Indy-Pendant is the first column ever written by Brant W. Fowler running from May 2005 to January 2007. It's a focus on independent comics creators, publishers and titles. These are the reprinted archives, which were originally published on www.comicavalanche.com.
Week 24 - Originally published on November 20, 2005
What up my peeps? As promised, this week I am bringing you a look at Midnite Comics' titles and their creators in celebration of their one year anniversary this month. You are also greatly encouraged to check out the other features we've done on Midnite Comics:
Interview - 10 Questions with David A.J. Berner, Senior Editor of Midnite Comics
Indy-Pendant Week 15 - Past reviews of Midnite titles Weathermen and Shades.
In other news, my interview with Art Thibert has still not been posted at SBC due to some restructuring going on over there, but I'll keep you posted. And for any other info please check out my blog (linked in the sidebar). Now onto the reason you're all here.
MIDNITE COMICS
First a little background. A
little over a year ago Oscar
Cavazos and Judson Cooper founded this independent online comics
site to house a project they had originally intended to submit to
another online comics site. When they realized they wanted
total control over "The Project" they decided to start their own
site. They had dabbled in online publishing before and knew
they needed a solid team in place to make it work. So they got some
very talented staffers and put together a team who would work
together via the internet and in the "midnight shift" around their
day jobs. This is where the name "Midnite Comics" was born.
So, with their course set there was only one thing left to do - Make Comics! And that's just what they did. Over the past year Midnite Comics has gotten some extremely talented individuals together via the magic of the internet to produce some beautifully drawn and written stories that appeal to fans of various genres and interests.
Another interesting appeal to Midnite Comics is that with some of their titles they actually provide original script - something I'll be exploring with David for the Scryptic Studios portion of the coverage. Be looking for it soon. Also note to read these titles you must be registered on the site (as well as to access some of these links), but registration is free!
As mentioned earlier, two of those titles have been reviewed in this very column several weeks ago. Click the links above to read about them. As for the rest...
First up we have an 8-page mini, Immortality with story and art by E.C. Nickel, cover art by Judson Cooper, and letters and colors by Oscar Cavazos. (Rated General) Full credits here.
At its base, Immortality is about the wealthiest and one of the most powerful men in the universe, Isaac Ephemer searching for this fabled planet where a race of people known as the Infinites hold the key to eternal life, the one thing Isaac doesn't have.
The story is short and to the point, beginning with Isaac's quest for this mythical planet. Upon finding it and the Infinites he gets more than he bargained for.
Next up is another mini, Harold's
Picture with story by Oscar Cavazos and art by Charles Swinford.
(Rated Mature) Full credits here.
"Description: soul mate (n.) 1. One of two persons compatible with each other in disposition, point of view, or sensitivity; someone for whom you have a deep affinity. 2. To have a deep spiritual connection with another a person even unto death..."
That's the copy used to preface this tale. This is truly an indy story if ever I saw one. It's also the first story the writer ever wrote when he was sixteen after taking a screenwriting class. So it's more of a tribute than anything, but the basic story has an interesting and chilling concept. Not the greatest art in the world, and it's all together kind of a mess. But if you look beyond that you've got a wicked concept that could, if the writer chose to, be developed into something much more.
It's hard to relate what exactly the story is about, so I'll leave much of it up to your own interpretations. What I will tell you is that it's about a guy who seems to be cursed with his own visage in a mirror and something tragic happening to the woman he loves. However this time, unlike other times as is suggested, something different happened because they shared a spiritual connection. The end result of the story is a chilling conclusion. If you like slice of life and truly indy stories you should give this one a try.
Written by E.C. Nickels and Oscar
Cavazos with art also by E.C. Nickels is the fantasy tale, Endless Battle. (Rated Teens) Full credits here.
If you're a fan of the swords and sorcery genre as am I you will enjoy this silent comic. There are no words except for one solitary sigh as the epic warrior realizes the army he just killed are coming back to life. It really says a lot about a comic team when they can construct a tale that allows the art to tell the story and it be able to be followed flawlessly.
The tale so far is about a warrior overcoming odds and fighting evil, and there never being a reprieve, as it is in the real world no matter what you battle. It's a classic moral but it is beautifully portrayed in this short, wordless tale. Take a look at it, it won't eat up you're time and you'll be glad you did once you see the artwork. Kudos to E.C. Nickels.
Another chilling tale written by E.C.
Nickel and David A.J. Berner with art by E.C. Nickel. (Rated
Mature).
The crew of a spaceship headed to a planet called Sirius houses many cryogenically frozen astronauts who are supposed to relieve each other yearly. But for 8 years one man has stood vigil over the others, but not by his own choice. The others were contaminated and he was forced to take extreme measures.
