Exclusive: See How Sally Cantirino’s FINAL GIRLS #1 Cover Came To Life

By

-

March 29, 2021

final girls comixology originals cover art process exclusive

THE FINAL GIRLS hits comiXology tomorrow (March 30th), and Monkeys Fighting Robots got an exclusive peek at how artist Sally Cantirino crafted the cover for issue #1.

The series is a comiXology Original by Cantirino and writer Cara Ellison (making her creator-owned comic book writing debut), with colors by Gab Contreras, and letters by Joamette Gil. It’s a five-issue series, and all five issues will be available to binge read tomorrow.

About the series:
The world’s most popular superheroes have come and gone. The year is 2030 and most of the glamorous American superheroes of the last era have been wiped out, leaving only a handful to deal with the world’s crises. Welcome to The Final Girls.

Part dark comedic superhero drama, part dystopian political thriller, The Final Girls is set six years after the hero collective the Scottish tabloids named “The Final Girls” —Kogarashi, Bavanshee, Selkie, and Ash—left civil service and disappeared into the less fraught alleyways of Scotland. When Scathach, the world’s most powerful working hero, asks her retired peers for help, they secretly agree to deal out punishment on another hero in the public eye. When the weapon of publicity is wielded, it threatens to kick up all of their personal traumas, past and present. What does justice look like when violence isn’t enough?

Cantirino calls THE FINAL GIRLS “a comic about what abuse of power, reparative justice, and real change might look like.”

“Inside every superhuman, there’s still a human,” said Ellison. “And the human needs to eat, pay the bills, have relationships, and send invoices. But what happens when superhumans realise that all the fragile systems of society and economy and politics are going to kill them, just like everyone else? What use is smashing someone through a window when the system that created them still exists?”

On working with Cantirino, Ellison continues, “[Sally] brings punk aesthetics and a scratchy horror vibe to the mood of THE FINAL GIRLS. [She] has a really good sense of how powerful women posture and how angry they can be.”

Read what Cantirino has to say about her art process:

On covers:

“We wanted something involving a picture or selfie of the group and it took us a few rounds to get there. I wanted to evoke the way that you take a picture with your girlfriends when you’re out drinking in the bar or club bathroom, while also referencing the kind of collateral damage that happens in a superhero fight in TV and movies. Looking back on the cover now, the series deals with the collateral damage and fall-out that people leave in the wake of their actions.”

On interiors:

“When I get a script, I start by breaking it down with a pack of highlighters and different colors of pens— one color for dialogue, one for captions, one for SFX, I make lists of everything I will need to establish a design for or find reference for. I figure out very loosely what the panel count and page configuration will be, to account for what shots need to be big exposition or establishing shots, what panels need to accommodate lots of dialogue or captions. I figure out where all the captions and balloons go at this point too.

“After that, I do most of my work on my iPad Pro and Clip Studio Paint— I draw my layouts at about half-letter size, then scale them up in very light blue on my template for my pencils. It gives me a rough underdrawing to build from, so I try to be pretty thorough in my drawing at the layout level before I even start pencils.

“I still ink using analog tools. I have a large format printer/scanner which allows me to print my panel borders in black and very light pencil lines in blue onto 11 x 17 Bristol board. For a long time I used Raphael 8404 brushes and sumi ink, but switched to using brush pens during this book due to shipping/supply issues during the pandemic. I’ve been using Pentel Pigment brush pens with Platinum Carbon ink ever since. After scanning, I do a little clean up and formatting in Photoshop before it goes off to Gab Contreras for colors and Joamette Gil for letters.”

See Cantirino’s full process behind the first cover:

Thumbnails (First Round):

Thumbnail (Final):

Pencils:

Inks:

Final Cover:

THE FINAL GIRLS drops on comiXology tomorrow. Thanks again to Sally Cantirino for sharing her process with us!

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

SILK #1 Review: Cindy Moon Does Whatever A Spider Can

By

Colin Tessier

-

In Marvel Comics’ Silk #1, on sale March 31, Cindy Moon proudly steps into the spotlight. With writer Maurene Goo and artist Takeshi Miyazawa at the helm, an underrated Spider-Verse member is poised to become a breakout star after this captivating launch. Goo gives Moon a personality that packs as much wit as you’d expect from Spider-Man himself. Plus, Miyazawa and color artist Ian Herring’s cinematic action shots turn this issue into a strong introduction for what should become a can’t-miss series. Finally, letterer Ariana Maher subtly brings each character’s voice to life, making every scene feel dynamic and life-like.

