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Mandy's Year in Review (Music and Art)

Hello all,

We have been dormate for quite a while due to everyone involved having personal life happenings. We will be coming back slowly. 

I personally have been starting new projects that take up a lot of my time. I have a new band called season of strangers. 

I still managed to keep up with a few things on the internet and the world. Here is a list of music and art I really enjoyed discovering in 2014.

MUSIC in 2014:

I am going to start with Gretchen Lohse's Primal Rumble. Even though her album came out in the very end of 2013 it got the most play for me in 2014. It is the perfect album for when you want to relax. She is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter who has fronted the indie psych band Yellow Humphrey and played along side many other amazing musicians. This is her first solo album and it feels like a love letter to the folk singers of the 60s with a twist. The arrangements of the songs make me so giddy. When you think it is going one way she pops in a flute or a stark shaky violin among the classic singer-songwritter acoustic guitar style. This album is full of whimsy, heartache and longing. I just absolutely adore this musician.

The Drums newest album Encyclopedia is one of the most perfect indie-pop albums I have heard. It has so much honesty in the lyrics combined with showing their many facets of sounds and feelings. This album really shows off their talent and what they can do as a band.

Jupe Jupe took their time putting out Crooked Kisses, three years after their last release. I took some promo photos for them for the release of this album! They are such a fun band to dance to bringing their synth pop to the party. 

Sticking with synth pop, Generationals put out their fourth album, Alix. It is their most poppy and synth driven album and even though slightly different then their past albums it still is a favourite. Generationals never disappointment one bit. This album sounds like a mash up of 50's pop riffs and 80s new wave; married in perfect melodies. 

There were so many amazing albums out in 2014 but I will end here with a band that I was long awaiting for in much anticipation since I first heard their single, Happy. New York based, Field Mouse put out their second album, Hold Still Life, after a long four years. They started as a duo and have expanded into a four piece. It is what I will consider one of the best dream pop albums I have ever heard. It is a perfect and tightly put together album. Rachel Browne's voice is so sweet and light combined with meloncoly lyrics wrapped in jangly guitar and pulsating basslines.

Art in 2014:

I discovered a lot of amazing artists in 2014, here is just a quick list.

Christine McConnell-Baker, Crafter, Photographer, Model

Braden Duncan-Artist, Photographer

Kimberly Applegate-Artist

Spike Vain-Medical Image Manipulator. Turning X-RAYS, CT SCANS and MRIs into usable, functional and ONE.OF.A.KIND art. Custom pieces available. You have to contact him directly.

Bonetrail Jewelry-Ethically sourced bone jewelry artist

Now, this is just a bit of what I discovered in 2014 that I love. It is hard to pick and choose and not talk about everything and everyone I love but this is the list. Tell me what you discovered in 2014 in indie arts!

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Crowdsource Round-up

By Mandy McGee

Here are a couple of campaigns in need of donations. Take a look and support independent arts!

The Austin, TX based band, Tele Novella, are in need of help getting a tour van. Touring can get pricey and being an independent or DIY band means you are paying for everything out of pocket with the hopes of making some money or at least breaking even. One of the biggest price tags can be renting a van to carry all your equipment and your band as well as all the gas it takes for said van. Take a look at their Indiegogo campaign. 

Do you remember the theme song to Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Well that was 90s sensation Nerf Herder! They are on a mission to make a new record...FINALLY!!! Help support them in their efforts via their pledge music campaign. 

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Golden Gardens-The Golden Dawn Video

By Mandy McGee

I recently took footage from a Golden Gardens show I filmed and made a new music video for them. It is from an older album of theirs, Between the Siren and the Amulet. Golden Gardens is a Seattle based dreampop band that mixes velvety ambiance, mysterious melodies and haunting voices to calm your senses.

Here is the video for the song "The Golden Dawn".

Golden Gardens-The Golden Dawn from Mandy McGee on Vimeo.

*Click the vimeo to see it bigger and in better quality

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April Eileen Eddleton

By Mandy McGee

I am so excited I was able to sit down and chat up photographer April Eddleton. As a photographer myself I love picking the brains of other photographers. I have known April for a while now, she and I grew up in the same area, and I have been following her creative journey and am very proud of her and the work she has done. 

(Photo of April Eileen by April Dorothea)

Mandy: How long have you been doing photography and how did you get started? 

April: I've been doing photography professionally for a little over 2 years now. I started in high school by taking photo journalism. I really miss the dark room!

Mandy: How would you describe your style?

April: All over the place! I love to create! Lately I've been working on more and more headpieces and jewelry to go along with the shoots I've thought up. Lately I've been more in to editorial style photos, but I work with a lot of more alternative models, so people have come to know me for my more edgy styles. 

Mandy: How did you learn photography school or self taught? 

April: Well, I took photo journalism in high school. However, over the years I had forgotten most of what I had learned, as I didn't really practice it until recently. So I had to re-learn everything. A lot was self taught via Google, as well as a few amazing friends giving me advice along the way. But mostly just from getting out there and just doing it. You're going to make mistakes, and not every shoot will turn out the way you see it in your mind. But as they say, practice makes perfect! So getting out there and shooting, any chance you get, is the best teacher there is.

Mandy: Have you always wanted to do photography? 

April: I've been taking pictures since I was in elementary school. As a child, I almost always had a disposable camera on me, or a bag full of film. But I never really thought of it as something I wanted to do for a living until I was forced to make a change in my career. I worked at Geico for a long time, but due to kidney failure, was forced to go on disability. The first few months were rough, going crazy sitting at home (I am forever on the go) so I decided to pick my camera back up and haven't put it down since! The health issues are still here, I am still on dialysis, but I found the silver lining in it- I rediscovered my passion for photography and art. Now I am doing what I truly love for a living!

Mandy: What is most important to you, technique or vision? 

April: Vision, absolutely! The end product is what counts. It's what everyone sees, and what represents you and your work. HOW you go to that end product doesn't matter. Of course knowing different techniques can help enhance that vision, but if you know what you want, and are determined to get that shot... you will. Just keep that vision in the back of your mind until you do!

Mandy: What equipment and software do you make use of in your work flow?

April: I shoot with a Canon Rebel T3i, and lately I've been loving my 50mm lense. As for editing I start in Lightroom for color/lighting/contrast corrections, and then move over to CS6 for the rest.

Mandy: What have you learned lately in photography? 

April: A friend taught me to shoot through  rather sheer objects to create different color/lighting effects. My favorite to use are different colored feathers. Also, using more dense objects to create shadows. My models always give me funny looks when they see me grab a handful of grass or leaves and stick them in front of my lens while taking their picture but always love the end result!

Mandy: What is your favourite shoot you have done so far?

April: My favorite shoot I have done so far is a tie between the Halloween shoot I did with Angela Hirsch and a recent one I did with Tessa Goetz. I styled everything and made the head pieces myself, which is probably why I enjoyed them so much. Being able to create pieces that I was truly proud of, and have beautiful models and an amazing team bring them to life was a great feeling! My newest headpiece is being mailed out west to be modeled by Heidi Lavon and I am SO excited about it! 

Mandy: What photographers inspire you?

April: Right now some of my favorites are Emily Soto. Her work is so elegant and flawless! And another would be Yellow Bubbles Photography. I love how her work always reminds me of a fairy-tale. 

Mandy: What inspires you in life?

April: My son. He is my best friend. I haven't always been the most patient person, and I didn't always make the best decisions (but then, who does when they are young?) He inspires me to do the right thing in any situation, to be the better person even when sometimes I just don't want to be. Leading him by example is what inspires me in life.

Mandy: Talk a little about the magazine you run.

April: I am the owner of Aspira Magazine. We feature artists of all kinds. Photographers, Models, Musicians, Tattoo Artists, Painters, Designers. We just love ART! Even though we are still fairly new (July is our 1 year anniversary!) I am very proud of the direction we are heading!

Mandy: If you could have a super power what would it be?

April: I just had this conversation the other day! I'm pretty sure I would have to go with teleportation! How cool would that be. I could be sitting at home in bed, and in the blink of an eye I could be zip lining through Fiji! (Yes... I've thought about this a lot!)

Mandy: If you could have a conversation with anyone dead or alive who would it be and why?

April: When I was a child, a woman who was my babysitter from the time I was about 6 months old until she was taken way too young when I was in 4th grade. She was more like a mother to me, and I'd love to talk to her one more time.

Mandy: Do you have any hidden talents?

April: Not that I would let many people hear it now a days, but I can sing. I use to be in the Women's Choir, Advanced Choir and did state competitions when I was in high school. Did solo's in front of 100's of people... and now I can't even sing in my car if there's anyone else is in there without being insecure. 

Mandy: Do you make enough money off of your work or do you have a  day job as well?

April: Unfortunately, due to being on dialysis, I am unable to hold a day job, but I get by just fine! :)

Mandy: What is the best advice you have received?

April: "Work Hard. Stay Humble." Pretty self explanatory.

Mandy: What advice do you have for individuals interested in pursuing a career in photography?

April: For starters, making a full time career out of photography is not always easy, and can usually take time. Be patient. And always be open minded. Not everyone will like your work. Don't take offense! Just use those remarks as a critique, something to work on. And get out there and shoot as often as you can! Again, practice makes perfect!

Mandy: Where can people find out more about you?

