Toe Tag Riot #1
Written by Matt Miner
Art by Sean Von Gorman
Colors by John Rauch
Black Mask Studios
Release Date: November 26, 2014
Cover Price: $3.50

About six months ago, I did a little article about the Kickstarter for this series, Toe Tag Riot. The premise was fresh and it really looked like a new spin on an old idea. Zombies, in all media forms, have been run into the ground. So why not give this little miniseries a chance, right? Today, I give you a little feedback on the premiere issue.

In case you aren’t aware, this comic is about a punk rock band whose members turn into zombies whenever they play. Which has got to make rehearsing a pain in the rear. Punk rockers are a bit more accepting of differences than many other people, so the fact that there is an interracial lesbian couple in the band doesn’t faze anyone. The fans love the band and that’s all that matters to them. Of course, these fans all think the band is in makeup on stage. I wonder what would happen if they found out otherwise?

Most of the time, these Kickstarter Spotlights are pretty straightforward. Someone wants to bring their project to light through crowdfunding by offering rewards and incentives. But every once in a while one of them is about more than a movie or a comic (or whatever they are doing). Toe Tag Riot is one of these that seeks to be a bit more than what it appears at face value. Not content with merely being a comic book, it seeks to make a point by changing up perspectives and vilifying those who seek to do an injustice to others. Stay with me here while I break it all down for you.

Big Trouble in Little China #1
Story by John Carpenter & Eric Powell
Written by Eric Powell
Art by Brian Churilla
Colors by Michael Garland
Letters by Ed Dukeshire
Covers by Eric Powell, Joe Quinones, Chris Weston, Terry Dodson, Emi Yonemura Brown, Joe Eisma with Chris Blythe, Gabriel Hardman with Jordan Boyd, Frank Cho with John Rauch, Adam Hughes, Chuck BB, Frank Cho, and Jimmy Giegerich
BOOM! Studios
Release Date: June 4, 2014
Cover Price: $3.99

I’ve been waiting YEARS for Big Trouble in Little China #1, and the wait is finally over!!! Can this comic possibly live up to years and years of anticipation? Let’s take a look..

I’ve never read an Eric Powell comic, but if the rest of them are half as entertaining as this book is, I’m going to start. From a story by him and John Carpenter (director of the 1986 film), Powell brings back every man’s favorite every man, Jack Burton (played by Kurt Russell in the film). The book takes place about 5 minutes after the movie ends, and Powell shows us that the movie wasn’t really a special event for Jack Burton, it was just another day in his life.

Invincible #107
Written by Robert Kirkman
Illustrated by Ryan Ottley
Colored by John Rauch
Lettered by Rus Wooton
Cover by Ryan Ottley and John Rauch
Image Comics
Release Date: December 11, 2013
Cover Price: $2.99

Deception and dread: these are the themes that have been running rampant through Invincible as of late and that take an even greater position within Invincible #107. Writer Robert Kirkman is back once again with his fantastic illustrative team of Ryan Ottley and John Rauch. Get ready for a truly thought-provoking installment of this superhero comic.

Amanda (Monster Girl) pays an unexpected visit to the only individual who has insight into Rex’s (Robot) sinister side. Mark is tortured with paranoia over the missing Angstrom Levy and the fear that harm could eventually come to Eve and their unborn child. Meanwhile, the newly transformed Doc Seismic and an underworld of monsters make their first city-wide assault.

Umbral #1
Written by Antony Johnston
Illustrated by Christopher Mitten
Colored by John Rauch
Cover by Christopher Mitten
Image Comics
Release Date: November 13, 2013
Cover Price: $2.99

Otherworldy forces are at work in the palace. Written by Antony Johnston with illustrations from Christopher Mitten and colors from John Rauch, comes Umbral #1 from Image Comics. Will the bards sing wondrous songs of this tale? Find out below.

Rascal is a thief. She’s also friends with Prince Arthir. While sneaking around the castle with the prince, the two witness the slaughter of the king and queen by a group of demon-like creatures. As the creatures are chanting a peculiar incantation, Rascal realizes something that will put her and the prince in a whole lot of danger: the magical mist she carries in a bottle around her neck is needed for their spell and they can sense that it is near.