If you’re unfamiliar with Cindy, you’ll fall in love with her by the end of this first issue. She’s wonderfully sassy, and Goo’s script gives her several Peter Parker-like quips that hit home. Cindy’s spunk is immediately evident in the opening scene as, much like Spider-Man, she delivers some zingers while she stops a bank robbery. In one line, she hits a home run by telling one of the would-be crooks that she’s a disappointment to her parents. Goo captures the essence of Spidey and twists it so that Cindy’s character stands on its own.

Silk #1 action — In Silk #1, Cindy Moon delivers several zingers that make it impossible not to smile.

As fun as the opening scene is, the heart of the issue comes at Cindy’s day job, where she’s a budding journalist working under J. Jonah Jameson’s tutelage at Threats & Menaces. Jameson’s presence firmly ties the book to the Spider-Man mythos, giving casual fans something to latch onto, but his relationship with Cindy becomes a vital part of the story. Goo smoothly establishes a cute dynamic between the two, as the senior Jonah bonds with Cindy over their affinity for antiquated technology and good old-fashioned journalism. It’ll be fascinating to see how this relationship progresses throughout the series, especially if/when Jonah finds out about Cindy’s crime-fighting exploits.

Like you might expect in any story that involves a reporter, Silk #1 centers around a mysterious crime. In this case, it’s a gangland killing that leaves Cindy half-joking that werewolves might be involved. Miyazawa and Herring depict the scene of the carnage by leaning into the horror, with blood splattered all over the wall and gory shots of the victims themselves. This scene illustrates the brutality of the crime, but one small yet crucial detail comes when Cindy returns to her office.

Silk action shot — Cindy Moon swings into action in Silk #1

Though it might sound obvious, Goo and the art team make Cindy feel like an actual journalist. But when Miyazawa actually shows Cindy drafting up an article, this story clarifies that the character’s day job is just as important as her status as a superhero. The action shots of Silk slinging into action in full-page spreads are nice, but this little detail hammers in the fact that Cindy, much like the original Spider-Man, is essentially an everyman who’s trying to do the right thing.

Likewise, the creative team makes Cindy feel relatable when she makes a mistake. Maher’s lettering shows her inner monologue criticizing her carelessness in one seemingly harmless moment that sets off a dramatic chain reaction. In a nutshell, the whole team works together to make Cindy likable and remarkably human.

Silk #1 is the perfect jumping-on point because it establishes Cindy’s character, offers some typical superhero crime-fighting, and drops a few breadcrumbs for a compelling mystery. Hardcore Spider-Man readers and casual Marvel fans alike should check out this issue.

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER – The Star-Spangled Man | TV Review

By

Kieran Freemantle

-

After the bait-and-switch of the first episode, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’s second episode was more in line with the trailer. It was a more humorous, buddy-comedy whilst still keeping the spy-thriller story.

John Walker (Wyatt Russell) has been revealed to the world as the new Captain America. This shocks Bucky who believed that Sam has betrayed Steve Rogers’ wishes. As well as bickering like children, Sam and Bucky go off to Europe to investigate the Flag Smashers and discover the terrorists have super soldier powers.

“New World Order” did a decent job at setting up the personal positions of the main characters, “The Star-Spangled Man” was focused on the story and world building. The previous episode already showed some of the changes in the post-Blip world, like the formation of terrorist groups and changes to society. This episode states that the reversal of the Blip has led to loads of societal upheaval with people being displaced – although the episode only said this, not showing it. This change made The Flag Smashers’ views understandable because many people were affected by the emergence of the people who disappeared.

“The Star-Spangled Man” showed some of the members of the Flag-Smashers. There was a particular focus on Karli Morgenthau (Erin Kellyman), the leader of the terrorist cell, and shocked Sam and Bucky with her superpowers. She tried to justify her actions and beliefs and she was genuinely cut up when one of her team was willing to sacrifice themselves for the cause.

Showing The Flag Smashers having superpowers was a surprise and not just for Sam and Bucky. It leads to the questions, where did they get their superpowers from and who gave them to the group? Sam and Bucky go investigating and Bucky reveals that there were more people who were given supersoldier abilities. There was an emotional moment when Sam and Bucky meet Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) and he reveals all the pain and suffering he received from the American government,

The theme of the series is the legacy of Captain America. Sam doubted he could live up to the legacy and refused to become the next Captain. John does take up the mantle, but he also has doubts because of all that Steve had achieved and stood for. The episode opened with John in the changing rooms of his old high school and needing reassurance from his wife and friend. It humanized the character and showed that he wasn’t just going to be a grunt who would do the American government’s bidding without question. His tenure as Captain America started off a bit like Steve’s because he had to go on a publicity tour. However, unlike Steve, John was allowed to go into action. Whilst John tries to win over Sam and Bucky, his last line in the episode hints at something darker.