April: Sadly, I have been so busy I haven't been able to finish my website. But, you can find my work on Facebook at April Eileen Photography as well as on Instagram, @aprileileenphotography

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Hit and Miss Review

By Jason ‘Kantrip’ Calhoun

TV Review: Hit and Miss

Surfing Netflix for random TV shows to watch has become the main evening sport in my home. Some finds are really good, others are abysmal, and some leave a permanent impression on me. Neither wholly good nor wholly bad, but definitely food for a lot of thought. One such find was the 2012 Sky Atlantic (DirecTV) series, “Hit and Miss”. Starring Chloe Sevigny (Big Love, Boys Don’t Cry, American Horror Story: Asylum) as an Irish pre-op Transsexual assassin, who learns that she has an 11 year old son.

Mia, (Chloe Sevigny) has a pretty stable life going. She kills for the British mob, and packs away her savings to fund her gender reassignment surgery. Wake up, work out, take on a hit, come home, eat healthy, and maybe go on a date. She has her routine set and isn’t focusing on the future or the past. Just being Mia. One day she receives a letter informing her that her ex-girlfriend, Wendy has died and that Mia has an 11-year old son named Ryan (Jorden Bennie). Unsure what to do, Mia meets her son and finds that Wendy has left her custody of her other 3 children as well. All of whom are struggling to keep a small farm going. Mia’s presence upsets Levi (Reece Noi) and Riley (Karla Crome), Wendy’s 2 oldest children, and confuses Ryan. Not only have they lost their mother, but now they are left in the hands of an ex-boyfriend who is now a woman. Her problems multiply when the owner of the farm, John (Vincent Regan) decides he wants to assert his male-dominance over Mia and the children, and her boss, Eddie (Peter Wright) questions Mia’s ability to be a competent killer now that she has a family.

On its face, “Hit and Miss” is a lot to take in. The creators throw several culturally sensitive plots and characters into 6 episodes, and I was worried that one or more of these topics would be mishandled. To my relief, the show balances it all masterfully, only letting small details slip through the cracks.

The biggest and easiest aspect of the show to mess up was Mia. There is very little media out there that accurately and positively portrays Transsexuals. I’m glad to say “Hit and Miss” handles the subject matter expertly. While filming Chloe Sevigny did extensive research on surgical procedures, hormone treatments, and the experiences of people who transitioned. She was fitted with a prosthetic penis for the role, which was uncomfortable for her physically and emotionally. In the scenes where Mia catches images of herself in a mirror, or someone sees her naked, the discomfort she expresses is genuine. The show addresses her sex life in a frank and honest manner. “I’m straight”, Mia says in the first episode, when one of the children calls her a faggot. Little more is said on the matter, until Mia finds herself attracted to a local ex-rugby player, Ben (Jonas Armstrong). As their relationship develops both Mia and Ben have to have very honest conversations, that most dramatic TV avoids. Ben wrestles with being in love with Mia, despite her being physically a man. Mia struggles with intimacy and letting Ben in, when she isn’t comfortable with her own body. All of this on its own would make for a great show, but there are still several other elements of Hit and Miss to review.

Mia’s job as an assassin is also presented in a straight forward manner. She isn’t donning catsuits, big hats, or glasses for her jobs. On the job she wears dull-colored shapeless clothes (Hoodie, BDUs, Work boots), and moves with a purpose. Killing is done in a cold and emotionless manner. There’s little suspense or drama in her job. Just get dressed, kill, and leave. If Mia has to chase her target or fight them, the combat is quick and to the point. She isn’t a superwoman, so if she gets hit or lands wrong she gets hurt. When she is assigned a job, the show makes a point of expressing how much time has passed between the assignment and the hit itself. Sometimes days pass by before we see her go after a target. Even after Mia moves into the farmhouse with the children, she still maintains her loft in the city where all of her equipment is stored. This prevents the possibility that her work life and personal life will intersect. I get the feeling that Sevigny and the writers did just as much research on contract killers as they did Transsexuals for the show.

Of course it would be a very boring show without some drama. Enter Wendy’s children and the farmhouse. When Mia arrives she is met with hostility and confusion by the newly orphaned family. Wendy’s eldest daughter, Riley outright distrusts Mia until the two bond half-way through the series. Riley plays the typical distrustful teenager. She is scared, hurt, and reluctant to let anyone help her with her problems. Aside from caring for the two youngest children, she also swims daily and is having an abusive affair with the landowner, John. Levi is the second oldest, and while uncertain of Mia, is more than willing to let her help with paying the bills and takes her to task when it appears she is going to run back to the city. That’s not to say that he is faultless. Later in the series he becomes an errand boy for Mia’s boss and is happy to leave his siblings to go hang out with his friends in the city. Leonie (Roma Christensen) is the youngest of the 4 siblings. A sweet young girl that loves ballet, and talks to the ghost of her mother frequently. The inclusion of Wendy’s ghost feels out of place, but since she only appears to Leonie it gives the young girl some moments of small character growth.

Lastly, there is Ryan, Mia’s biological son. A shy 11-year old boy who is often bullied, and will run to sleep in a tent outside rather than bond with his siblings after their mother dies. While the large portion of the show centers around Mia, Ryan’s time in the spotlight is memorable. Not only has he lost his mother, but he’s met his father who is now a woman. The pair bond in the sweetest of ways. Mia teaches Ryan how to box, how to stand up to bullies, and then how to ensure the bullies never come back. When Ryan begins to question his own gender identity, Mia talks to her son frankly about her own experiences and how to listen to himself in defining who he is. When he does, Ryan finds out just how much like his father he is. The final scene of the last episode pours a lot of cold water on just what does run naturally in the family.

Beyond Mia, Ryan, and assassinations the show treads into some pretty standard dramatic waters. The skeezy abusive landowner that is sleeping with Riley presents very tangible threats to Mia and her family, but is unaware just who he is dealing with. Of course Riley’s affair has predictable results, with predictable response from John. Ben, the boyfriend, reacts in a rather tasteless manner to the gender and sexual issues that come up. Eddie, Mia’s Boss, uses Mia’s personal troubles to his professional benefit all the while doubting how useful she is to him anymore. Then there are the moments where both of Mia’s worlds cross-over. These are all story-points you would expect to come up with the cast and setting presented here, but since the series is only 6 episodes long there isn’t much tension built up and some of the characters and relationships feel flat. For example, after helping Mia buy the farm from John, Eddie begins storing contraband on the farm and employs Levi as an errand boy. There’s no mention of what he is hiding on the farm, just how deep Levi has been introduced into the organization, or who Eddie answers to. If the series was longer, I have no doubt that these stories would develop into their own arcs, but within the first season, they are window dressing at best.

The only story I had any major issues with, was the one explored in the final episode. From the start we are told that Mia grew up with a traveling fair, left when she came out of the closet to her family, and things became antagonistic after that. In Episode 6, Mia and the family go to the fair only to learn that it is the fair of her childhood. Upon seeing her brother (who doesn’t see her), Mia sneaks off to find her mother, demands that her mother leave with her, and is then assaulted by her brother. What her brother does to Mia is brutal. It sets the tone for the rest of the episode and makes you feel as violated as Mia. While the creators nailed the feeling of confusion, isolation, and crippling self-doubt, they failed to really give the viewers any amount of connection or history to Mia’s former family. Why does she want to take her mother away from her brother? Beyond being incredibly violent and intolerant, just what makes him such a big boogie man to the professional assassin? Again this is where the limited number of episodes worked against the writers. If there had been more episodes or even seasons, they could have built up more history, fear, and tension for this encounter. Even the resolution felt rushed and out of character.

All complaints about the rushed and generic story-lines aside, Hit and Miss is a great series. It addresses the topics of Transsexual transitioning, and growing up in a non-traditional household. All of the actors commit to their roles and the emotions they convey feel real. I get the feeling that there were plans for additional seasons to the show. Especially after watching the final episode. The series ends on a maddening cliffhanger where all of Mia’s secrets are set to spill out. If you are in the mood for something with action, drama, and realistic portrayals of alternate lifestyles then watch Hit and Miss.

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Tele Novella-Trouble In Paradise

By Mandy McGee Tele Novella just released their newest video for the single "Trouble in Paradise" on their fourthcoming Cosmic Dial Tone EP, which is due out on June 14 on Lolipop Records. The Austin based psych-pop band combines classic '60s rhythms with macabre undertones.

Tele Novella // Trouble In Paradise from tina rivera on Vimeo.

