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Post by megamaramon on Sept 15, 2015 22:15:59 GMT -5
Hello Missfits! September's selection is Sunstone Volume 1 by Stejpan Sejic. We'll be discussin this book at the end of the month on the podcast. If you have any thoughts or questions about the book, please share them with us!
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Post by harmonica on Sept 17, 2015 8:19:06 GMT -5
damn i love this book.
after stumbing on Death Vigil i quickly searched for more Stuff by Stjepan Sejic, i quickly read through Ravine and started reading Witchblade for his Art, but at first i hesitated to read Sunstone.
I feared that i would feel like a creep reading it, also romance stories and BDSM really werent things i was perticularly interested in, but when the Trade hit and the message was, that DV was in trouble and this could keep it afloat, i had to get it and of course im so glad i did.
I really never cared for romance stories, exept "Ghost", but the relationship of these two spoke to me, even though im a straight white dude. I feel thats because in the beginning this story isnt about finding someone to love, its just about 2 people with a very special hobby connecting through that hobby and from there on you see that relationship evolve.Also this newfound fascination of what BDSM actually is vs what i learned about it in my life from media ect.
The other things that kept me reading are the usual Sejic traits, great Art, with imo the best facial expressions in the business, the humor thats just so in synch with what i find funny and great distinctive characters that engage in well written dialogue, sadly no Tentacle monsters or Dragons in this one though.
Also there is this newfound fascination of what BDSM actually is vs what i learned about it in my life from media ect.
This book deserves all the praise it got and i was so happy to see it on the NYT Bestseller List, and i wish with all my heart, that Sejic gets to finish his other Books some time in the Future, his talent as a Writer has been overlooked way too long.
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Post by BarefootRoot on Sept 17, 2015 10:49:54 GMT -5
wanted to say something sooner but I want to re-read it before I try to expound upon it  been like 9 months since i read this one  quick hits: I had to fight the feeling that I was some kind of perv buying volume 1 back in december, but now I'm actually pretty proud walking up to the register with one of these volumes in hand. I read this before I discovered death vigil, which of course led me to love death vigil as well. The thing that sticks in my mind is how real the characters feel, which is in part the dialogue choices but also the fantastic job he does with facial expressions. not sure i should let this go public (if this is too much info just say so! haha), but this really made me want to learn more about BDSM culture and reflect on my own relationship choices and preferences (both physical and emotional). I'm sure I'll have more to say, but I need to go re-read it and sit down when I have a little more time to write something actually thoughtful |
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ocrush
Fearless Defender
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Post by ocrush on Sept 19, 2015 14:19:31 GMT -5
I hadn't heard of Stjepan Sejic until it was announced he would take over the RQ book. Image used the announcement to promote this book, that's how I found it. I was at first hesitant to buy this book. I thought, what is this, some male fantasy lesbian porn shots? Plus, I had never been drawn to the TopCow style. I always thought the sexiness of the style would distract from the story and possibly offend my personal sensibilities. But at the same time I was also intrigued, and I had faith in the people at Image. I bought it. Im so glad I did. I love this book, I love Death Vigil, and I am eagerly awaiting Stjepan's new book Switch! I am now a devoted fan!
Any qualms I had about this book vanish almost immediately, I think it was because the first thing he did in the books little prologue was show that the main protagonist was as nervous to tell the story as I was to read it, that humanized and made her identifiable, what a great story telling trick! Another thing it had going for it right off the bat, is it's humor. Sejic is really funny! So by the end of the prologue I was ready, I was 100% excited to read this story!
I think a really great example of what makes this book so special and really highlights Sejic's great talents can be found in the two pages in the beginning of the story when Ally and Lisa are chatting online and agree to meet for the first time. The facial expressions and body language is so so good. They are biting their knuckles, covering their eyes, covering their mouths, these two pages ooze with excitement and nerves, how can you not be affected by that? I felt SO nervous for them! I was seriously like, OMG and had actual butterflies in my stomach, and I had just met these characters!
The romantic trope of two oddball social misfits beating the odds to find each other, falling in love, and living happily ever after is one of my favorites, and at its core I think that's what Sunstone is. Sunstone is a kinky rom-com that will steal your heart. Don't let the ropes and paddles fool you this story is so sweet it could put you into a diabetic coma if you aren't careful. All the characters are sexy, but they are also very cute and likable and funny and you feel like you want to be their friend.
