Comics
Review: ‘Gamma’ One-Shot
Previously split-up into 8-page installments, and featured in issues #18 through #20 of “Dark Horse Presents”, Ulises Farinas and Erick Freitas’ “Gamma” (One-Shot) can now be enjoyed in full, uninterrupted splendor. With blatant nods to Pokémon, Power Rangers, and the under-appreciated kaiju universe of films, Farinas’ artwork ultimately carries the duo’s script to its wacky end, as it proves to be more visually interesting than the narrative.
WRITTEN BY: Ulises Farinas, Erick Freitas
ART BY: Ulises Farinas
PUBLISHER: Dark Horse Comics
PRICE: $2.99
RELEASE: July 24, 2013
“Gamma” follows a disgraced, ex-champion monster trainer named Dusty Keztchemal (get it?), who makes his masochistic living out of getting punched in the face, as a self-imposed punishment for abandoning his planet during a massive daikaiju epidemic and war. When a chance at redemption and sex with someone who isn’t his wife (or a prostitute) presents itself, Dusty attempts to overcome his meaningless life and re-establish himself as the best monster trainer in the world.
Co-writers Farinas and Freitas debut a protagonist who isn’t conventionally compelling in the slightest. He’s a pathetic, deadbeat coward, and a perverted adulterer when readers are introduced to him. Any ounce of sympathy felt for Dusty and his battered face quickly disappears as readers learn more about him and the reasons why he’s hit rock bottom. All in all, the man just isn’t particularly likeable.
The most interesting aspect of the one-shot is definitely Farinas kaiju elements. Buildings and structures are destroyed à la “Godzilla”, but Farinas also uses kaiju to aid Dusty and his soldiers in rescue missions to save cities and civilians. Certain characteristics of complex personalities are also demonstrated in these monsters; specifically in Sparky, Dusty’s “Pikachu”, if you will. A character that’s far more interesting than its master.
Farinas’ cover art is a creative explosion of all the strange creatures featured in the story; the colour scheme, and some of the kaiju designs on the cover, are debatably reminiscent of the style of art in the “Adventure Time” universe. It’s easy to see that the duo isn’t shy when paying homage to the characters, games, and TV shows they so clearly love. Nor do they hold back when poking fun at the ridiculousness behind some of the concepts presented in these programs. For instance, when Dusty battles against another monster trainer, it’s such a refreshing improvement on the traditional Pokémon battles fans are used to. All trained monsters come out to fight and the results are delightfully gnarly.
Overall, while the art, particularly in terms of Farinas’ kaiju, is charming, the script just doesn’t live up to the genres and popular culture references it’s trying to emulate. As a one-shot, it’s forgivable, and even interesting in parts; but as an expanded upon universe? Not sure it’ll do well.
2.5/5 Skulls
Reviewed by – ShadowJayd
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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