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Kantrip's Komic Review

By Jason 'Kantrip' Calhoun

Batgirl #31 Written by Gail Simone Art by Fernando Pasarin DC Comics Gail Simone brings back one of her most iconic villains in this month's Batgirl. As Barbara continues to wrestle with world-breaking revelations in her personal life, she must also race to save her roommate Alysia from a new enemy appearing in Gotham. Meanwhile someone is shadowing Barbara Gordon's every step, but why? The Good: It looks like Gail Simone is getting the freedom she needs to shift Batgirl in the direction she's been hinting at for the past year. Elements of the events from Batgirl Annual #2 appear here along with the caustic Michael from Knightfall's organization. Bits and pieces of previous stories are assembling to form a big threat that Batgirl will have to face on her own. Its a nice change in pace considering how disjointed the series has felt due to the infinite amount of interruptions it has had due to crossovers and changes in creative teams. Also Ragdoll is back!! Simone's insane triple-jointed mercenary/murderer has appeared in The New 52 with his love of Monkeys and bizarre ethics intact. Where as most of the villains in Batgirl so far have not hesitated to kill, Ragdoll is a change in pace. He's as insane as the rest of Batgirl's rogues gallery but it's clear he's working with a handler and a set of rules. Even better, there is a panel where he makes a call to check in with his "Boss" and asks that he/she give his love to his/her wives. As a fan of Simone's Secret Six, I couldn't help but squee at what that conversation implies for future characters that may appear. The Bad: The reveal of Alysia Yeoh as an extreme activist is abrupt. The character has been shown as a civic minded individual, and Batgirl Annual #2 positioned her as the person who would help bring Barbara out of her mental "batcave" and back out among the social folk. Having this big of a jump in character development feels disjointed. Later in the issue it is revealed what made Alysia and her cohorts decide to break into a building and "Stink-Bomb" it. Even with this bit of backstory her actions feel out of place. Even more jarring is the emotional whiplash of Barbara's conversation with maybe-boyfriend, Ricky. While his big news is in line with events transpiring against Commissioner Gordon in Batman Eternal, it felt like this conversation was a bit unnecessary. Last nitpik is Fernando Pasarin's artwork. He is a great fit for Batgirl but all of his faces appear elongated. It works for some characters but I noticed a similar style jaw and chin on Batgirl, as it was on Alysia or even her cohort Jo. It's a minor complaint at best as I find Pasarin a great fit for this book and hope he stays on. Summary: It feels like Batgirl is back on track. All of the slow simmering plot elements are coming to a boil. While not 100% on board with his style, I think Pasarin is a great talent to have onboard. Gail Simone has brought back one of her most iconic characters, and with it the hint that not all of the Old 52 magic is dead and gone. Plus that "Give my love to your wives" line had me bouncing with joy. Here's hoping that after Batgirl faces her current threat another six or so secrets come out of the shadows to surprise us. Rating: 4 out of 5

Justice League United #0 & #1 Writer: Jeff Lemire Artist: Mike McKone DC Comics In the aftermath of Evil Forever, a new band of heroes come together to bring light back to the DC Universe. It's about freaking time. Animal Man, Adam Strange, Martian Manhunter, Stargirl, Green Arrow and more stand to protect the Galaxy, starting in Canada. The Good: JLU is a much needed burst of legitimate sunlight in The New 52. Jeff Lemire changes tone from dark and bloody (as seen in Green Arrow and Animal Man) to fun and campy. The series starts off some amount of time after the events of Forever Evil. Lemire assembles the team in a natural way. Animal Man and Stargirl work the celebrity hero circuit for Conventions. A crisis emerges that brings Adam Strange to the duo. Then when aliens attack Stargirl uses her Justice League of America contacts to bring in Green Arrow and Martian Manhunter. Other characters like Hawkman, and a new hero are teased but not brought into the fold just yet. Lemire adds much needed humor to this new Justice League. Off the bat Animal Man and Green Arrow form a rivalry and start exchanging good natured barbs. The writer maintains the bond between Martian Manhunter and Stargirl, allowing the latter time to shine and grow into her own legend. Lastly Adam Strange embracing the role of an adventurer while trying to help these fumbling heroes out is a great way to bring the reader into this fledgling team. Mike McKone's art and Marcelo Maiolo's colors give the book the right amount of grit and grim while still being colorful and exciting. The action is frantic and the panel flow is easy on the eyes. The Bad: The scenes outside the main battle breaks the fun illusion the book weaves over the reader. Issue #0 introduces us to the new (as of yet unnamed) character and seems to hamfist in a spiritual/monstrous origin. Then there's the moments on board the prison ship. While I get that there has to be a viable way of bringing Hawkman into the series, it didn't make sense to have a veteran hero in full armor grouped in with the normal de-powered prisoners. The bloody fight with Lobo also felt out of place. The battle on earth spoke of Silver or Bronze age comic book throwdowns, while Hawkman vs Lobo stank too much 90's gore/violence for gore/violence sake. I'm chalking this portion up to a DC mandate for gritty and teeth-gnashing that all DC books have to have. Summary: I had all about given up hope on DC comics after Animal Man ended. It was about to only be Batgirl and Batwoman and some Vertigo books, but JLU has made me stop and give DC another chance. Justice League United is poised to be "The Fun Justice League" while the other two titles will be exploring the usual dark and dire ground. Jeff Lemire spent over 30 issues showing us how much of a dedicated father Animal Man was in his solo title and is currently putting Oliver Queen through some harsh paces in Green Arrow. Here though we get to see the lighter side of these characters once more along with some much needed growth for a young hero that specifically had the "Poster Girl" role in her previous team. If you want a taste of some old Pre-52 fun, go read Justice League United. You wont be disappointed. Rating: 4 out of 5

X-Men: No More Humans HC Writer: Mike Carey Artist: Salvador Larroca Marvel Comics The Battle for the Atom, brought a new Brotherhood of Evil Mutants from future and trapped them in the present day. One of the Brotherhood's members has found a way to create a new Mutant utopia, but at what cost? This is the first original graphic novel set in the X-Men's universe in a long while, and one that is well-overdue. It's a refreshing take on the Mutant Utopia idea that the franchise has played with for years, but rather than stretching it out over a lengthy crossover, Carey and Larroca give readers a 'Done in One' story that casts new light on the already unstable Mutant fractions in the Marvel U. The Good: No More Humans makes great use of one of the most frustrating new villains from Battle of the Atom, Raze, the son of Wolverine and Mystique. Raze proves he is his mother's son with his plan even down to displaying a cockiness that will inevitably lead to his downfall. Raze's machinations give the Cyclops/Magneto/Wolverine camps a reason to set aside their differences and come together like the team they used to be. Carey's biggest strength in this OGN is his ability to bring the reader into individual characters among an ensemble cast. No one person drives this story. Beast, Wolverine, Cyclops, Raze, Magneto, and Jean Grey all take turns moving the plot along. There is amazing detail given to the ever sticky nature of continuity. I'll address some of the nitpicky aspects of this in The Bad portion of this review, but if you are a current reader of the X-Books, the events of No More Humans takes place just after the Trial of Jean Grey and Magneto's disappearance (All-New X-Men and Uncanny X-Men). Young Cyclops is off-world, and X-23 has joined the Original 5. Nightcrawler also plays a role so it is safe to say the first arc of Amazing X-Men has come and gone. The appearance of Rogue, Havoc, and Scarlett Witch also indicates what ever madness is happening in Uncanny Avengers has either passed or not happened yet. While I know that the story is set up in a way to allow anyone reading it to enjoy a Done-In-One story, Mike Carey's attention to detail is a nice was of letting regular readers know when/where this takes place. Another blessing is the fact that one creative team is doing what would normally be a 4 or 5 part storyline in the monthly books. Often X-Men crossovers have a great start but fizzle out due to multiple writers and artists. The creative teams have to get on the same page with one story across all the individual titles but still keep the tone and cast of that installment's book in mind when writing their portion. Often as not the events drag out too long, and the "permanent change" to the X-Men's world feels underwhelming. Carey and Larroca present an event worthy story in one setting without changing the mood, cast, or art and avoid any big landscape changes to the monthly storylines. Salvador Larroca is on fire in this book. He expresses the full diversity of the X-Men cast perfectly. Age, height, weight, and attitude vary from person to person and other than one instance of Jean Grey meeting her older self from another dimension there no two characters feel carbon copied. The Bad: There is some issue with continuity as mentioned above. The ending sets everything up so that no major changes occur within the X-Universe and the political factions therein, but it is maddening to figure out just when this all occurred within the 6 or so ongoing books right now. My complaint mostly pertains to the main culprit behind the events of No More Humans. The story takes this villain out of the picture for the time being, however in the most recent All-New X-Men this person is alive and causing trouble. This leads to the other problem with the story: The ending. Of course a quick event story like this has to have a clear resolution in sight, and I'm happy with it. I'm not sold on how we get there. Carey seeds across the story that the combined talents of the warring mutant factions can reverse Raze's chaos, but at the last minute one of the most tired Deus-X-Machina (pun) is whipped out to fix everything. Having a the combined team of X-Men work to stop Raze's plan would have been a great way to close out. Instead everything is magic-fixed and everyone wanders off to wait for the next battle It also drives home that one poor character is chained to a particular destiny despite the monthly books showing him/her taking charge of his/her life in a different way. Summary: X-Men: No More Humans is a great story. Some bumps and snags but ultimately those are the gripes of a long time X-Man fan with continuity hang-ups. If you have stepped away from the world of X-men for a long while, this story will catch you up on the current events of the X-Men universe quite effectively without drowning you in exposition. For regular readers, this a fun story in the same spirit as Age of X, X-Termination, or DnA's run on New Mutants. If the 25.00 price tag scares you off, grab the digital version off Amazon or Comixology. I haven't been able to find when the paperback edition will be out. Kudos to Carey and Larroca on putting together a classic X-Men tale with all the current players. Rating: 4 out of 5

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DIY Folding Screen

By Mandy McGee (via One Kings Lane) How To Create a Folding Screen Using wallpaper and simple wooden closet doors from the hardware store, our stylist Anthony Santelli created a gorgeous folding screen.

Click here for the full list of materials needed and instructions on how to make this fabulous project.

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Spelunky

By Jason 'Kantrip' Calhoun

When it comes to video games my normal fare includes RPGs with deep stories, open worlds, and rather flexible mechanics. I'm a sucker for atmosphere and narrative, and the games industry has been lush with both lately. However with the past 2 generations of video game consoles, I had forgotten that challenging platformers were one of the formats that I cut my gaming teeth on as a kid. I forgot about the whole weekends I lost trying to clear Dr. Wily's fortress in Mega Man 2, or solving those unsolvable stages in Mendel's Castle. I've spent too much time getting lost in fantasy kingdoms, nuclear wastelands, and insidious science facilities that encouraged me to "break" the world rather than play by its rules.

