Comics
Advance Review: Planetoid #3
The third installment of Image Comics and Ken Garing’s Planetoid hits shelves this week, adding a much needed human element to the arc. Garing’s sporadic use of dialogue has thus far allowed the art of his comic to define the mood; bleak swathes of metallic wasteland dominated almost every panel of the first 2 issues, giving the comic a pervasive hopelessness. However, with Silas’ help, the ragtag group of survivors undergo a stunning transformation. Read on for the skinny…
WRITTEN BY: Ken Garring
ART BY: Ken Garring
PUBLISHER: Image Comics
RELEASE: August 22nd, 2012
What makes this issue of “Planetoid” so strikingly different from the others is the presence of sky. Silas climbed what is known as “the Slab” in issue #2. This ascent changes the entire perspective of the comic, allowing Silas to no longer be dwarfed by the mechanical wasteland, as he can now see an unsullied horizon. The art from issue 1 and issue 3 are perfect to juxtapose against each other. Whereas in issue #1 Silas was being crushed by his environment, fighting for survival, he has now mastered it and is yearning for something more. This yearning can be summarized by a quote from the former presidential candidate, Herman Cain, as he addresses humanity when confronted by a fictitious alien invasion, “Citizens of Earth: It was the spirit of humanity that built this planet. It is that same spirit of humanity that will allow us to defend ourselves against unknown enemies. It is that same spirit of humanity that will allow us to destroy the aliens!” (Daily Show, April 2012).
My favorite part of “Planetoid” are the full page panels. In this issue Garing takes a full page to depict a solitary, lazy kite flying in the sky. This image, which appears near the end of the issue, is symbolic of the “spirit of humanity,” linking perspective, the sky and hope inextricably . Of course this all comes crashing down on the last page of the comic, setting up the confrontation between Silas and the evil robots. The introduction of beauty was short lived in “Planeotid,” but a much needed addition. The reader has seen that Silas is no mere survivalist, and that he now has something to fight for besides himself. I can’t wait for what will surely be a stunning conclusion in the next 2 issues of “Planetoid”.
4/5 skulls
Reviewed by theSandman
Comics
‘Curse of the Where Wolf’ Bites Into August Release With Trio of Werewolf Theatrical Screenings [Exclusive Preview]
Larry Chaney‘s hairy misadventures are continuing in the sequel graphic novel Curse of the Where Wolf from creative team Rob Saucedo, Debora Lancianese, and Jack Morelli, and its author is celebrating with a trio of horror’s greatest werewolf films.
The Curse of the Where Wolf hits shelves on August 7 from Encyclopocalypse Publications.
That coincides with the launch of a theatrical screening event in Houston, Texas, featuring a trio of seminal werewolf flicks turning 45 this year: The Howling on August 7, Wolfen on August 14, and An American Werewolf in London on August 21.
Each screening features a “werewolf in film” presentation as well as a book signing from Where Wolf author and River Oaks Theatre artistic director Rob Saucedo.
In the new graphic novel, “Being a werewolf sucks. Reporter Larry Chaney wanted to be a hero. Instead, he became a werewolf. Now, caught between incredible new powers and a desire to eat everything (and everyone) in sight, Larry must find a cure for his curse. Or die trying.”
“With Where Wolf, I wanted to tell a whodunit set in a furry convention, so the story was pretty contained within a very specific setting and genre. With Curse of the Where Wolf, I wanted to celebrate everything I love about the possibility of comic books. Curse of the Where Wolf is a funny book, in every sense of the phrase, but it’s also an earnest look at a person’s struggle to become a better version of themselves, especially when the alternative is to become a literal monster,” Saucedo says of Curse.
The original graphic novel was previously serialized as the first webcomic hosted on Fangoria before being collected by Encyclopocalypse Publications in 2023 and has already been optioned for film, podcast, and television development ahead of launch by producers James Fino (“The Freak Brothers” for Tubi, “Rick and Morty” for Adult Swim) and Charles Horak (First Date for Magnolia Pictures).
Expect Larry to find himself in even weirder situations in the 362-page full color sequel; Saucedo has provided Bloody Disgusting with exclusive art pages from the upcoming graphic novel that showcase lupine humor.
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