This episode saw Sam and Bucky work together for the first time in the series. There was animosity between the pair and this was where most of the humor in the episode came from. The most humorous part of the episode was when Sam and Bucky had to go into couple counseling and acted passive-aggressively toward each other. Sam stated the three usual threats are “Androids, Aliens, or Wizards” which is a classic Marvel joke.

“The Star-Spangled Man” offered up a great bit of intrigue that will be interesting to see how it plays out. It also did a good job at introducing the new characters and setting up the new Marvel world.

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

4-Page Preview: MANIAC OF NEW YORK #3 by Elliott Kalan and Andrea Mutti

By

Matthew Sardo

-

March 26, 2021

AfterShock Comics dropped an exclusive preview for our reads Friday morning. Check out a four-page preview of MANIAC OF NEW YORK #3 by writer Elliott Kalan, artist & colorist Andrea Mutti, and letterer Taylor Esposito.

MANIAC OF NEW YORK #3 hits your local comic book shop on April 14.

About the issue:
The mindless murderer Maniac Harry has massacred all but three riders on New York’s automated subway train. Can hapless straphanger Gabriella keep one step ahead of Harry, while still protecting the newly orphaned twins she’s taken under her wing? Can our heroes Gina Greene and Detective Zelda Pettibone jump on board the runaway train and find the survivors before Harry slaughters them? Plus, finally learn what life-altering mistake got Zelda trapped on the Maniac beat!

Enjoy the preview below.

4-Page Preview: MANIAC OF NEW YORK #3 by Elliott Kalan and Andrea Mutti

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Marvel Comics Exclusive Preview: KING IN BLACK: GHOST RIDER #1

By

Anthony Composto - EIC

-

March 25, 2021

marvel comics exclusive preview king in black ghost rider #1

KING IN BLACK: GHOST RIDER #1 hits your local comic book store March 31st, but thanks to Marvel Comics, Monkeys Fighting Robots has an exclusive four-page preview for you.

About the issue:
THE WAR FOR HELL’S THRONE MEETS THE KING IN BLACK!

All Ghost Rider wants is to destroy Mephisto, round up an army of escaped demons, and secure his seat on the throne of hell. Is that so much to ask? But now a dark god from space has shown up to throw the world into chaos, and some of Johnny’s old friends have come to ask for his help. It may take everything they’ve got to stop this madness. Maybe even…the devil himself?!

The issue is by writer Ed Brisson and artist Juan Frigeri, with colors by Jason Keith, and letters by Joe Caramagna. The main cover is by Will Sliney and Chris Sotomayor.

Read what Brisson had to say about KIB: GHOST RIDER:

“I miss writing Danny and Johnny, so was thrilled to get my mitts on Ghost Rider again. I think fans of what Aaron [Kuder], Juan and I did in our recent series will be thrilled with this one shot, which will answer all of the questions they’ve been asking since it ended. Doing it all with backdrop of such an explosive event is the icing on the cake.“

Check out the KING IN BLACK: GHOST RIDER #1 preview below:

What has been your favorite KING IN BLACK title so far? Sound off in the comments!

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Ripping Open Wounds in STAR WARS: DOCTOR APHRA #8

By

Cat Wyatt

-

Marvel’s STAR WARS: DOCTOR APHRA #8, available now, is about to tear open old wounds, and Aphra and Sana find a new artifact to investigate. Alyssa Wong’s take on one of the most infamous archaeologists in Star Wars continues here.

Looks like a new mission has been set up for these two.

Aphra has always had quite a talent for getting herself in completely over her head. That has been true, regardless of which characters she’s pulled into the mix. She’s always jumping from one (often poorly thought out) scheme to the next, heedless of any consequences.

So it would make sense to hear that she and Sana (yes, that Sana) have agreed to work together for the sake of a new mission. One which, if things go according to plan, will make them both very rich. We all know that it isn’t going to go according to plan.

What makes this latest series of Doctor Aphra’s so different is that we’re getting a chance to see more development from other characters as well. Just Lucky is still in play, and it’s only a matter of time before that becomes very relevant once again.

