Japanese history is one of the most interesting reads. Beyond stories about the samurai, the shoguns, and the royalty, among the most intriguing are stories of its historical entertainers sex workers. Their life is not only one of misery but also one of luxury. Hell Courtesan is one of those legendary stories that you rarely …
The Golden Age of comic books is not a time that most of us were alive for. Many fans usually find these titles from back catalogues, historical pull lists, and collectibles. With that said, there are also more obscure names among heroes of this time: those who were forgotten enough that they are now public …
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In the early 1980s, before the rise of the comic shop, Australian newsagents were the place to go for comics. A steadily growing number of superhero, barbarian, and movie-based titles competed for space with Archie and his gang; with assorted local reprints and, of course, with the ever-present Phantom – who would outlast them all. …
One of the most unique aspects of Australian comics is what we know as “Australiana”. The concept is the adaptation of Australian culture stories, giving them a uniquely Australian flavour. Within these concepts are stories that push for a specific local feel. Amazing Tales #1 is one of those Australiana anthologies that are rare enough …
Everyone Poops. That little phrase is both a fairly self-evident fact and the title of an iconic children’s educational book originating in Japan. So iconic is the US translation in fact, that it has often found its way into that barometer of American culture – the sitcom. So yes – everybody needs to attend the …
Clowns are scary, and every time they become villains, there’s a primal feeling of fear coursing down my veins. Whether they’re in movies or comic books, there’s something visceral that makes clowns feel very unsettling. Gorilla My Dreams Presents: Lucifer Bim-Bom is a spin-off one-shot for Gorilla My Dreams that take on the story of …
The femme fatale is a master of weaponised femininity, and it treads the thin line between empowerment and hypersexualisation. When tastefully done, it’s one of the most powerful storytelling tools that create supremely strong women. Fox and Hound #1 is one of the most mature femme fatale heist stories I’ve seen ever. Whilst it is …
In a world where heroes and villains are hyperheroes and hypervillains, there’s a reluctant neutral that is the strongest among them. It’s hard to like villains who only care about themselves or to stay in love with heroes deluded with their own acts. Torn #1 is a story that skirts the neutrality of it all, …
Hot off the heels of his success with The 4horsefemmes, Stuart Black is back. His next sure-to-be success story, set in the existing continuity (aren’t cinematic universes just all the rage!), stars four loud-mouthed, bumbling fools that are as colourful as they are outrageous. Incidentally, the job also happens to get done while they’re generally …
When it comes to second issues, it’s usually hard to follow through the hype of the first. Most first issues offer the world to readers, only to fumble on the follow-through. There are those solid few comic books that do their first chapter better. Fortress #2 is a surprise. It added details that I did …