Enter Spelunky. A deceptively cute platformer that seems rather easy at first but after your first 15 deaths, you realize that what lies before you is a true test of your video game skills. Spelunky is a rogue-like platform game where you play an Indiana Jones style adventurer exploring a series of caves in search of riches. The levels are full of monsters, traps, and environmental dangers, all of which can quickly kill you. One wrong step and you set off an Arrow Trap, which then propels you down a long fall, and in to the waiting jaws of a snake. The challenge of the game comes from the random level layouts. Once you start over, the level rearranges itself and seeds new treasure, items and dangers. It is up to you, the Player, to learn how the game operates and succeed despite its random nature.

The current version is a updated version of the Free-To-Play game released in 2008. Creator, Derek Yu of Mossmouth games re-released it with new graphics, updated music, zones, and smoother controls. While the original version is still available for download and play on PC, the new version of Spelunky is available on XBox Live Arcade, Playstation Network, and PC.

I was first turned on to the game by watching daily playthroughs of it via the Giant Bomb website. Game journalist, Patrick Klepek would narrate and analyze his daily runs all the while praising and cursing the game between deaths. It had been sometime since I actually heard someone in the games industry speak passionately about a game without criticizing some element of it. Every day I watched him play, I got more curious about this game that he was enjoying and not critiquing. One quick trip to Xbox Live Arcade later and I was hooked.

What attracted me to the game was it's cute graphics. The main character is a cartoonish take on the rogue archeologist archetype. Battered hat, leather jacket, 5 O'Clock Shadow and whip in hand you face spiders, snakes, aliens, cave men, and hopping vampires. If "Cartoon Indy" isn't your style, the game gives you 3 other starting options in a variety of races and genders. You can also unlock other character models, or purchase additional characters to play. Among these options is a Cyclops, Golden Idol, Robot, Viking, Aztec Warrior, Meat Boy, and several others. What skin you wear is purely a cosmetic decision. None of the character models change the game mechanics, but does make the game feel a lot more personal. I've even seen some ambitious PC Gamers make their own Avatars for the game. Personally I default to the yellow Miner Girl, since she reminds me of my partner.

The soundtrack by Eirik Suhrke is upbeat and evocative of 16-bit era games. Dark and sinister when the game calls for it, but perky and infectious throughout the entire game. The soundtrack is one of the reasons I come back to play this game so much. All it takes is hearing "The Adventure Begins" (aka the First Level music) once, and I get this craving to play. If you enjoy the soundtrack as much as I do, it is available through the game's web page for purchase.

Good music and cute sprites only make up one part of the awesome experience that is Spelunky. Once you get into the game, that is where the magic begins. Your first time starting, the game runs you through a demo, explaining simple mechanics. How to throw bombs, dash, jump, hang on walls, and drop ropes. It explains about what items you can take with you into the Level Exit for health and money bonuses, and that's about it. You're on your own after that. Spelunky has taught you the basics. It's up to you to figure out what items and strategies you will employ to make it out alive.

One of the first things you learn is that anything you pick up can be a weapon. Also, your weapons can hurt you. Rocks (the most common pick up item) frequently bounce back off surfaces, so it helps to measure your throws before chucking it at a random enemy. Spider Webs will stop you in your tracks if you don't pay attention, but those same webs can stop enemies and projectiles, or catch you if you fall too far. Bombs have an impressive blast radius and bounce, but can easily blow you up if you are too close. Whipping or jumping on an enemy is an effective strategy as well, but one that requires you time your strikes just right.

You're not just limited to dungeon clutter and bombs however. Scattered throughout levels are shops where you can spend treasure on a variety of helpful items. Tools like Spring Boots, Climbing Gloves, Jet Packs and Compasses make navigating the maps easier (or harder if you get sloppy). You can purchase weapons such as the Freeze Gun, Shot Gun, or Boomerang to cut down enemies, however these weapons have their own drawbacks and require you actively carry them. Since you can carry only one item at a time, you will find yourself having to run back and forth to get Damsels, Treasure Chests, Keys, and weapons all in one place. Once you put them down, remember where you left it, otherwise you've wasted your money. Shops also offer additional bombs, climbing ropes, hired help (AI NPCs that run around gathering items and killing foes for you), and in one hidden level, resurrection items. If you are running short of money, you can always attack the shop keeper and attempt to rob them. Be careful if you do. Shopkeepers are armed with shot guns and will go berserk once attack or steal. They also remember. So if you survive the encounter, every shopkeeper during that run will automatically turn hostile.

If you take damage, there is no guarantee you will regain it short of rescuing a Damsel, or (if you live long enough) get the Skull Cup item from Kali's altar. Once you locate the Damsel in the level, you have to get the Damsel safely to the exit and then make it out yourself. If you do, you will get 1 heart back. If you go the more difficult route of obtaining Kali's cup, it means actively hunting monsters and standing in the right place to collect their blood drops. Once you've filled the cup you regain some health.

On the subject of the Damsel, that is another place where Spelunky shines for me as a game for everyone. The default sprite for the Damsel is a blonde woman in a red dress. However the game allows you to change it to a blonde muscle man, or a cute pug. Personally I set the Damsel to the pug due to the noise it makes. There is also the option to have the damsel sprite randomly generate its appearance and some cheats that turn the pug into a sloth. Like everything else in the game, the Damsel is an item you have to carry with you and can be thrown/used as a weapon. Once you set the Damsel down it will get up and run around the level. It can trigger traps, fall long distances, and get caught in webs. If the Damsel takes too much damage it will die. Also there's no guarantee that he/she/it will appear in any set place, and on a few occasions I've had to deplete my bombs to carve a path to it. If the level spawns Kali's Altar, you may also sacrifice the Damsel to Kali by dropping it on the table. This earns you major favor with the goddess but costs you the quick health benefit. As with anything in Spelunky, you have to determine if rescuing the Damsel is worth the risk.

As you progress through the game the level designs become far more challenging. The further you go, the more environmental dangers are added. Enemies get larger and tougher, and newer traps are introduced. Of course the key to a fun run is learning how to use the environment to your advantage. As you enter new sections of the game (The Jungle, The Ice Caves, The Temple) a Tunnel Digger may appear and offer to dig a shortcut to the new section for a cost (items usually). If you accept his offer, an entrance the first part of each section is added when you restart the game. If you jump ahead sections it may cost you placement on leaderboards and loot. But if you're exploring the game these shortcuts are invaluable. Seeded within this seemingly random game, are alternate paths and quests to reach hidden bosses and levels. Hidden cities of gold, Black Markets, the Lord of Hell, and buried spaceships are among these secrets. Taking your time and planning your moves is encouraged, but don't wait too long. There are dire consequences for anyone who lingers in a level trying to get every treasure or kill every enemy.

One of the most attractive elements of the game to me is the community that has built up around Spelunky. Regardless of the platform you play it on (PSN, XBLA, PC) the game's mechanics are universal. Players will share their strategies in forums, and stream hilarious or epic runs via YouTube or Twitch TV. If you do give Spelunky a try and find yourself struggling, seek out the wiki, or watch some of the above-mentioned videos for tips on how-to (or how-not-to) survive the game.

I also found myself satisfied with short playthroughs of the game. An hour every other day or so felt as enriching as a 6 hour session of Skyrim. Dying after a very successful run will drain my urge to keep going, but I always walk away from a game of Spelunky feeling like I learned something new about it. While I enjoy solo-runs, the game sports a 4 player Co-Op mode, and Deathmatch mode for competitive players. For online competition there are leaderboards and daily challenges that allow players to compete for the highest scores and fastest playtimes.

In closing, Spelunky is a great game. Its a refreshing break from the constant race to make video games bigger, and flashier. Not that I will be putting down Bioshock, Darksouls, or Fallout anytime soon mind you, but Spelunky takes me back to a time when I had to pace myself in a video game. I had to think about what I was doing, suck up every mistake I made, and just charge ahead blindly. Spelunky made me cheer when I cleared a level by the skin of my teeth and throw my controller when I died. Everything from the graphics, to the music, to the gameplay make it a surefire classic, and one of the most awesome gaming experiences I've had in a long time.

Keep up the great work Mossmouth. I'll see you all back in the mines.

http://spelunkyworld.com/

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New Teen Men Video, EP and Tour

By Mandy McGee Wilmington, Delaware's Teen Men has a new video, an EP and they are going on a mini tour with Work Drugs. Teen Men are Catharine (a photographer), Albert (a filmmaker, who has done videos for Spinto Band and Ra Ra Riot), and Nick and Joe (from Spinto Band). They mix synth, samples and ambient tones in perfect crafted pop songs. Live they have a projector with interactive visuals. I am posting their newest video as well as another video from a month or so ago that I didn't around to posting for you. Their EP is free for download on their Bandcamp til the 19th of April and if you are on the east coast check out one of their shows; they are opening for Work Drugs.

http://teenmen.bandcamp.com/ TOUR: Apr 11 Boot and Saddle Philadelphia, PA Apr 12 Union Pool Brooklyn, NY Apr 16 Bug Jar Rochester, NY Apr 17 Rumba Cafe Columbus, OH Apr 18 Underground Lounge Chicago, IL Apr 19 The Basement Nashville, TN

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Dum Dum Girls-"Are You Ok" Short Film

By Mandy McGee The Dum Dum Girls didn't just make a video for their new song "Are You Ok" they got Brett Easton Ellis to write a short film for it. It is a surreal and beautiful thriller. See for yourself! "The psychological thriller, which stars Dee Dee Penny and Shiloh Fernandez, was directed by Brewer (Alt J, Purity Ring, Passion Pit), and produced by Braxton Pope, with additional musical score composed by Tamaryn and Drew McDowall. The video also includes Charles Ray's artwork Two Boys (2010), courtesy of the artist and Matthew Marks Gallery."

