Only – comiXology rating

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies created by B. Alex Thompson

“Lineage”


Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is the long-running zombie apocalypse comic book series from Approbation Comics.  Mixing in elements of comedy, horror, and adventure, it is the creation of B. Alex Thompson.  The series is set during a zombie invasion and follows the adventures of three members of the sorority, Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY):  ass-kickin’ Jamie Lynn Schaeffer, brainy and magic-wielding Paige Helena Patton, and sexy Brittany Ann Miller.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #32 (“Lineage”) opens in the aftermath of “Juggernauts” (from issue #31).  Brittany is totally whacked out, wandering around, half-dressed in a hospital gown, and muttering strange numbers.  Luckily, Jamie is around with her giant adjustable wrench and Paige with her magical energy sword to fight off the zombies that wanna snack on a zombie-actin' Britts.

Also, luckily, Paige has figured out what those numbers are, and now, it is time to meet the parents – Brittany's parents?!  Who is “the Twelfth?”  Who are the “Thirteen Survivors?”  What is the true history of the “Greek gods” and Mount Olympus?  Who is “the First” and can she be stopped?  And who can stop her?

THE LOWDOWN:  After bringing “The Road to Salvation” story line to an end, writer B. Alex Thompson continues to bring levity to Chaos Campus via a series of standalone stories.  I thought “Juggernauts” was the best of the lot, but “Lineage” speaks well for itself.

Ricardo Mendez's art and graphical storytelling remains strong.  His art in “Juggernauts” reminds me of the storytelling that readers would find in Marvel Comics' The Punisher titles.  Mendez's storytelling retains its nice pacing, but he shines in the offbeat “Lineage,” which changes pace several times.  It also offers just enough brutality and gruesomeness to capture the Chaos Campus style.  Colorist Miguel Marques replaces Russell Vincent Yu for this issue, and his colors are glorious.  The colors on the first six pages, especially on Page Six's magic portal, capture the nighttime setting with a touch of sorcery.

What else can I say about B. Alex Thompson.  He is one of my favorite comic book writers, and for the better part of two decades, I have have been enthralled by the breath and scope of his storytelling.  “Lineage” is a pleasant surprise as another chapter in the ongoing origin stories of the girls from EAZY.  And it presents the unexpected in terms of an origin story.  Letterer Krugos ably shifts the changes in tone and pacing, managing, as always, to complete the storytelling.

Chaos Campus #32 is the last standalone before the next story arc, and it is an enjoyable one that will entertain old and new readers.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE:  Fans of zombies and of horror-comedies will want to try Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies.

A
9 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"



Buy Chaos Campus #32 at comiXology.

www.ApprobationComics.com
https://twitter.com/ApproBAT
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

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Sunday, April 4, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: CHAOS CAMPUS #31

CHAOS CAMPUS: SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES No. 31
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Ricardo Mendez
COLORS: Russell Vincent Yu
LETTERS: Krugos
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: John P. Ward
EDITORS: B. Alex Thompson and John P. Ward
COVER: Ricardo Mendez
28pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. print/$1.99 U.S. digital (2017; digital release date – July 12, 2017)

Rated: Teen 13+ / 15+ Only – comiXology rating

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies created by B. Alex Thompson

“Juggernauts”


Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is the long-running zombie apocalypse comic book series from Approbation Comics.  Mixing in elements of comedy, horror, and adventure, it is the creation of B. Alex Thompson.  The series is set during a zombie invasion and follows the adventures of three members of the sorority, Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY):  ass-kickin’ Jamie Lynn Schaeffer, brainy and magic-wielding Paige Helena Patton, and sexy Brittany Ann Miller.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #31 (“Juggernauts”) opens in the aftermath of “Super Chaos Babies.”  A small military unit arrives at the remains of Salvation East, destroyed by the betrayal and conflict within Jamie Lynn Schaeffer's family (specifically her twin sister, Aimee).  Instead of sanctuary, the soldiers find Neo-Zombies and the massive slasher, Kurtis Kasey the Body Snatcher (created by Phantom Avri)!

