bpp
Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Posts: 74 
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Post by bpp on Feb 10, 2015 7:36:00 GMT -5
On your LCBS shelf atm is Stray Bullets: Sunshine & Roses vol.1 (which is issue 50 of the Stray Bullets series). Pull pulls off that nice trick of setting up a story that makes complete sense for a new reader but gives on-going readers a new look at the back story of an existing character. Easily my issue of the year so far, not least for the brilliant 'beach scene' page-turn reveal. Lapham seems to finally be able to create the comic he wants (no more meh Avatar comics) which is a tense pulp 80s guys gals n gunplay powder keg. Lapham's art is simply flawless, a master of the 8 panel grid with a beautiful pen line. This thing reeks of one man, a drawing board and 24 pages a month in a way no other image comic does. In an age when people are confusing good colouring for good art he's the antidote. This is a perfect jump-on point for people looking a well written comic not pitched at kids.
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Post by kidkeith on Feb 10, 2015 9:04:04 GMT -5
I love this book. I got started when I found Stray Bullets Vol 1 and 2 at my LCS on the used TP rack and picked them up for cheap.
Since then I have been a regular. I love this book. A lot of people I hear dont like it because it is bleak and definitely not fun, but that's what I love about it. Somewhat like a Coen Bros. joint - Lapham loves to put his characters through the wood chipper (pun) and see what is created on the other side. Love love love.
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bpp
Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Posts: 74
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Post by bpp on Feb 10, 2015 18:01:26 GMT -5
I hear you on the 'not popular'. Apparently sales levels are in the toilet. Am sure part of it is to do with the art being B&W, something some people just can't handle. Plus, ya know, its not aimed at children so is against the tide thesedays.
Amy Racecar and Spanish Scott bring fun to any comic even if the rest of the cast are being kicked to the curb in the meanist of ways.
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Post by jonathansoko on Feb 18, 2015 13:55:12 GMT -5
I'm about to check out vol 1 digitally right now! I'll be back later with a couple thoughts on it
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Post by jonathansoko on Feb 18, 2015 16:15:25 GMT -5
Ok I just finished vol 1. Took me about two hours, but those were a great two hours spent. Black and white isn't my thing so it took me a great deal of concentration to get through the first few chapters, but eventually it clicked. That was one wild ride! Each chapter got better and better, My favorite has to be the truth machine, that kind of stuff always gets me. I can see myself picking this up monthly. I'm glad I read it.
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bpp
Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Posts: 74
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Post by bpp on Feb 20, 2015 18:10:29 GMT -5
Glad you took the plunge Jonathan! Stray Bullets is probably my favourite 'on-going' at the minute, I feel it's balance between action and character is pretty flawless plus it's pulse isn't 'action for the sake of it' but 'driven by plot and grounded in reality'. The new volume which has just kicked off is off like rocket fuel with Spanish Scott (the killer from the first issue of vol 1) front and centre.
Have you read much Black & White? I'm a huge fan, so many artists look better B&W than they ever do in colour. Back in the 80s / 90s just about every alternative book was black & white and the consequence was fabulous sytlists (rather than the modern vogue for sketchy lines and fabulous colouring to compensate).
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Post by jonathansoko on Feb 20, 2015 19:35:43 GMT -5
I've tried to read a few black and white books, I can't even get into walking dead. My favorite of all time is alan moore and John totlebens Miracleman. I love that art lollipop much
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Post by tundra on Apr 7, 2015 15:26:20 GMT -5
So, a little bit of thread Necromancy here as I've just brought myself up to date with Stray Bullets.
I enjoyed the first volume when I read it years ago but hadn't kept up. Having just read it all in the space of a week, all I can say is wow! If anything, it's got even better since its return. The plotting was always flawless, and Lapham's linework has just continually improved.
The conclusion to Killers was heartbreaking, and now I'm back on the horse again with Sunshine and Roses. Honestly, as long as you can take a touch of bleak with your dark humour I couldn't recommend this book more highly.
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Post by jonathansoko on May 2, 2015 7:20:38 GMT -5
Today I will be grabbing a stack of these at my shops fcbd sale. Can't wait!
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