With all of that in mind, Doctor Aphra #8 is ready to get started – any bets on what is going to happen to mess up her plans this time?

Look at that! Has a wreck ever looked so pretty?

The Writing

Doctor Aphra #8 feels like a blend between a classic heist – and an origin story. Why an origin story? Because there’s something about the setup that feels larger than life – like it’s screaming at the readers to pay more attention than usual.

Perhaps that is simply Alyssa Wong’s writing style coming out in full force. Either way, we’re paying attention to what is happening to and around Aphra. Naturally, there are a few bumps and surprises in store for this adventurer.

Interesting, as I mentioned a bit above, Lucky’s perspective is still going strong. We haven’t seen him interact with Aphra in a few issues by this point – but that probably won’t last for long. Especially given what his current job is.

Still, seeing his plot further developed helps to add a sense of depth to the series. It’s becoming more than just a tale of Aphra’s (mis)adventures. Also, it is successfully added tension in surprise to balance the sometimes predictable nature of the messes Aphra gets into.

The Art

There are scenes in Doctor Aphra #8 that are simply breathtaking. Look at the second in this month’s issue. That is a background that could happily rest inside any framed piece. It does more than set the scene.

Minkyu Jung (pencils), Victor Olazaba (inks), Rachelle Rosenberg (colors), and VC’s Joe Caramagna (letters) all worked together to bring this issue to life. And boy, is it alive! Aphra and Sana’s adventures take them from a bar to a unique forest – full of wrecks.

Even the wreck itself ties back into the larger Star Wars universe – something that alert fans will certainly pick up on. Still, the combination of tech and organics is delightfully done. Throw in the action sequences that occur all around, and it makes for a visually compelling issue.

Lucky’s setting is in stark contrast. His story takes place in a city (an iconic one, at that), and the differences are made abundantly clear. Even the color palette looks and feels different.

Conclusion

Doctor Aphra #8 is fast-paced and action-packed, making it a lot of fun to read. There’s a lot of Star Wars references to be found in this issue – but there is no requirement to understand or appreciate this issue. Overall, it’s a beautiful and entertaining addition to her series.

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Legends Merge in ONCE & FUTURE #17

By

Cat Wyatt

-

Image’s ONCE & FUTURE #17, available now, takes fans back to a world where the legends of old rise again – in warped versions of themselves. Written by Kieron Gillen, with artwork by Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain, and Ed Dukeshire, this issue is set to merge those legends into something new and horrifying.

That does not look like a creature I’d want to mess with.

Once upon a time, Duncan was unaware of the secret life his grandmother lived. He was unaware of the war she fought on a daily basis. Oh, to go back to those days of innocence. Now, Duncan is as entrenched in the war as she, and it is getting darker by the day.

The beings mentioned in legends of old have been rising once again – and they are not the friendly heroes we would like to imagine. No, they’re warped versions that bring nothing but pain and death with them, especially to those that are far too aware of their tales.

Once & Future #17 is an issue we’ve all been waiting for, as the previous one left us with a promise. Here, we’re about to see several legends collide – and your guess is as good as any as to how that is going to play out.

Can’t really see the family resemblance anymore, can you?

The Writing

Once & Future #17 brings with it a lot to take in – which is probably the understatement of the century. Written by Kieron Gillen, this issue really does pack a punch. With three separate narratives carrying the story forward, it’s easy to get lost in the story.

It also moves the plot forward at a steady clip, throwing heroes, antagonists, and other story figures all into the same mix. It had a lot of potential to get overly complicated and convoluted, yet it managed to steer clear of that trapping.

More than anything, Once & Future embodies poetic justice turned to horror. These are people who have been trying to warp (or stop) the stories to their own liking. It came at a cost, and once again, hubris has taken over.

That is just one of the many familiar themes that run through this twisted series. Gillen has done a brilliant job of taking all of these themes and tropes and twisting them into something so much more sinister.

Well, that fight got started rather quickly.

The Art

As per usual, the artwork inside Once & Future #17 is absolutely stellar. Magic and mayhem collide in brilliant and striking fashion. Frequently, the scenes battle between looking beautiful – and looking like a creation of pure horror.

Dan Mora’s art works well for this plot. His characters are larger than life in the best of ways, especially those legends that I keep referencing. He’s also officially created one of my favorite comic book dragons, which is a feat.