Caught between a flesh-rending rock and flesh-eating hard place, the soldiers call upon “Project Seventy-Two” to save them from Kasey.  However, their Seventy-Two turns out to be another slasher familiar to readers of Chaos Campus, Mikhail Grishuk the Meat Man.  Now, its Kurtis vs. Mikhail, and no one should get caught in the middle of this slasher-on-slasher kill-fest.

Meanwhile, the EAZY girls are about to find themselves getting involved when they should be resting from their recent adventures.  What happens when one of the slashers runs off with one of the girls?

THE LOWDOWN:  After bringing “The Road to Salvation” story line to an end, writer B. Alex Thompson continues to bring levity to Chaos Campus via a series of standalone stories.  “Juggernauts” is the best of the lot – so far.

Ricardo Mendez's art reminds me of the storytelling that readers would find in Marvel Comics' The Punisher.  Mendez's storytelling has nice pacing and offers just enough brutality and gruesomeness to capture the Chaos Campus style.  Colorist Russell Vincent Yu dresses the story in gritty hues, dominated by the uniform gray of military order and violence.

B. Alex Thompson does his readers a nice turn by returning some of their favorite “slashers.”  I had not forgotten the inimitable Kurtis Kasey since the very first time I saw him (perhaps, Chaos Campus #9-10), and had often hoped he would return.  In Chaos Campus #31 Thompson uses returning characters and settings to move the story to its next destination.  It is up to letterer Krugos to heighten the story's violent and comically violent melodrama, which he does

Chaos Campus #31, like many issues of the series, is a good starting point for new readers.  Although this issue is rooted in the series' distant and recent past, “Juggernauts” is easy to follow.  Plus, the ending will make readers, both new and old, want to come back.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE:  Fans of zombies and of horror-comedies will want to try Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies.

8 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


Buy Chaos Campus at comiXology.

www.ApprobationComics.com
https://twitter.com/ApproBAT
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

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Saturday, February 13, 2021

#28DaysofBlack Review: CHAOS CAMPUS #30

[For the last two decades, B. Alex Thompson has been one of the most prolific independent comic book publishers, via his Approbation Comics.  He has published a number of ongoing series, miniseries, graphic novels, webcomics, one-shots, and trade paperbacks in several formats and genres, including science fiction, social dramas, horror, and anthologies.  Thompson's signature series is the delightful "Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies."]

CHAOS CAMPUS: SORORITY GIRLS VS. ZOMBIES No. 30
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Vincenzo Sansone
COLORS: Alivon Ortiz
LETTERS: Krugos
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: John P. Ward
EDITORS: B. Alex Thompson and John P. Ward
COVER: Vincenzo Sansone with Alivon Ortiz
28pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. print/$1.99 U.S. digital (2017; digital release date – July 5, 2017)

Rated: Teen 13+ / 15+ Only – comiXology rating

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies created by B. Alex Thompson

“Super Chaos Babies”


Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is the long-running zombie apocalypse comic book series from Approbation Comics.  Mixing in elements of comedy, horror, and adventure, it is the creation of B. Alex Thompson.  The series is set during a zombie invasion and follows the adventures of three members of the sorority, Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY):  ass-kickin’ Jamie Lynn Schaeffer, brainy and magic-wielding Paige Helena Patton, and sexy Brittany Ann Miller.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #30 (“Super Chaos Babies”) opens in the aftermath of “One Night at Pheromones.”  The girls have joined their friend, Oliver, in a bid to stop “Brass Monkey,” a diabolical cybernetic chimpanzee, from destroying a colony of surviving humans.  However, the EAZY girls are exposed to a strange form of radiation during the battle and revert to childhood – with a twist.  Jamie, Paige, and Brittany now have super-powers.  But can they save this survivor town from the ape's evil plan when their new powers may have a lethal side effect?