As far as the BDSM in the story goes, well, its super HOT. The way it forces them to super honest about their desires and open with their bodies, that's sexy. Plus it gives them a reason to wear some awesome outfits.
I few questions that might be fun to discuss.
Does anyone else have a major crush on Ally? Seriously, they way she tries to be so tough and cool but you know underneath she is just a big dork, so lovable! If her heart ever gets broken, I might rip books, just kidding/not kidding.
That brings me to another question/comment. The beginning of the book kind of spoils the story, we know that Ally and Lisa are going to end up together, does anyone think this diminishes the story? Would it be better if we didn't know? Personally Im glad we know. I feel too much for these characters, the anxiety of not knowing might drive me insane.
Last question, is this book a one of a kind? I want to read more books like this, can anyone recommend something?
Super big thanks to the Missfits for this months bookclub pick!
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Post by BarefootRoot on Sept 19, 2015 16:46:25 GMT -5
I hadn't heard of Stjepan Sejic until it was announced he would take over the RQ book. Image used the announcement to promote this book, that's how I found it. I was at first hesitant to buy this book. I thought, what is this, some male fantasy lesbian porn shots? Plus, I had never been drawn to the TopCow style. I always thought the sexiness of the style would distract from the story and possibly offend my personal sensibilities. But at the same time I was also intrigued, and I had faith in the people at Image. I bought it. Im so glad I did. I love this book, I love Death Vigil, and I am eagerly awaiting Stjepan's new book Switch! I am now a devoted fan! Any qualms I had about this book vanish almost immediately, I think it was because the first thing he did in the books little prologue was show that the main protagonist was as nervous to tell the story as I was to read it, that humanized and made her identifiable, what a great story telling trick! Another thing it had going for it right off the bat, is it's humor. Sejic is really funny! So by the end of the prologue I was ready, I was 100% excited to read this story! I think a really great example of what makes this book so special and really highlights Sejic's great talents can be found in the two pages in the beginning of the story when Ally and Lisa are chatting online and agree to meet for the first time. The facial expressions and body language is so so good. They are biting their knuckles, covering their eyes, covering their mouths, these two pages ooze with excitement and nerves, how can you not be affected by that? I felt SO nervous for them! I was seriously like, OMG and had actual butterflies in my stomach, and I had just met these characters! The romantic trope of two oddball social misfits beating the odds to find each other, falling in love, and living happily ever after is one of my favorites, and at its core I think that's what Sunstone is. Sunstone is a kinky rom-com that will steal your heart. Don't let the ropes and paddles fool you this story is so sweet it could put you into a diabetic coma if you aren't careful. All the characters are sexy, but they are also very cute and likable and funny and you feel like you want to be their friend. As far as the BDSM in the story goes, well, its super HOT. The way it forces them to super honest about their desires and open with their bodies, that's sexy. Plus it gives them a reason to wear some awesome outfits. I few questions that might be fun to discuss. Does anyone else have a major crush on Ally? Seriously, they way she tries to be so tough and cool but you know underneath she is just a big dork, so lovable! If her heart ever gets broken, I might rip books, just kidding/not kidding. That brings me to another question/comment. The beginning of the book kind of spoils the story, we know that Ally and Lisa are going to end up together, does anyone think this diminishes the story? Would it be better if we didn't know? Personally Im glad we know. I feel too much for these characters, the anxiety of not knowing might drive me insane. Last question, is this book a one of a kind? I want to read more books like this, can anyone recommend something? Super big thanks to the Missfits for this months bookclub pick! ok to answer some questions: 1. yep. She is my dream woman and I don't care if my wife hears me say it. She can have Chris Hemsworth and I will take Ally. 2. it's not the destination, but the journey that is interesting 3. there are 3 volumes out right now and the 4th and 5th are coming sometime down the road. when I try to get people to check this out I stress that it's really a romantic comedy at heart.... but with a lot of BDSM mixed in. Those who have been able to get past their own issues/concerns/what-have-you about BDSM have enjoyed this a lot.  |
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Post by Bob Reyer on Sept 20, 2015 6:00:06 GMT -5
"O", Troy, and Benedikt,
It was through these Forums (and I'm fairly certain it was Benedikt and Troy!) who had me search out the work of Stjepan Sejic on Death Vigil. and after picking up the then-current issue and seeing his fabulous work on both art and story, I took a gamble on Sunstone. I say "gamble" because I wanted to peek through the book before purchasing it, as I knew the setting and subject matter were something that would need to be handled delicately, but the only LCS that had the book in stock had hermetically sealed it in plastic wrap! As it was a "20% off" sale, I decided to take a chance, and was gladdened when the store-owner praised the book as I paid, describing it as "surprising", and was he ever right--so much so, that each of the first two volumes have been mentioned in my Lightning Rounds.
