I sent for all of the issues of Matt Dembicki's Mr. Big series, 1 thru 5, I was a bit too late to get issue #1, it is out of print. However I did get 2 thru 5. This series is what makes small press so different and exciting. Matt does something very simple, yet something I would never think of, he takes a walk to a small pond near his home, and comes back with an idea for a whole comic book series based on what he imagines takes place within the animal society that inhabits the pond.In issue # 2 he does something even more daring than the basic concept, he illustrates the pond at night! The entire issue is black with white highlights, maybe done with a scratch board. This sets the tone, and lets the reader know that this series is going to be innovative both in story line and presentation. And of course the following issues do not disappoint.Just to give you the basic premise of the story, it revolves around a Snapping Turtle, Mr. Big, that inhabits the pond and will eat any thing that gets in his path. A plot is hatched by the other animals of the pond to get rid of Mr. Big. Now that I have wet your appetite for this excellently illustrated series, get them all. Color cover issues are $1.50, black and white cover issues are $1.00. Get them from Matt Dembicki 3148 Hartwick Lane Fairfax, VA 22031
Jerry Smith's Miracle Force continues to roll along. Issue 15 continues the Twisted Mister story, with the usual twists and turns that make this series fun. I don't want to give away the story, but in my opinion this is not that last we will see of Will Carp A.K.A. Twisted Mister. If you have never seen an issue of MF, then I suggest you contact Jerry at 3344 Horner Dr Morristown TN 37814 ( by the way Jerry misspells his own street in this issue, I love it, I am the not the only one who can't type or spell, ha ha!) This issue is $2.00. The earlier issues are mini size, collect them all!
The new 28 Pages Lovingly Bound With Twine is out! It's number 13, and it has a brand new look. Christoph has gone from digest size to comic book size. Still 28 pages, but this issue includes a bonus zine made from the left over's from trimming the pages to comic book size.The cover price moves to $4.00 with the new size, however this issue includes a lot of photos, illustrations, and hand made touches that make it well worth the increase in price.There are about eight stories and othe various ramblings that will have you chuckling out loud.28plbwt is available at a number of distros and stores or direct from Christoph Meyer at PO Box 106 Danville, OH 43014. No web page or e-mail, those things Christoph considers to be a passing fad.
Dylan Williams runs a small press comic book company called " Sparkplug Books" The artists he represents push the limits of sequential art. That is something you just don't find in most mainstream comic book companies. Another thing you may not find in a mainstream comic book company is the fact that Dylan is also an artist and has drawn and published five issues of his comic "Reporter", winning a Xeric award along the way. Along with issue Five of Reporter, Dylan sent me "Christina and Charles" a 6 x 9 76 page full color book by Austin English, and Jeff Levine's " Watching Days Become Years". (44 pages standard comic book size). As I mentioned above these books explore the comic book medium, and touch on comics as art. You can check out Sparkplug Books at www.sparkplugbooks.com or you can e-mail Dylan at dylan@sparkplugcomicbooks.com. Those of us who enjoy small press comics should always support the people who take the risk of pushing the boundries of comic art.