Tamra Bonvillain’s colors have always been a highlight of the series, but that feels truer now than ever. Stepping out of the real world and into this fantasy…it’s like the setting ran away. The backgrounds are stunning, even when they lean towards the simple side, thanks to the color palette.

The lettering, provided by Ed Dukeshire, is another example of fine art. Here our collected characters go through a wide range of emotions (predominantly panic, in some instances), and it’s the lettering that really picks up and portrays that.

Conclusion

Once & Future #17 is another memorable addition to the series. It’s a fast-paced read, with plenty going on to keep the readers occupied. All while upping the ante – and giving the characters room to forge ahead with the decisions they’ve made.

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

How the World Changes in NOMEN OMEN #13

By

Cat Wyatt

-

Image Comics NOMEN OMEN #13, available now, is about to change the world in characters in unpredictable yet fascinating ways. Thanks to the works of Marco B. Bucci, Jacopo Camagni, Fabiola Ienne, and Fabio Amelia, this is no longer the world that Becky knew so well.

Several surprises await in Nomen Omen #13.

“As The World Falls Down” Part thing brings readers ever nearer to the conclusion of the series. With only two issues left, it’s slightly difficult to picture how Becky (and her allies/friends) will have the time to right the world.

Nomen Omen #13 is an issue that brings with it change. That in itself is going to be an understatement. Last we saw, Arcadia had breached into New York City. Becky was fighting to replace her heart. And the fate of many characters was in question.

Now it’s time to see how all of those pieces fall – for better or worse. That has always been one of the stronger storytelling points in this series – obfuscating the truth and the confusion surrounding allies versus enemies.

The Writing

In many ways, Nomen Omen #13 feels so very different from the rest of the series so far. Marco B. Bucci took a lot of risks in writing for this issue, and it shows. The world (at least, New York) has changed, as have all of the characters involved.

But it goes further than that. Even the tone of the story itself felt altered. The story itself is the same, but it feels different. It’s subtle and ephemeral, but it is very much present. It comes hand and hand with all of the other changes and surprises that occurred within these pages.

There are multiple narratives in this issue, some of which in themselves are quite the surprise. New characters, old characters, altered characters, the works. It kept the story moving forward while somehow managing to raise even more questions in the process.

On that note, the narrative surrounding Becky is a beautiful one. It resonates with power. This is a character who has come full circle and is finally claiming ownership over everything that makes her the person she is.

The Art

Much like the story, the art inside Nomen Omen #13 brings with it changes. Though perhaps not quite as drastic in scale. Still, the scenes are remarkable and vibrant – a fact that should stick to all readers’ minds. This series had been heavily black and white, once upon a time.

Jacopo Camagni’s character designs are truly a work of art. The newest addition is striking yet is the perfect counter to what we already know. Likewise, Becky has changed so much, and the artwork did an excellent job of portraying those transitions. Personally, though, the image of the map is the one that kept drawing my eyes back to it. It feels so grounded – and yet so otherworldly at the same time. It’s the true essence of this series.

Fabiola Ienne’s colors are to die for – literally, in some instances. The colors in Nomen Omen have always been a vital clue of what is going on behind the scenes. That fact is more important than ever, as every page is full to bursting – a stark contrast to the first issue. The backgrounds in this issue are especially lovely (see page 19).

Finally, Fabio Amelia’s letters brings it all together. There are many subtle details worth watching for, as the lettering tells the truth behind the words. Otherwise, we might make the mistake of forgetting who the enemies are.

Conclusion

Nomen Omen #13 is a brilliant issue that breaks from an already creative mold to bring fans a world in constant flux. With only two issues left in the series, it’s safe to assume that whatever follows next is going to be just as bold.

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Review: RAIN LIKE HAMMERS #3 – Trapped In Strange Body On A Planet Of Bourgeoise Aliens

By

Justin Munday

-

Comics Auteur Brandom Graham returns with yet another chapter of his latest creative outing in “Rain Like Hammers” #3 from Image Comics. Unlike the last issue, this issue is actually a direct sequel to the events of issue #2 and offers more of the same wit, secrecy, satire, and class commentary as we’ve come to expect from this comic. With endlessly clever writing and off-the-wall visuals, “Rain Like Hammers” continues to be one of the most fantastically unique comics on shelves right now.

“Supercriminal Brik Blok’s new butler body craves eating dust and can see through walls. How will he adjust to his new carapace? Meanwhile, the dead start returning to the palace-world of Skycradle.”

