Saturday, September 29, 2012

The Helix Comic Book



 


Script and Lettering: Ryan O'Conner
Art and Colouring: Naomi Bolger

Running Series - Issue 1
Full Colour
The Helix is a self-published Irish comic book from two Dublin born debutant creators; Ryan O'Conner and Naomi Bolger. Set in California 2024, The Helix is about a group of teenage mutants (with the exception of Louise, the hyperactive cute 12 year old, with Telekinesis) all of which have their own unique powers.

The story is introduced with the group enjoying a nice day in the park, eating ice-cream and having a laugh. The day is suddenly interrupted by a really loud BOOM! Worried the group nominate Kyle the one with the looks, panache, flight and healing powers to go and investigate. He reluctantly agrees and this is where all the madness kicks in. The mutants encounter another group of super villain terrorists called Atom. Esper and Hellstrike who are literally blowing up the park in a fight with a mysterious character called Trident.

I finished reading it last night, and considering it is the creators' first published work it makes for a very enjoyable read. The artwork perfectly compliments the writing and the book is funny and intelligently put together. Atom is a really cool witty and careless villainess who immediately became one of my favourite characters. The style of the comic book seems to combine elements of Pokemon and manga with a European twist. It oozes innocent charm but in so doing it never becomes childish and is likely to appeal to teens and adults alike. I found it a little rushed for a first issue but enjoyed the content enough to look forward to the next issue.

The book contains some concept art from Naomi and some interesting character illustrations done by friends of the creators. This is a nice touch and in my opinion is a good technique by self-publisher to get the interest rolling before the book hits the shelves.
If you love independent and self-published comics, then The Helix definitely deserves a shot.  

The Helix is available from Forbidden Planet; Dublin.
For more info kindly go to http://wwwfacebook.com/thehelixcomic
Review by Charlene Bennett
Edited by Chris Le Galle 



 

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Dez Skinn & Chris J Thompson to appear at Malta Comic Con!!


Innovator, Writer, Editor and Publisher Dez Skinn and

Pop Culture King Journalist Chris J Thompson Join the
Impressive Guest Line up for Malta Comic Con 2012!

September 7th 2012, Malta

Wicked Comics the organisers of the annual Malta Comic Convention (MCC) and the promoters of comic culture world wide are proud to announce innovator, writer
editor and publisher Dez Skinn and pop culture king journalist Chris J. Thompson as their guests to the forthcoming MCC which this year is going to happen on
Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th December 2012 at St. James Cavalier (all floors), Valletta between 10am and 6pm on both days.
With 42 years of experience in the comic industry and more awards and honours than one dares mention Dez Skinn influence on and contributions to the British comic landscape remains unrivalled. Often referred to as the British "Stan Lee",
Dez can best be described as one possessing the Midas touch. From IPC weeklies Buster, Whizzer & Chips and Cor!! to running Marvel UK and launching such titles as Doctor Who Weekly, Starburst – the world’s longest running SF & Fantasy Film Magazine, Hulk Comic and Hammer's House Of Horror, 16 years editing trade magazine Comics International, creating Warrior comics magazine and founding Quality Communications a vehicle responsible of launching properties such as V for Vendetta he created in 1982 and still steers to date, Dez has simply done it all! Also the author of two books; Comix: The Underground Revolution and Comic Art Now,

Dez is currently providing consultancy services to outside publishers, putting together the pilot issue for a new international comics magazine and co-writing a new feature film.

"Dez Skinn is a stalwart of the UK comics landscape, a publisher, an innovator and commentator. Without 'Warrior' magazine, which Dez created, there would have been no 'V for Vendetta', no reinvention of Miracle/Marvel Man. Groundbreaking creators such as Alan Moore and Alan Davis - amongst myriad others - might not have had the chance to find their unique voices enabling them to grow into the renowned creators they are today. 'Comics International' has similarly spotlighted new talent amongst its columns, features, news and reviews. A regular at comic conventions, Dez has more experience in the field than pretty much anybody else I know." Liam Sharp (Marvel/DC Comics) and MCC 2010 guest.




Chris J. Thompson is an internationally recognised comics retailer, journalist, podcaster and speaker who has attended and spoken at conventions across three continents including San Diego Comic Con where he has a yearly panel.


You can
hear him on The Orbiting Pod and Pop Culture Hound podcasts; see his work at First Comic News, Bleeding Cool and various other sites and follow him via Twitter
@popculturehound.

"Chris Thompson has been an avid supporter and permanent fixture in the MCC since 2010. During MCC 2011 Chris and fellow journalist Taylor Lilley virtually led all the talks, discussion panels and Q&A sessions, a role they will be reprising this year.


Through the various mediums he works in Chris is constantly assisting Wicked Comics and promoting the Malta Comic Con. With each visit to MCC Chris returns with a new stock of Maltese comic books to sell in England. On top of all this Chris always works closely with us, gives us sound advice and not only helps us secure some of the most esteemed guests but also helps us co-ordinate some of the most sought after activities during the convention. Throughout the years Chris has been an invaluable source of help, an inspiration in challenging times, an ambassador of both the MCC and Malta at large, and a great friend. This year we decide to invite him as
a guest as a small token of appreciation for all his sterling work. Simply put with out him the Malta Comic Con would not be the commendable and successful convention
it is today." Chris Le Galle co-founder of Wicked Comics.
Official Website:

http://www.maltacomic-con.com


For more information, additional images, press passes to the Malta Comic Con and interviews with Wicked Comics or our guests kindly contact Chris Le Galle on

chrislegalle@gmail.com





Be sure to check out the Malta Comic Con Website! Its amazing, I have learned of so many great comic creator's since I started to follow the site. Chris Le Galle and the Wicked Comics crew have done so much to support the Comic book industry its awh inspiring!!