THE LOWDOWN:  After bringing “The Road to Salvation” story line to an end, writer B. Alex Thompson brings some levity to Chaos Campus via a series of standalone stories.  The previous issue's one-off tale was “One Night at Pheromones.”  Now, we get “Super Chaos Babies.”

Thing about these standalone stories is that they allow the artists to shine, as artist-colorist did in “One Night at Pheromones.”  This time artist Vincenzo Sansone and colorist Alivon Ortiz take the show.  They deliver art that reminds me of some of the weird science fiction horror comics created by the recently deceased comic book legend, Richard Corben.  Sansone's storytelling has horror elements, such as the zombies, which are fast paced.  The cybernetic design of Brass Monkey and the laboratory settings add a counter-balance that blends the horror with the sci-fi.

Alivon Ortiz's colors have a painterly quality that has the look of a prestige painted comic, the kind that appeared in Heavy Metal and Marvel's late, great Epic Magazine.  As usual, the lettering by Krugos sets the tempo and mood, and fits into all the right places on the page.

Chaos Campus #30 is a surprisingly good one-off issue, but what else would I expect from B. Alex Thompson.  He writes strong science fiction/horror comics that do not take themselves too seriously while being true to both genres.  Chaos Campus #30 is also a good place for new readers to start.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE:  Fans of zombies and of horror-comedies will want to try Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies.

A
9 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


Buy Chaos Campus #30 at comiXology.

www.ApprobationComics.com
https://twitter.com/ApproBAT
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

-------------------


Friday, January 1, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: CHAOS CAMPUS #29

CHAOS CAMPUS: SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES #29
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Anita Zaramella
COLORS: Anita Zaramella
LETTERS: Krugos
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: John P. Ward
EDITORS: B. Alex Thompson and John P. Ward
COVER: Anita Zaramella
28pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. print/$1.99 U.S. digital (2016; digital release date – May 24, 2017)

Rated: Teen 13+ / 15+ Only – comiXology rating

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies created by B. Alex Thompson

“One Night at Pheromones”


Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is the long-running zombie apocalypse comic book series from Approbation Comics.  Mixing in elements of comedy, horror, and adventure, it is the creation of B. Alex Thompson.  The series is set during a zombie invasion and follows the adventures of three members of the sorority, Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY):  ass-kickin’ Jamie Lynn Schaeffer, brainy and magic-wielding Paige Helena Patton, and sexy Brittany Ann Miller.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #29 (“One Night at Pheromones”) opens in the aftermath of “The Road to Salvation” story arc.  As usual, our heroic trio is seeking a momentary safe haven from the zombies.  They head to “Dinah's Haven,” an all-female city and military garrison.  Upon entry, the girls discover that there is a weapons checkpoint and that they must relinquish all of their weapons.

There, they meet two mystery men, Marco and Dylan, with whom Brittany and Paige immediately become smitten.  Seeking a place where they can get to know each other, the EAZY girls and the new guys head to Dinah's Haven's only drinking establishment, the strip club, “Pheromones.”  The new friends find plenty of pretty girls, do some lap-dancing, and discover the secret of Dinah's Haven in this issue written by B. Alex Thompson; drawn and colored by Anita Zaramella; and lettered by Krugos.

THE LOWDOWN:  After bringing “The Road to Salvation” story line to an end, writer B. Alex Thompson brings some levity to the standalone story, “One Night at Pheromones.”  It reminds me of those standalone issues of Uncanny X-Men that writer Chris Claremont used to do so well.

The star of this issue is artist-colorist Anita Zaramella.  Her elastic and fluid drawing style yields compositions that pop with energy and makes this story move quickly.  The graphic storytelling offers readers a sexy romp in the series usual wheelhouse.  Zaramella's coloring is bright and vivid, and the colors bring club “Pheromones” to life as the exiting and NAS-TAY! place to be.

Chaos Campus #29 is a surprisingly good one-off issue.  It features one of Chaos Campus' strengths – its ability to not take itself too seriously while being true to its driving force.  This issue is a good place to start for new readers.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE:  Fans of zombies and of horror-comedies will want to try Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies.

