Comics
Review: ‘Akaniero’ #1
Coming from your gaming consol right into your hands is the video game adaptation of Akaniero, an awesome Japanese twist on “Little Red Riding Hood”. “Akaniero” drives the mythology of the story up a couple notches as we delve into Japanese folklore. This issue really gives a taste for the difference between North American and Japanese folk tales. Both Justin Aclin and Vasilis Lolos do a spectacular job bringing this story to life in their debut issue.
WRITTEN BY: Justin Aclin
ART BY: Vasilis Lolos
PUBLISHER: Dark Horse Comics
RELEASE: May 22nd, 2013
PRICE: 3.99
This story takes place on the island of Yomi where a desperate struggle has been fought for countless centuries between the demonic Yokai forces and the Order of Akane known as the Red Hunters. “Akaniero” starts off with a very fast pace and doesn’t seem to diminish as we follow Kani through her quest to join the ranks of the Red hunters. There is much adversity for Kani on her quest and a hefty portion of book works to develop potential road blocks that may arise in later issues for the young protagonist. It’s clear that there are not many parallels so far between the North American tale of “Little Red Riding Hood” and the Japanese alternative. I for one can say that this story is significantly more interesting and I would have paid closer attention to my bed time stories if they were full of elite warriors battling demons.
Justin Aclin does an outstanding job of providing background information without jamming too much exposition down your throat. Better than that is the use of Kani as the narrator. It gives great insight into the inner workings of her mind and shows that there is much more to her than her small frame lets on. I’ve always been a fan of Japanese history and folklore, hopefully Justin can keep this story’s pace and attractiveness up in the forthcoming issues.
Vasilis Lolos crushes the ball out of the park. The art style has very anime-like characteristics that is appropriate given the nature of the book and it is gorgeous to look at. The style of the art has a very raw quality to it that gives the book a certain rustic look that bodes well with the demonic aspects of the story. Lolos can draw a badass demon.
This book is definitely one to grab if you’re into an Americanized anime. It has a “Ronin” like feel to the art with a twisted take on a classic fairy tale. Hopefully we will see just how sharp grandma’s teeth truly are in the next issue.
4/5 Skulls
Reviewed by – GreenBastard
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.
You must be logged in to post a comment.