You can also watch a making of the video here: http://bit.ly/MOCAtvDumDumGirls https://www.facebook.com/DumDumGirls http://www.wearedumdumgirls.com/ https://twitter.com/dumdumgirls http://instagram.com/wearedumdumgirls

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Music Monday

By Mandy McGee

Music Monday is back finally. Here are a few new videos out from some amazing bands. 

I have spoken of Gretchen Lohse before and this won't be the last. This new video of "Spider at the Gate" from her debut album Primal Rumble is both mesmerizing and beautiful just like the song. I love the violin in this song. 

Teen Men have a new video and song out called "Rene". It is a cute video that slightly reminds me of a Wes Anderson film. They are also going on a small tour with Work Drugs on the east coast. Check out the dates and don't miss them.

Night Terrors of 1927 are a new band out of LA featuring Blake Sennet (The Elected and Rilo Kiley) and Jarrod Gorbel (Honorary Title). The video is creepy but beautiful. I love the pastel colour palette they chose. The music is very different from the bands they have come from, using poppy synths, dramatic guitar and sad romantic lyrics. I am excited for this collaboration between two amazing musicians. Everyone in this band brings something great to the table. Night Terrors are currently on their first tour and have an EP out called Guilty Pleas. Check them out. 

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Laurel Dodge

By Mandy McGee

Laurel Dodge is a Seattle native and third generation artist who works mostly with linoleum block printing. I have featured her several times at a club I curate art for and I finally got to sit down and have a chat with her. 

Mandy: What is your style of art?

Laurel: I paint mostly narrative works that are influenced by myth, folklore and fairy tales. Figurative with influences of both classical and illustrative styles.

Mandy: Who influences your art?

Laurel: I would say in subject, it is books mostly. In style I really try and do my own thing. I have a lot of art its who I love like Egon Schiele, Frances Bacon, Siolo Thompson, Crystal Barbare, Redd Walitzki, Artemisia Gentileschi. I spent a lot of time really finding my own voice for my work. My mother, Jessica Dodge, who is a professional painter, was a deep influence.

Mandy: What are your favorite tools/mediums/brands to use?

Laurel: Lino-block printing for sure if my favorite right now, I have been working in ti almost exclusively for the past 5 years. I like the almost sculptural aspect of it as you carve the block, working in revers, hand pressing the block to paper. I do everything really lo-fi. All my blocks are held with my hands, I have cut myself so many times. I use to go to Utrecht, but they got bought out by Blick, so I go there now. I have also worked in ink and oils. 

Mandy: Have you always been an artist? Did you go to school for art, take independent classes or are self taught?

Laurel: I have done art since I was a small child. My mother is an artist and I grew up in an artist co-op. I have taken a class here and there but never went to school for it. Mostly self taught. Never took a class in block printing, that is totally self taught.

I did art because I had to. It was one of the many ways i learned to express myself to the world.

Mandy: What was it like growing up in an artist co-op

Laurel: Amazing and weird. It was so different then any of my other fiends. I lived in a shack behind a fence of a bus depot on the base of Queen Anne hill. There were no children around to play with except for one kid who was there part time. So it was a bit lonely. There were so many amazing things to look t and I went to so many art openings as a child with my mother when she was showing her work, or when she wanted to take me to see other artist in the city. I met a lot of amazing people and performers growing up.

Mandy: When you are first trying to come up with an idea do you sketch it out or do you go straight into the work?

Laurel: Really depends. I use to just go right to it. Because I am self taught, I thought that is what all artists did. I would get frustrated because it would not be perfect the first time and i would look at all these other people and get angry because their stuff was perfect. Then I found out that most artist do sketches first and under painting. Now I do as well. Its all a learning curve. try and fail and try again.

Mandy: Is there a skill you haven't tried that you want to try or something you want to improve on?

Laurel: I feel as an artist, you always have to be improving. That's what art is. Constant work and discovery of new aspects of your medium. I want to work more on my oil work. I love working with oils, the small alone sends me into deep childhood glee. But right now I am going to continue to hone my block printing craft and maybe try out new kind of printing and etching.

Mandy: Do you remember your first gallery show?

Laurel: Oh yeah. I had shown once at the Mercury, before you worked there, but the show I had in a Gallery that was just a gallery and not also a bar was a group show I had with my Mother and Grandfather before he passed. It was deeply moving on so many levels.

Mandy: What do you feel is important in contemporary art today?

Laurel: I think that the explosion of female artist and curators in Seattle is really amazing. I love that women are becoming more influential in the art community,rally, all over. We need to keep having conversations with each other through our craft, we need to keep pushing the envelope and pushing our voice as women out there in the art world. It has really been a boys club for too long and I like what I am seeing here in my home town. I think this year is going to be amazing for the female artiest in Seattle. Really, all over.

Mandy: What is your favorite piece(s) you have done?

Laurel: Every new body of work is my new favorite, but there was a piece my mother worked on with me, when I was really starting to get into oil painting. My grandmother bought it. I still love the one so much when ever I go to her house.

Mandy: Do you have Any hidden talents?

Laurel: A few, but if I told you I would have to kill you. You can't tell people about your hidden talents., then they are no longer hidden.

Mandy: Haha! True, true. What is the best advice have you be given?

Laurel: The first 500 don't count.

Mandy: What advice can you give to aspiring artists?

Laurel: The same as above and don't give up, keep working, find what is right for you. find your own voice. never stop creating.

Just never stop….

Mandy: If you had a super power want would it be

Laurel: Wow, that's……huh. As a huge nerd it is really hard for me to pick. I would rather be a Wizard then a super hero though.

Mandy: Why is that?

Laurel: Well, being a wizard i suppose is a super power of sorts.Like a wizard from AD&D. Spell books and that sort of thing. Shooting fireballs, magic disks, explosive ruins. Though I was told I was more a sorcerer then a wizard.

Check out more on Laurel on her Facebook or official website.

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Mandy's Top Albums of 2013

By Mandy McGee

So, this is a little late but it's here. I have a small list of my favorite albums of 2013. They are in no particular order and it was very hard to narrow it down to just a short list; so much good music last year. I suggest you check out the bands on this list and also find me on various social media to chat about music.

Houses-A Quiet Darkness

This album was inspired by abandoned houses and made into a story about a couple trying to find each other in a post-apocalyptic world. It is tricky making an album that sounds monotonous in tone but Houses makes it work adding in samples they have made, including making drum sounds from light switches, sweeping around dust and stomping on the floor of the abandoned houses they found. This is the perfect album for finding sleep or just calming your mind.

Spinto Band-Cool Cocoon

Their best album yet! I did a review of this when it came out in early 2013. It really shows off their talent in song writing and creative composition. One of my favorite indie pop albums and band!

Gretchen Lohse-Primal Rumble

The first time I listened to Gretchen sing I fell in love with her amazing voice. I am working on a proper review of this album. All I can say right now is this is a great folky album to listen to on a cold day while sipping hot tea or coco. I am glad this talented singer/song writer finally put out a full album.

Work Drugs-Mavericks

A very well constructed album from Philly's Work Drugs. It came out at the perfect time last summer. This synth-pop band knows how to hook you. This should be on repeat through out the summer.

Nightmare Air-High in the Lasers

I had not heard this band before they played with my friend's band, Vibragun, here in Seattle. All I knew was Dave Dupuis from Film School was in the band and I was excited to see what they had to offer. I was blown away and immediately got the album. It is full of high energy shoegaze/noise and bass heavy rock and roll.

The Julie Ruin-Run Fast

Kathleen Hannah has been an absolute inspiration to me ever since I was introduced to Bikini Kill and the Riot Grrl movement back when I was in high school. I was even at the last Le Tigre show ever and I remember thinking "No this can't be over!" Very few bands in the Riot Grrl scene lasted after Le Tigre ended. Kathleen did one solo album under the name Julie Ruin in 1998 and decided to bring Julie Ruin back with a full band. She had been out of the music scene since Le Tigre disbanded due to an illness, which she has better control of now. I am so happy that she is making music again and she has an amazing band to help her. This album brings her right back to her roots of raw rock and saying what is on her mind.

Ceremony-Distance

I have been friends with the Ceremony/Skywave guys since I was about 18 or so. Skywave opened my eyes to the world of shoegaze and noise rock. Ceremony is now just down to one, John Fedowitz, and he is doing a damn fine job at it. He has always been great with recording and he is a f-ing talented musician. This long awaited album is my favorite Ceremony album to date. It is full of all the electronic shoegaze noise your ears can handle. It's also available on the record label I work for, Moon Sounds Records!

Mishkin Fitzgerald-Present Company

Mishkin is such a sweetheart and an incredibly talented musician. Her solo album isn't far off from Birdeatsbaby's dark cabaret sound but it is stripped down a bit on most of the tracks leaving you with Mishkin's piano skills and brilliant voice. This album is a prefect collection of songs that really shows off what she can do on her own.