Finally, after 8 years the love of his life awakens and she seems normal, so there is hope. That hope is not long lived.
Great concept, great sci-fi story. This was a chilling experience.
Vengeance Is
Mine is a tale of, well, vengeance brought to you, art and
story, by Harsho Chattoraj. (Rated Teens).
The story is about a boy who witnesses the brutal murder of his father by Captain Sevros, an upstanding and highly popular figure in the kingdom. Upon the revelation of what the good captain has done the boy vows to take his life in exchange for his father's. The only problem is that he is a small boy and the captain is a very big and strong man. That doesn't stop the boy from fighting the captain as the story so far leaves us in the midst of their battle.
The story is the creation of an artist/writer and is one of artistic merit. The writing could be better, but the overall vision of the story with the unique paneling and lettering techniques is truly art.
A classic gangster
story written by Oscar Cavazos with art by Harsho Chattoraj.
(Rated Mature).
The story starts off with the two new guys being given an assignment to kidnap a cop, but not to hurt him. They also learn the penalties of being late!
The story so far ends with one of the duo possibly being caught at the kidnap victims house.
The art is decent, the writing fits the era, and the lettering has a few typos, but otherwise decent. Characterization will be key in making or breaking this title, and they seem to be off to a good start.
This tale, written
by Judson Cooper with art by Monk King, hasn't been released yet,
but looks promising. The cover art and logo are outstanding.
I'm anxious to see what this one's all about. (Rated Mature).
Here's the teaser:
"Josephine? What did that name mean to him? He sometimes could see the image of a dark haired woman, she was like an angel. Was it Josephine? He felt as though he had to keep looking for her...but where is she? Something inside him was saying that he was here because she was gone. But he would keep searching...and noone could stop him."
An interesting and
disturbing tale written by David A.J. Berner with art by Fabrizio
Pacitti. (Rated Mature).
The description: "Jeste is an Assassin, officially in the employ of one of the 33 Governors who rule the northern part of the City of Mobrak - the quarter known as the Spires. She kills. It's her job. But when she finds herself suspected of murdering the High Sorceress without official sanction, she finds the full weight of the law stacked against her. And, in the Spires, the full weight of the law usually means a savage and brutal death."
So far a Southerner, a law enforcement officer from another quarter, has been witness to the legal system of the Spires, and let's say it's a rather unorthodox method of punishment. He has also been gifted to Jeste for her...pleasures, against his will no less. Things are getting interesting already.
There is brief nudity, so be warned.
And last but not
least, the spy tale Perfect Storm, the only story so far on
the site actually in web comic sized panels rather than full pages,
written by David A.J. Berner with art by Rob Jones. (Rated
General).
I'm not going to say too much about this one because David and I covered it a bit in the interview (linked above) early last week. But I will say I enjoyed this story. It actually has some similarities to a title I am working on myself, so that alone intrigued me. I'm glad.
The story hooked me by the second page. It's scribed like a true espionage thriller should be. The writer added depth and substance to the characters I only knew for 16 pages. The art of Rob Jones is also amazing. And not to mention the plot of the whole story. Spies, misdirection, bombs, assassinations...it's got it all. What more could you ask for?
More Rob Jones? You got it: http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryDetail.asp?GCat=267
And as for the other artists...
A little Harsho Chattoraj skills: http://www.artwanted.com/artist.cfm?artid=13598
Some Fabrizio Pacitti: http://www.artwanted.com/artist.cfm?ArtID=14092
A touch of Monk King: http://www.artwanted.com/artist.cfm?artid=5733
And a dab of Charles Swinford: http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryDetail.asp?GCat=282
So there's your inside look at what to expect from Midnite Comics. I told you they had some talented artists and writers there. I expect great things to come from these dedicated creators.
Be sure to check out my blog and the forums on this site for updates on when the Scryptic and SBC portions of this feature go live.
Next week it's all about Jerrell Connor and his amazing talent, 'cause that's how I roll!
B.-Out
COMPANY UPDATES
Midnite Comics is no more, but never fear, most of the titles and creators moved onto another site. David Berner started up his own online webcomic site called Broken Voice Comics where many of the above and more are now housed.
Brant W. Fowler / Writer, Letter, Creator, Reviewer, Columnist and Comic Related PR Coordinator
Brant W. Fowler has been a professional comic book letterer and logo designer for three years, and has been a freelance editor for the past five years. He has also worked with graphic design, writing and many other area of skills for several years honing his talents. You can learn all about what he's up to by visiting Gonzogoose Design. Brant is also a member of the core operations team at Comic Related.
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