Comics
Review: ‘Miniature Jesus’ #4
When a writer opens with a quote from one of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s featured essays in “The Conduct of Life”, expecting anything less than a convoluted and provocative journey is unrealistic. Given that the writer in question is the brilliant Ted McKeever, his disorienting and thought-provoking approach to storytelling supports the complexity of the narrative, and challenges readers on an intellectual level. With one more issue set for release next month, the author has no problem keeping the intrigue alive in “Miniature Jesus” #4. How he plans to end the series is still anyone’s guess.
WRITTEN BY: Ted McKeever
ART BY: Ted McKeever
PUBLISHER: Shadowline/Image Comics
PRICE: $3.99
RELEASE: August 7, 2013
As far as literary devices go, McKeever’s take on the Good Angel, Bad Angel trope is refreshingly unconventional, considering the lack of ‘good’ which has yet to challenge the archetypal devil on Chomsky’s shoulder. But with the release of issue #4, readers will see a more traditional handling of this aspect, as the eight-inch Jesus finally interacts with the series’ protagonist. What’s interesting about the interplay between these two characters is the fact that Chomsky’s disillusionment with faith does not stop him from feeling slightly chagrined upon realizing he has met the miniature messiah and unknowingly called him a douche-bag.
It’s a hilarious and authentic commentary on the hypocrisy of modern society, and links back to Emerson’s quote concerning the power of uncovering and obeying human thought, in hopes of harmonizing them [to appease the mind]. Chomsky clearly has his embittered opinions on the shallow excuse of a higher power, but the marginal change of behaviour he exhibits as he engages with the second coming, seems to neglect them, in a way. It’s funny how a tiny broken Jesus can do that to a faithless wanderer.
In terms of plot development and writing, the fourth installment sees the recovering alcoholic succumb to his addiction thanks to the forceful persuasion of demons at the end of issue #3. In his drunken state, McKeever makes it mildly difficult for readers to distinguish between Chomsky’s reality and his hallucinations. Not that many pages are devoted to dialogue in this month’s issue, as the author lets his writing take a backseat to his artistic vision. He continues to produce an intense and raw atmosphere by highlighting the relationship between light and dark. Some of his best panels feature his use of contrasting light to achieve a sense of volume in Chomsky’s body. And all while forgoing a colour palette.
The final page of this installment is as bizarre and confusing as one would expect, considering McKeever’s established universe. Readers will definitely be scratching their heads, wondering what the last issue has in store for the tormented protagonist.
4/5 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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