Lisa Doll and the Rock and Roll Romance-Neon Heat

Pop garage rock! Reminiscent of The Ramone's. I don't need to say more. It's a fun album!!!

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Kantrip's Komic Best of 2013 Review

Kantrip's Top 13 Comics of 2013

2013 was a great year for comics. Almost every single release from Image was an instant classic. Vertigo began putting out some iconic and very rich tales, and both Marvel and DC launched some ambitious events sprinkled with some hit and miss solo titles. So what made my top reads for 2013?

In no particular order:

Lazarus  Writer: Greg Rucka Artist: Michael Lark Image Comics Genre: Science Fiction, Action, Political When it was announced that Greg Rucka was releasing a sci-fi series with themes of financial collapse, cutting edge medical technology, and a character that couldn't die, I couldn't order the book fast enough. Lazarus is about Forever Carlyle, an nigh-unkillable warrior who's sole purpose is protecting her family's property and interests in a future where 1% the 1% controls the world's resources. While Forever is loyal and sees her family as the most important thing in her life, however internal conspiracies and the treatment of those not working for the Carlyle family start to put cracks in that devotion. Rucka cites the most recent developments in Stem Cell research, as well as several economic predictions as the basis for his tale. The world of Lazarus isn't just a possibility based on a few things gone wrong, it is a world that we may be sliding into without realizing it. Forever herself is a testament to the level of detail in the book. While the character is a beautiful female warrior, she is presented with a realism I would like to see spread to every comic book in the industry. It's obvious that she is a woman, but she is not sexualized. From her muscle tone to her body language, Forever is depicted as a warrior through and through. Michael Lark's pencils create a very grim future for our hero to wander around. As Forever strolls among the Waste of L.A you can smell the dirt and trash fires. When she resurrects in a barn after being shot by thieves, you feel the confusion and vertigo she does. It feels like every broken house and dead body was accounted for when designing this world. My love for Rucka's work is no big surprise to anyone, but I was amazed at how much depth and realism was put into Lazarus. Once you get to the last page of each issue, it is hard to break free from Lazarus' hold. I find myself reading the letters and back matter a few times until it is “okay” to let go and move on to the next comic. This is hands down one of my favorite books from him. I hope it sticks around long enough to take us all around this broken and very possible future.

The Wake Writer: Scott Snyder Artist: Sean Murphy Vertigo Comics Genre: Science Fiction, Suspense, Action Scott Snyder and Sean Murphy brought back some of that old Vertigo magic this year with The Wake. One part survival horror. One part Science-Fiction. Another part timey-wimey wibbly-wobbly mystery. The Wake starts out like several monster survival movies do. A plucky female scientist is brought to a hidden facility staffed with other specialists to uncover what they can about a new/ancient form of life. In this case, a merman. The cast is filled out with the usual suspects. The oddball archeologist/anthropologist, the biologist, the unethical ex-military muscle, the not-so-trustworthy government contact and the rival intellectual. If you have seen movies like The Abyss, or The Thing, then you know where this is going. Then Scott Snyder turns it all over and you find yourself as lost and cold as our quickly drowning heroes. Flashbacks and flash-forwards give the reader hints about the nature of this mer-beast. Legends and myths conveniently tie this horror to something that humanity has been ignoring for eons. Add in some alien conspiracy and The Wake becomes something way more than a typical Monster Movie in comic book form. Issue 5 in particular was a major shift in tone for the book. Sean Murphy's art is a real treat for readers. His frenetic style lends itself well to the rushing water and action beneath it. His design work on the creatures is amazing, and he gives life to the ocean itself which is an important detail when its the main setting of the story. The series has been subject to some interruptions but has kept to a monthly release schedule for the most part. However with the way Snyder executes his cliff-hangers those weeks between issues really do feel long. While I am prone to wait and read most Vertigo series in trade form, The Wake is one I would recommend that people read monthly. It is the best way to experience the thrill ride that Snyder and Murphy have put their heart and soul into.

Hawkeye Writer: Matt Fraction Artist: David Aja Marvel Comics Genre: Pulp, Superhero, Slice of Life If I were to say that one of the best comics of 2013 was told from the perspective of a dog, you'd say I was crazy. Then I would hand you Hawkeye #11 and walk away smugly. Matt Fraction and David Aja have forged pure gold with their take on the arrow slinging Avenger and his off-duty antics. Up until now its been fun and games. All snark and bumbling tracksuit wearing mobsters along side embarrassing some of Marvel's more notorious crime lords. Then issue #9 ended things on a dark note. Issue 10 got darker by delving into the mind of the new antagonist, The Clown. Issue #11 got a bit brighter but that's because it was all about Lucky, Hawkeye's pet dog. Aja and Fraction conveyed an entire story using as few words as possible. While other comics have tried to write stories from an animal's perspective, very few have tried to take readers into the creature's world to this level. Not content to just give us a “dog issue” Fraction uses Lucky's story to introduce some major plot developments but does so in such a subtle way, that we aren't aware of them until the final panel. The following issues have split the book into stories revolving around both Hawkeyes but each on their own coast and doing their own thing. Kate Bishop is out in LA making her own enemies and poor life choices, while Clint Barton is back in NYC coping with everything in his personal life crumbling to dust. If that wasn't enough, another troublemaker from Clint's past shows up to lend a helping hand. I keep pushing Hawkeye into the hands of every comic reading friend I know because it is a beautiful merging of so many genres. It's Slice-of-life, Pulp Noir, Action, Superheroes, Comedy, and a Family Drama. We get to learn more about “that one hero with a bow” and what he is when he's not saving the world, which is being as broken and flawed as the rest of us. I'm glad Marvel gave Fraction and Aja the chance to show us this side of Hawkeye. Thanks to this book I can now say I have a favorite Avenger and he drinks coffee straight from the coffee pot.

Saga Writer: Brian K Vaughn Artist: Fiona Staples Image Comics Genre: Science Fiction, Romance, Action, Drama The best comic of 2012 is the best comic of 2013. Vaughn and Staples continue delivering month after month of fantastic creatures, aliens that are all too human, jaw-dropping cliff-hangers, and heartbreaking moments. You know you are doing comics right when tragedy befalls a “bad guy” and you cry as hard as you do for one of the “good guys”. I also love that BKV and Staples take a 3 month break between every 6 issues. It allows fans who read the trades to catch up to those who read month to month. So by the time the new arc starts we are all biting in anticipation. I am also impressed by the respect that fans have for NOT spoiling plot developments as months go by. It is as if we want that heartbreak/laugh/joy/sadness to hit later readers as much as it hit us. While I know this list is in no particular order I have to give Saga a “Best Book of the Year” for a single moment in issue 14 with Lying Cat and Sophie (aka Slave Girl) which brought me to tears. It wasn't even one of the most important pages in the book. Just a quick break from the main story to bring layers of depth and even some joy to a minor character. If you haven't been reading Saga, go do so now. There are 2 collected trades out covering issues 1 through 12, and issue 18 comes out this month, which means a break and third trade before things pick back up with issue 19 in a few months. Here's to Saga being the #1 comic in 2014.

Federal Bureau of Physics Writer: Simon Oliver Artist: Robbi Rodriguez Vertigo Comics Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery, Political FBP is one of the more subtle hits of 2013. One of Vertigo's new releases in their year of Defy, FBP follows the exploits of the Federal Bureau of Physics in a future United States where a new form of emergency service is required. Physics. For some unknown reason a few years back, the laws of physics started to break down. Random Time Fluxes. Bubble Universes. Reversal of Gravity. All things you would call 911 about and the FBP are there to answer. The main story focuses around agent Adam Hardy, who finds himself in danger during a normal “Bubble Universe Fix” gone wrong. Oliver and Rodriguez build several modern political motivations into the series via a Corporate conspiracy to show how ineffective the FBP is at their job, thus allowing for privatization of the Physics Response industry and Physics Insurance. There is also the mystery of Hardy's father and what he was researching when a Quantum Storm swept him away. This is a book that part of me wants to drop from my monthly list but then I read an issue and I'm reminded of how good it is. There's action and intrigue but on a very deep intellectual level. The threats facing Hardy and his team are some of the fundamentals of reality that we take for granted every day, and behind that, there's someone wanting to make a buck off of it. I highly recommend this series if you want some high Science Fiction that does more than a monster of the week style story.

Captain Marvel Writer: Kelly Sue Deconnick Artist: Filipe Andrade Marvel Comics Genre: Superhero, Action Captain Marvel invokes feelings in me I haven't felt since I read comics as a kid. I laugh, I cry, I grip the comic tightly when the stakes are at their highest. In a time when most of Marvel's books have become dark and complex, Captain Marvel inspirational and fun. Kelly Sue Deconnick did more than just reboot and rebrand Carol Danvers, she created a hero that men and women of all ages could look up to and respect both within her stories and in her fandom. The past 17 issues have built Captain Marvel up, tore her down, and after a some very bleak moments, brought the hero back up in a new light that all her readers could appreciate. I didn't worry when the company announced that #17 was the final issue in the current volume because the fanbase for this character had grown so much over the past year it would be stupid to let the book die. Go google The Carol Corps and see the myriad of fans that were touched by this book. Marvel at artwork, crafts, and inspirational stories that this character has sparked. Then go read the first issue, and you too will want to punch holes in the sky. The adventures of Captain Marvel will resume in March, alongside a new Ms. Marvel series which will feature a fan of Carol Danvers taking up her former mantle. In the span of just over a year, KSD has taken a B-List Avengers, and built her up into more than just an A-List hero. She's turned Carol Danvers into cultural icon and I can't thank her enough for it.