Writing & Plot

Brandon Graham’s clever and poignant writing still holds strong in “Rain Like Hammers” #3, with the mix of odd absurdity, satire, and hilarity carrying this chapter along splendidly. Graham’s brand of satire never fails to feel appropriate no matter how out of left field some of the sequences can be (the butlers being engineered to enjoy the taste of dust is both weirdly funny and frighteningly relevant). The way the aristocracy of Skycradle are presented, as well as how their servant class is illustrated in comparison, feels like a Monty Python skit on a completely different frontier. Outside of the purely humorous and satirical elements though, there is a character-centric heart that carries this story along. The sense of trapped isolation that Brik Blok feels in his borrowed body while trying to accomplish his goals comes through in a genuinely emotional manner. I find him to be a delightfully enjoyable protagonist as we watch him navigate both his surroundings and this strange new body he inhabits. The rising B-plot we find his lost lover in is also highly interesting, and her own struggle with navigating the aristocratic expectations of this city-planet are just as claustrophobic as Brik’s plight. The further this story goes the more poignant and intriguing its story becomes, and it makes every issue a delight to open and experience.

Art Direction

There’s not much I can say about Brandon Graham’s art here in “Rain Like Hammers” #3 that I haven’t already said in the prior issues. The mixture of absurd design geometry and hilarious fluid animation plant the reader in the perfect atmospheric tone to experience this comic. The alien, almost Dr. Seuss-ian design language of the cities and various creatures and characters is delightfully fun, but is also focused enough on its main character and character expressions as to actually as to keep the story grounded. The panel direction is all over the place but in a well-orderd way, meaning that there is little to no structure to how the pages are constructed. Little panels will appear in a clustered order on one page, followed by a series of massive splash pages and yet everything still makes sense. The only way this works is because Graham is the sole writer and artist on the book, making the cartoonist’s vision come to life in a way that is only achievable by this solitary vision. This is a brilliant piece of the comics medium, and this series as a whole is a visual treat on multiple levels.

“Rain Like Hammers” #3 is yet another delightfully witty and poignant chapter in this phenomenal comic series from Brandon Graham. The writing is both hilarious and emotionally gripping, full of clever satire and nuance. The visuals are unlike anything you’ve ever seen if you’ve never read a Brandon Graham book, and it begs top be discovered and enjoyed. Be sure to grab this latest issue when it hits stands on 3-24!

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube

Review: HAHA #3 – How A Lack Of Words Can Speak Volumes

By

Corey Patterson

-

HAHA #3, available in stores on Wednesday, March 24th, is the next intriguing installment in W. Maxwell Prince’s series on the life of clowns. While not a clown per se, this issue features a pantomime and his attempts to make a living. What’s interesting about this story is the complete lack of dialogue—a feature that perfectly illustrates the tale’s theme.

Story

Readers meet a mime (presumed to be “Remi” from the title) in the opening panels of this story. The performer tries his hardest to put on a show for the people passing by on the boardwalk. Employing a number of techniques, Remi just can’t seem to excite his audience. So, in desperation, Remi forms finger pistols and pretend to fire them—to no avail.

The sad realities of life quickly befall our protagonist. With no one interested in his miming, he travels home, feeling rejected by life itself. We see him turning on the news and melting into a world of sadness after work, which resembles our own lives in similar life stages.

Eventually, a small glimmer of hope meets Remi in the form of a flyer. It promises to pay the person who finds “copper wire” in a dump. Jumping at the opportunity, our mime friend races to the scrap heaps. But what he finds there could change his world forever.

Prince’s plot is amazing in its clarity, especially without the use of dialogue. We feel the unbearable weight of world that won’t throw Remi a bone. What’s more, the narrative captures that experience of hope when a small opportunity promises to alter our outcomes.

Artwork

Roger Langridge’s artwork pairs wonderfully with the story Prince is telling. The cartoony format gives readers the impression this story may be suitable for children before turning toward darker scenes. Seeing the protagonist sleep on a couch, struggle to pay rent, and riffle through garbage brings up realistic problems people face in our own world. We also loved how the coloring makes a clear distinction between Remi and his surroundings—the pasty white on his face and red and black outfit stood out against the more natural background colors. Additionally, despite the lack of dialogue, the lettering for the sound effects fit in well with their panels’ illustrations.

Conclusion

HAHA #3 offers readers an abrupt change in Prince’s storytelling formula while retaining a similar message. We hope the creative talent behind this series tries out even more unique formats.

Were you a fan of this unique storytelling format? Let us know in the comments below!

Monkeys Fighting Robots Youtube