8 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


Buy Chaos Campus #29 at comiXology: https://www.comixology.com/Chaos-Campus-Sorority-Girls-vs-Zombies/comics-series/63703

www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

------------------


Tuesday, December 22, 2020

#IReadsYou: Review HASS #4

HASS #4
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER/CREATOR: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
PENCILS: Edgard Machiavello
INKS: Victor Moya
COLORS: Alivon Ortiz
LETTERS: Krugos
MISC. ART: Cesar Grego and Federico Santagati
COVERS: Cesar Grego and Federico Santagati
32pp, Color, $9.99 U.S. (2020)

Hass is a four-issue comic book miniseries from Approbation Comics.  Hass is written and created by B. Alex Thompson.  The third and fourth issues are drawn by Edgard Machiavello (pencils) and Victor Moya (inks).  Alivón Ortiz is the series' colorist, and Krugos is the series' letterer.

A racial drama and crime thriller, Hass centers on Joshua “Josh” Jones, a freshman attending a college “deep in the heart of Texas.”  First day on campus, Josh falls in love with fellow medical student, Maggie Stewart, but he has to work hard to get Maggie to give him a chance at romance.

Eventually, this relationship forces Josh to confront violence and racism, and to have an unfortunate tattoo branded on his chest.  Before long, Josh is hanging out with Maggie's racist, drug-dealing cousin, Cole Truitt, and his gang of misfits: Eugene “Shamrock” Walsh (also known as “Rocky), Edward Vargas, Randall Gavin, and Warren “Great” White (also known as “Sharky”).

Hass #4 opens with the cliffhanger where the third issue left us.  Josh finds himself in a “Mexican standoff” with a gang of Mexican-American drug dealers … at a redneck honky-tonk!  Josh may be smart enough to talk himself out of this predicament, but when changes come to Cole's gang, he finds himself on the outside.  It turns out, however, that nothing was ever what it seems.  There is a turncoat in Cole's gang, and Maggie and her ailing father's lives are in danger.  It all heads to an explosive climax at Josh's college, and there will be many violent false endings before there is a happy ending.

THE LOWDOWN:  Early in the series, the back cover copy describes Hass as “William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet” meets American History X” (the 1998 film).  Throw in your favorite undercover cop drama-thriller, dear readers, and you will be pretty close to the crazy fun that Hass offers.

B. Alex Thompson is the creator of the long-running indie, comedy-horror comic book series, Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies.  As much as I love Chaos Campus, Hass is Thompson's best work to date.  He creates a scenario in Hass that allows him to explore various themes emerging from racism, as well as the violence that racism inspires or to which it directly leads.  Thompson explores the consequences of violence and its aftermath, and he also depicts the myriad ways in which racism, prejudice, and bigotry reveal themselves.

Pencil artist Edgard Machiavello was bold and unapologetic in delivering graphical storytelling for Hass #3; he took Thompson's dangerous ideas and kept them dangerous.  For Hass #4, Machiavello presents compositions that deliver on the furious pace of Thompson's finale for this series.  Inker Victor Moya brings nuance to the explosive nature of Machiavello's pencils.  As usual, Alivón Ortiz's colors accentuate the story by bring bright colors to the violence.  Krugos' lettering does what it has to do this issue, and that is to make sure that the story never slows down until the end.

Cover artist Cesar Grego once again delivers excellent cover art for the front and back covers and also drops a nice interior illustration.  This time, Grego's art captures the heat and the heart that define Hass #4.  As I have said before, I have never read another comic book that has explored American racism and prejudice in such a unique and complex way as Hass does.  Bold and different in ways that other comic books would not dare be, Hass is one of the decade's best indie comic books.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Readers looking for bold comic book storytelling and for the very best in comic books will want Hass.

10 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://twitter.com/ApproBAT
http://alexthompsonwriter.com/
https://www.comixology.com/Approbation-Comics/comics-publisher/7396-0
www.ApprobationComics.com


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

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