Young Avengers Writer: Kieron Gillen Artist: Jamie McKelvie Marvel Comics Genre: Superhero, Action, Drama, Slice of Life Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie have a magic to them. They know how to write Youth. Not how adults think teens should be written, but how they actually are. I've always loved Marvel's takes on the next generation of heroes, but non have hit the mark so accurately as Young Avengers. From the opening moment of Kate Bishop's interstellar hook-up with Noh-Varr, to the existential angst of Wiccan, the creative team on this book penned some of the most insightful and profound moments within Superhero comics this year. The best part was meta commentary. While most of the Marvel Universe was focused on responsibility, duty, and resolving dark pasts, The Young Avengers embraced their Super-Careers in the best way possible. They had fun. Kieron Gillen continued to build upon the almost tragic story of Kid Loki, which was a great relief to many fans of his Journey into Mystery run, and while Loki's resolution at the end of the volume paved the way for his own solo series, at no point in time did he steal the spotlight. Everyone's imperfections, worries, strengths and doubts got page time. McKelvie's style fit the pop-culture heroes to a “T”. I've been a fan of the duo's Phonogram series for a long time and I loved how they took elements of that formula and swapped out “Music as Magic” for “Music with Superheroes”. As Gillen would tell you what piece of pop history was playing while Noh-Varr fought, McKelvie made sure the character's movements were perfectly wrapped around the energy of the music. The final 2 issues, “Afterparty” even have a complete playlist on Spotify, with the creators telling you what song started at the start of the issue and where it left off before the 2nd issue. I'm sad that this volume has come to an end, and there hasn't been talk of either Gillen or McKelvie picking up the title for a 2nd volume yet, but ultimately it doesn't need a 2nd volume. The story's been told. The bonds of friendship have been forged, and ultimately these young heroes went out to drink, dance, get laid and punch bad-guys in the face. All any teenager lives to do during those chaotic formulaic years.

Sandman Overture Writer: Neil Gaiman Artist: J.H. Williams Vertigo Genre: Supernatural, Surreal, Mystery J.H. Williams was born to draw Sandman. Enough said. If Vertigo/DC said they were going to re-release all of the previous Sandman volumes with Williams' artwork, I would be the first in line to buy them all again. In hardback even. Since that isn't going to happen, I am thrilled that one of my favorite artists has coupled with one of my favorite writers to tell a brand new story for one of the most iconic and influential comic books ever made. Sandman Overture is the last story of Morpheus, aka Dream of the Endless. Since Morpheus' story had a rather...umm...definitive ending during the Sandman series, Gaiman takes us back to a time before Preludes and Nocturnes, to show us just where Morpheus went before his imprisonment. Gaiman returns to the world of the Endless with such ease, that I didn't feel like it had been decades since the last Sandman tale. Williams' artwork is the true star of the series. His unconventional use of panels, the way he folds an image with an image, and the fluid movements of his characters are all perfect for this surreal metaphysical world. Plus any book that can make me feel attached to a dreaming carnivorous plant, is a winner. Sadly only the first issue has been released and the second issue has been pushed back due to Gaiman's schedule. The series is slated to be Bi-Monthly at this time but with the 2nd issue already pushed back, I am skeptical of a regular release date. The good news is, I don't care. So long as I get to read it through its entirety. Its more Sandman. I'm not gonna complain.

Three Writer: Kieron Gillen Artist: Ryan Kelly Image Comics Genre: Historical, Political, Action Kieron Gillen surprises me constantly. His Journey into Mystery run was Shakespearean, while Phonogram and Young Avengers are perfect Teen/Post-Teen dramas that focus on the day to day events. Now he's given the comic-reading world, Three, a historical thriller that casts a skeptical and accurate eye on the lifestyle and politics of the Sparta. An ancient nation who's bravado and heroics were celebrated in the graphic novel, 300. For Gillen, the idea for Three came after a night of drinking and re-reading 300. Gillen was so annoyed by hypocrisies that the story conveyed about Spartan culture, he decided to tell a story about what freedom actually meant to the ancient warriors. Three centers around 3 Helot slaves who escape slaughter at the hands of some traveling Spartans and even worse, fought back. In response to being bested by these pieces of property, the Spartans send 300 warriors out to bring them to justice. I'm not normally one to enjoy historical series, but Kieron Gillen's name was enough to warrant giving it a chance. So far I'm loving it. While the story is gripping, Ryan Kelly's art is what makes the book addicting. Every character is given moments of strength and weakness under his pen. The mightiest Spartan can be as weak as the slaves they hunt, and in the next moment turn into a merciless beast. The best part of it all is the backmatter, where Gillen interviews Prof. Stephen Hodkinsons, about Spartan culture and how the battle of Thermopylae affected the nation. I have no clue how this story will play out, but when it's 3 unarmed slaves vs 300 legendary warriors, it can only end in tragedy. Until we get there I'm gonna enjoy the history lesson.

The Superior Spider-Man Writer: Dan Slott Artists: Ryan Stegman / Giuseppe Camuncoli / Humberto Ramos Marvel Comics Genre: Superhero, Drama, Action This is probably one of the most controversial comics of the year. Last December Dan Slott and Marvel Comics did the unthinkable. They killed Peter Parker (aka Spider-Man) and let his nemesis Otto Octavius (Doctor Octopus) take the reigns. Of course death in comics is temporary at best, and Parker's return is about as inevitable as rain in Seattle, but still the fanboys and fangirls did gnash their teeth and howl and swore never to read a Spider-Man book again. Those of us that decided to see where the story went from there have been treated to one of the most interesting experiments put forth by Marvel Comics in some time. After defeating Peter Parker, and successfully stealing his body, Otto Octavius has become the Superior Spider-Man. Being exposed to the tragic memories that turned Parker into Spider-Man, Octavius decided to honor his fallen foe by showing he could a better Spidey than Peter ever was. Sounds ludicrous but it is working. By all rights Octavius' hubris should have gotten the better of him, but every time he almost slips up and goes too far, the results favor him in the end. Dan Slott has made Spider-Man fans examine just how this iconic character had been living his life by having Doctor Octopus fix all of the catch-22 situations that would make Peter Parker freeze up. Too much crime to stop and not enough time with friends and family? Build an army of multi-purpose spider-bots that work with local law enforcement. The Mayor being a pain in the butt? Work with the city rather than against it, and when the time is right blackmail the Mayor into letting you do what you want. Recurring ex-girlfriend making things emotionally confusing? Break it off for good and walk away. Otto adds to the world of Spider-Man with his own supporting staff, new enemies, new outfits and gimmicks, and a far more severe approach to punishing criminals. Slott has employed some really stellar but brutal storytelling to drive home the fact that “Doctor Octopus is now Spider-Man!! This is happening and is not a joke!!” As Superior Spider-Man swings into its second year Slott has shown that Otto's plans aren't so perfect and maybe some of that “Old Parker Luck” has stuck around. Here's to Dan Slott for taking one of the biggest chances in comics and succeeding in spades. I can't wait to see how Doc Ock survives the coming year.

Sex Criminals Writers: Matt Fraction Artist: Chip Zdarsky Image Comics Genre: Romance, Slice of Life, Humor, Mystery Despite the title, Sex Criminals is one of the funniest and most heart-warming comics I've read. The series follows the misadventures of Suzie and Jon, a young couple who meet and fall in love in the most realistic way comics have ever depicted. One is a librarian. Another is cubicle worker for a bank. Both meet at a party and spend several hours, days, and weeks together sharing their pasts, sexual histories and dreams. One small thing though. When they have sex, time stops. So what does a couple in their mid-20's and a future full of dreams do with their time-freezing sex ability? They rob banks. The concept seems kinda ridiculous, but Matt Fraction uses this sexual superpower to take the reader into Suzie and John's individual sexual awakenings while giving readers of the opposing sex some insight into what the other gender may have dealt with during puberty. To add to the realism, Zdarsky makes our protagonists out of real life people (of a sorts). Jon isn't some chiseled super-man with rock hard abs. He's a bit dorky, has a bit of a belly, and slouches. Suzie is short, curvy and seems to be constantly in motion. When the book switches to the sex scenes, the only extra magic going on is the light effects from “The Quiet” (as they call it). Their behavior in bedroom kicks out all of the tropes of Hollywood movies that comics like to reinforce. There are no seductive cover-ups by bedsheets, or fleeting glaces of 0 gravity boobs and butts, or dramatic lighting. 2 people post-coitus cuddling and talking. The dialogue flows easily between the pair, and I swear the “Writer Commentary” that replaced the lyrics to the musical number in issue 3, should be nominated for an award. While the book has focused mostly on character development so far, the ending of the last issue poises us to delve a bit deeper into the bank heist and the weird Sex-cops that are out to stop Jon and Suzie. Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky have created a true labor of love with Sex Criminals and I urge you all to go read it. That is if you're 18 years or older. I mean it is a book with some pretty graphic sex in it, and someone gets hit with a dildo.