With the Book Club episode coming soon, I hope that many more folks will make the same leap of faith that it seems that we all did, because Sunstone is so much more than what you would imagine!
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Post by markstephen on Sept 20, 2015 13:46:19 GMT -5
I can't afford the book but I've loved watching this evolve on Deviant Art.
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Post by megamaramon on Sept 26, 2015 11:35:31 GMT -5
I think a big part of our discussion is going to center on judging a book by its cover, first impressions, and the like.
For me, the premise wasn't a deterrent. I love romance novels, and I've read romance novels with BDSM in it before. But I totally understand previous misconceptions about the subject, especially with the popularity of 50 Shades.
Sejic does a wonderful job mixing PSAs into his story, especially with the way he's structured the story and the deep relation that evolves between Lisa and Ally.
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Post by gizmotso on Sept 26, 2015 13:47:40 GMT -5
I love Sunstone so much! I had been reading Stjepan Sejic's Death Vigil and wanted to find more things by him when I came across Sunstone. I was a little embarrassed at first to be buying a "sexy" comic and sharing it with my comic book buddies, but I'm so glad I gave it a chance. Ally and Lisa are completely adorkable and watching them go through the falling in love process is so cute. I've never been interested in BDSM, but after reading this book and seeing how tender, fun and full of trust their experience is, I would totally be willing to try it with the right partner. Sejic takes such a taboo subject and gives it a healthy, sex-positive expression, while keeping it both fun and hot.
Also, I agree with "harmonica" who said that Sejic draws the best facial expressions! And I love his emoticon-esqe speech & thought bubbles. He has a great sense of humor and writes the best characters. I would love to just hang out and play video games with Ally, Lisa & Alan.
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Post by toxicsooner on Sept 28, 2015 23:35:03 GMT -5
Like Bob, I too want to thank people in this forum for turning me on Sejic and his work. I know this is to late for the book club review, but I don't care. I love this book and just about every thing Sejic has done. The guy is a breath of fresh air in comics and anything he does (art or writing) gets a shot from me.
I love the realism and humanity of Ally and Lisa as they start their relationship. Sejic has been able to inject true emotion and feelings into the story that people can identify with. I love the nervousness and overthinking that they both go through in the beginning. When I first this book I remember thinking to myself, man I felt the same way when my wife and I started dating. I love the journey they are taking, not only because I can relate to it, but Sejic has made me care about the characters. Not to mention it is extremely sensual and erotic without being vulgar.
I've read all 3 volumes that have come out and I can't wait for 4 and 5.
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Post by Bob Reyer on Sept 29, 2015 7:07:57 GMT -5
Not wanting to spoil too much, but there just might be a Sunstone Vol. 3 segment during this week's Talking Comics episode--just sayin'.
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Post by harmonica on Sept 29, 2015 9:10:45 GMT -5
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Post by BarefootRoot on Sept 29, 2015 10:41:46 GMT -5
where is the link to the statue? oh yeah meant to mention the gang was fantastic on this show also, never occurred to me that english wasn't Mr Sejic's first language (though I think I knew this at some level ) |
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ocrush
Fearless Defender
Posts: 11
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Post by ocrush on Sept 29, 2015 14:21:32 GMT -5
Here is a link to the statue tweet. I don't usually buy such things but I would be strongly tempted to by one of these.
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Post by harmonica on Sept 29, 2015 15:26:39 GMT -5
the thing with the statue came into his mind because he recently did the artwork for these statues www.sideshowtoy.com/blog/behind-the-scenes-of-he-man-and-masters-of-the-universeso sadly it isnt solely up to him to do Sunstone toys, you could however order lithograph prints of the Death Vigil #8 covers and t-shirts with the "jurassic park x death vigil" cover (see my avatar) through diamond at one time, which i sadly could not afford, because my shop charges extra shipping cost for non-comic items through diamond  |
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been like 9 months since i read this one 