Superior Foes of Spider-Man Writer: Nick Spencer Artist: Steve Lieber Marvel Comics Genre: Action, Slice of Life, Humor, Superhero Secret Six + Hawkeye = Perfection. Nick Spencer and Steve Lieber have capitalized on the success of the deadpan noir styling of Hawkeye to make readers fall in love with some of the most inept villains of Spider-Man's past. In The Superior Spider-Man #1, we are introduced to a new Sinister Six comprised of Boomerang, a new Beetle, Overdrive, Speed Demon, Shocker, and the Living Brain. Sadly this new Sinister Six didn't know that Otto Octavius (the former founder of the Secret Six) was now behind the face and mask of Spider-Man and brutally beat the fledgling team into pulp. Flash Forward some time and the new Sinister Six is short one member, keeping the name and planning a big heist. A heist that will earn them the respect they deserve. First they need to get along. Superior Foes of Spider-Man fully embraces the weird slice-of-life energy of Hawkeye. They are Capes not wearing Capes for the most part. Readers are treated to a rare view into the life of a super-villain when they they are not pontificating and causing mayhem, and honestly I feel kinda bad for them. Lieber's style of art is just the right amount of serious and silly to give the book that gritty look, while the character's antics make that grit feel faked. I compared it to the Secret Six, because much like that series, our beloved Foes stick together despite all the betrayal and capers gone wrong. The only difference is that all of the members of the team are too desperate and egocentric to see that the narrator, Boomerang, is manipulating them into his own near-sighted goals. Every month brings new levels of pathos to these previously one-dimensional jokes. In their world these Superior Foes are not as great as their name may make them out to be, but they feel incredibly real and flawed. Despite being “the bad guys” I want to see them come out on top. Not an easy feat to pull off, which makes this a Superior comic.

Pretty Deadly Writer: Kelly Sue Deconnick Artist: Emma Rios Image Comics Genre: Western, Supernatural, Mystery, Action I've grown to know Kelly Sue Deconnick as the writer of Captain Marvel, Avengers Assemble, and other “cape” books that has a voice that's a little sassy, a little dark, and very passionate about writing fun comics for everyone. Then I read Pretty Deadly. The colorful heroes and ariel battles are stripped away as a skeletal bunny tells a butterfly a story about Ginny, the daughter of Death. Set in the wild west, Deathface Ginny is out for vengeance and cutting down everyone in her path. Meanwhile a blind man and child wearing a vulture cloak ride as hard and fast as they can into the sunset. A naer-do-well lays in a prostitute's bed explaining how he set in motion a storm he can't stop. Wrestling with his sense of responsibility and urge to forget it all in a haze of sex and alcohol. Epic sword fights, myths about Death falling in love with an imprisoned woman, and the overwhelming sense of dread that something bad is coming fast. Much like good western tale, all of our key characters haven't revealed much about their motivations or goals as of yet. We know a bit of who is good (maybe), who is bad (maybe) and that Deathface Ginny is out for blood. Artist, Emma Rios brings a fluid surrealism to Pretty Deadly. Her pencils combined with Jordie Bellaire's colors create the perfect wash of reds, browns, pinks, and yellows that embrace just how dirty and violent the story is. The action scenes feel a bit mange-esque at times. Specifically the sword fight in issue 2. There's a grand flair to the way the characters move and how wounds are inflicted. None of the bare knuckle savagery that follows most western brawls. This fight was beautiful as it was lethal. You could say it was Pretty Deadly. Issue 3 tips it hand a bit, hinting at some obvious connections between the characters and the myth of Death and the woman in the tower from the first issue. My hope is that KSD trickles the mystery of these connections out like water from a drying well. Making the readers take every clue we've been given and analyze it while we are further swept into this volatile and harsh story world. If you have enjoyed Kelly Sue Deconnick's writing for other comic books, then I recommend you give pretty deadly a try. She shares a very dark part of herself with her readers in this tale and it has made me respect her creative talent even more.

Summary:

This was an amazing year for comics. Marvel NOW continues to successfully evolve some of their legacy IPs while providing new readers with easy jumping on points. Vertigo and Image allowed some of the finest minds in comics to stretch their creative wings, while Dark Horse started to jump back into the Superhero game. The New 52 failed me though. Amid a barrage of company wide events that derailed titles mid-story arc, editorial driving out some of the more ambitious talent, and their insistence on building upon Superman and Batman rather than fleshing out other characters that haven't made it over into the new DC universe. I'm down to about 3 titles from the publisher now, and while I am enjoying them thoroughly I can only tolerate so many mid-arc interruptions.

Coming up in 2014 we have another round of Marvel Now titles, and most importantly they have female leads taking charge. She-Hulk, Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel, Black Widow and the all-female X-Men Book. Valiant Comics has become a force unto themselves resurrecting titles like X-O Manowar, Bloodshot, and Quantum & Woody. For anyone wanting superhero stories outside of the Marvel/DC reindeer games, give this label some of your time and money. Most importantly coming up in the coming year a new X-Factor and some positive changes within the X-Men universe.

Next week I'll review some of these new releases. Until then, keep on reading and dreaming.

Jason “Kantrip” Calhoun

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Deakath Leather Armor

By Mandy McGee (via The Mary Sue)

This is amazing armor! Deakath is a 26 year old self-taught artist from France. She makes items out of vegetable-tanned leather for herself and her husband to go LARPing. She has only being began doing armor in April of 2012. 

She currently is not taking commissions, unfortunately. See more on her DeviantArt page.

[extollereblog]

Aurora Pringle

By Mandy McGee

Aurora Pringle is a mixed media artist & illustrator. She adores vintage issues of Sassy, girls-girls-girls, & projects of heart-wrenching proportions. I found her fun and whimsical art through musician (and her husband) Ben Pringle (The Rentals and Nerf Herder) and fell in love her brilliance right away. She has amazing style, not just in her art but in the way she dresses too. Aurora is talented and creative from head to toe. I am glad I got to interview her and pick her brain about how she creates her work and views art.

Mandy: What first got you into art?

Aurora: I was never not into art! I was always drawing. I can’t remember not having a pen or a marker in my hand.

Mandy: Have you always wanted to be an artist and how long have you been doing art?

Aurora: I always wanted to be an artist in some capacity; I just didn’t know how it would turn out. And it certainly wasn’t anything I gave serious thought to- until I decided to have some serious confidence in my work.

Mandy: How long have you been getting paid for art?

Aurora: My first paid job was in college. My roommate commissioned a portrait of her and her mother. It was black and white with an orange background, acrylic on canvas. Oh, how things change.

Mandy: What mediums do you use for your work

Aurora: I generally am a mixed media artist. That means I’ll use whatever I can to make my vision a reality. Lately I’ve been drawn to watercolor, ink, and gauche.

Mandy: What do you use for inspiration?

Aurora: I keep inspiration notebooks where I cut and paste ideas, magazines, and other pieces. I also use Tumblr and Pinterest like scrapbooks. I follow friends and other artists on Instagram. I read. A lot.

Mandy: How do you describe your art style?

Aurora: I don’t I’m trying to create a mindset, and my art is a key component. I’m a Girl Pop Visionary, and I think that aptly describes everything I’m about, everything I put out into the world.

Mandy: Do you compare your own work to the work of others?

Aurora: Yes and no. I’m always loving on other artists, and assessing what I adore about them. I know their influence makes it into my work. I have moments of hurtful comparison, of course, but I do consciously try to turn it around and ask what I need to learn from the comparison.

Mandy: When you are first trying to come up with an idea do you sketch it out or do you go straight into the work?

Aurora: It really depends. With clients or professional pieces, part of my process is to sketch. When I’m doing a morning drawing on my Instagram or Facebook, I typically won’t do a separate sketch.

Mandy: What else do you do for work?

Aurora: For me, being an artist isn’t just sitting down and drawing, although that’s a huge part of it. I seek opportunities to share my passion and vision online (blogging at www.auroralady.com, or other platforms on social media) and off (in person appearances and workshops).

Mandy: Any hidden talents?

Aurora: It’s hardly hidden but I do a fantastic karaoke medley. I won’t tell you the songs, because I want you to be surprised if we ever go out together!

Mandy: What is important in contemporary art today?

Aurora: Accessibility. Not just being able to get into museums and shows—but creating at the ground level. DIY is seriously important. Zines are important. Messages are important. Finding a way to express at any economic /social level is glaringly important.

Mandy: What is your favourite piece(s) you have done

Aurora: It changes all the time. Right now, it’s my Fang Gang triptych, which has spawned photoshoots, makeup, buttons, and a zine to be released for LA Zine Fest in 2014.

Mandy: You and Ben Pringle are so adorable together...I personally want to know how you met?

Aurora: I was working an office job at a music magazine in Fresno, Ca, and was invited by the company to see The Rentals when they toured through town. Ben was playing in the band at the time. The rest is a story meant for a rock and roll love song.

Mandy: If you could have a super power what would it be?

Aurora: Muscle Memory! We just finished watching season two of Heroes (the whole trajectory of the show is just so tragic), and I loved the woman with muscle memory. Definitely the most useful superpower!

Mandy: What advice have you been given?

Aurora: I seek out advice all of the time! Feedback and dreaming are brain food. I don’t really know where to start answering this question, but I always go back to “Always be making”.

Mandy: What advice can you give those who aspire to be artists?

Aurora: Don’t aspire. Just do. That’s how you become an artist.

Mandy: Do you have any art shows coming up?

Aurora: I’ll be at LA Zine Fest with my best friend and fellow zine maker, Kim Burly. That’s in February and I really hope you come because it is the epitome of all that is wonderful, inspiring, and active in LA. We are both making new zines for the event and have a few surprises up our glittered, colorful, sleeves.

Mandy: Where can people find out more about you?

Aurora: I’m all over the Internet, and I really love interacting. My website is filled to the brim with fun stuff and is constantly being updated. Hang there, and let’s definitely be friends on instagram (@auroralady)!