ComiCentric

Spawn of the Bat: a Crossover

As far back as I can remember Batman has been the dark brooding vigilante of justice. The nonsense no straight arrow of justice. He was the night. And then there is Todd McFarlane Spawn, this Shakespearian dark brooding character from hell, with tragedy that to rival Batman’s. So it just makes sense they would meet?

In the initial 1994 Spawn/Batman written by the legendary Frank Miller and drawn by the somewhat known Todd McFarlane. The iconic batman is drawn into the world of spawn. From the get-go this book starts with a classic misunderstanding and an eventual iconic team up to beat the villain of the story. Who is using hobos to make killer robots. The story is fun and iconic. Several tropes to the eventual end, even one that cemented the batman tie and made it cannon in the spawn series.

You got Miller as a writer and McFarlane as an artist. U can’t top that?? WELL…. Here comes DC with their version of the iconic meet up. Batman/Spawn: War Devil, was an total cash grab down to the over utilization of writers and artist.  with a plot that is more centralized in mysticism you would think that spawn would thrive and would take the forefront. Well, DCs version of spawn while drawn by Klaus Janson, lacks in story of what the first crossover had. But as a cash grab this book worked

And as tides turn, and the world changes. we keep hearing rumors sweeping in and out that a 3rd book was coming. Including a rumor that it was The Clown and The Joker who where going to serve as the antagonist. but that never happen.

People still cling to the notions of nostalgia and can’t get over the way that cross over ended. With a cash grab of epic proportions. But here we are wondering What this new iteration of batman/Spawn has to offer. Headed now by Todd McFarlane and drawn by spawn legend Greg Capullo we know we are in for a visually entertaining.

That it makes me lean towards a cash grab. But I am hopeful that 30 years of experience and criticism has made McFarlane a more prominent writer and this will be the exclamation point that we deserved 30 years ago.

XoXoX

Cruz

Comicentric Issue 26: Sgt Rock vs Evil (nazi un)Dead or Bruce Campbell's bike

Can you think of something with more horrible than war? Well add an army of the undead to that and mix in Horror legend Bruce Campbell and you got your self an interesting setting. Campbell brings you a story of reanimated terror in, DC Horror Presents: Sgt. Rock vs. the Army of the Dead.

Set in the backdrop of World War II where behind German lines a mad scientist do what mad scientist does.

It is no secret that During WWII the Germans experimented with all sorts of strategies to tip the tide of the war. That included experiments that went beyond the understanding of man. From looking for lost artifacts with supposed power of Gods to experimenting in the lab with reanimation trying to become one.

While some of the experiments bore no fruit. Others were marvels of modern science. And that’s what Bruce Campbell uses to bring his story to life. The experiments the Germans where crafting where that of a sci fi comic. So it makes sense using low-fi sci-fi to take on the undead.

"How do you kill something that's already dead? Answer: It's a big fat pain in the ass." -Bruce Campbell

Bringing us the uneven boxer’s nose, ever present stubble, and a lot of masculinity wrapped in military fatigue this time around is no other than Eduardo Risso; 100 bullets, Jonah hex, Logan and several batman titles. Risso’s art brings to life to the undead in a way only he could with mood lighting to rival any old monster movie.

So, if you like the art of Ed Risso or the musings of Bruce Campbell or you just like the undead. This is the book for you.

or XoxoxO

CRuZ

Comicentric Issue 25: Pete and Cruz Meet The Munsters

The Munsters originated aird in the summer of ‘64 during the wave of the hippy revolution. And rode that wave for 70 episodes. Before Batman came in ‘66 on another network on the same time slot and just slayed The Munsters. But that’s not saying they didn’t have a good run.  So good that its still being talked about just as much the old batman series.

When you think Frankenstein’s monster you think classic Boris Karloff flat top high shoe wearing overcoat with a bulletproof vest on black and white version of the monster. You don’t think Fred Gwynne a classically trained actor from the east coast, playing a Goofy version of the Classic Monster. Gwynne was tapped not only because of his stature but also because of his comedically talent. Having been on such comedies as Car 54, Where are You? Where he played opposite Al Lewis who played grampa on The Musters.

The new Munsters movie is Rob Zombies insane love letter to the original show.

A modern interpretation of the classic Herman Munster is left to Jeff Daniel Phillips, who has worked with Zombie in previous movies, such as Lords of Salem and Halloween. Philips gave it his all with this hyper comical version of Herman. My guess he was going for a more youthful version.

The show gave us the out of touch family with good intentions and a far out look at what it was like living in 60 suburbia.  How being different in a world that wants you to comfort to the status quo is seen as a faux pas.

Every so often The Musters must come out of hiding.

Well The Munsters never gave in to that. They just lived their best lives and we all got to watched them do so. Ever so often breaking a tear when Herman would get sad, you would get sad.  A true political statement of a show. More so than the Adams.

Lets kick start this teenage Flying saucer into space*

Kick starters are a hard thing to get started. I wouldn’t know but if you ask Peter and Valeria of Gordo: The teenage Flying saucer they will tell you, it has been and interesting journey. This modern take on the now public domain character, Fatman the Human Flying Saucer. Whose origin tie him to ever popular Shazam of DC fame. Bringing this character up to date and modernizing it are Miguel Acedo and Peter Mellini with art by Valeria Oliveros.

Gordo: The teenage Flying saucer got its premier at the East Los Angeles CAPE back in 2019.

Since its debut there has only been one issue of Gordo: The teenage Flying saucer made. Due to two years of the blip… I mean covid, There was a brief hiatus on the progress of Gordo: The teenage Flying saucer. While ideas keep coming. It wasn’t like they were just twiddling their thumbs there was new stories brewing. It gave them time to add and remove things they didn’t like. Basically, streamed lined it.

Now the Gordo: The teenage Flying saucer team is ready to blast off again. This time enlisting the help of the whole damn internets. With a kick starter that should help them continue the story and be able to print out more issues of with new and exciting stories.

*Originally planned for Oct 1st the Kick starter release date has been postponed 2 Weeks until the 15th of October.

According to the team of Gordo: The teenage Flying saucer there will be several tiers to pick from. With special covers and art from a variety of friends who donated to the cause. There is a Free Preview on the website Gordo: The teenage Flying saucer you have 2weeks to look and then come to the kick starter to help make these crazy kids dreams come true. I mean i wanna read the next issue...

Issues 22 With Guest: Glenda Delgado director of YANANTIN!

Thing about second chances is, you can only do it once. But life doesn’t work that one. Not only is there more than two chances. There are infinite chances only thing is we must go for them. This weeks guest is Glenda Delgado and she is a freaking inspiration.

Glenda put herself through film school in Las Vegas while working as a high-end concierge at the MGM. Her passion has always been film. Growing up on the silver screen entertainment, she will go to the theater just to go see the worst movie out.

Giving up the creature comforts she had established in Las Vegas, she gave it up for a couch on a stranger’s home in Los Angeles. To follow that dream of being in film. Working and giving it a great 7 years , she learned how the train of Hollywood works. And even working for Film Friend Director Robert Rodriguez,

she went for the ultimate challenge motherhood.

Being a momma has been a blessing Glenda is thankful for gift she has been given. But now that her daughter is a bit older. Glenda being the creative type has been getting the itch to start creating again. And this has led us to her latest short film.

YANANTIN!Is Glenda’s latest baby. A mother of a trip through the multiverse, with Glenda playing multiple roles. Both in front and behind the camera. Inspired by a talk she heard on a podcast with Robert Rodriguez. To utilize what ever you have available to make the movie you want. Glenda did just that. From setting up the cameras editing and learning how to light by going through online course. This movie was made on the sweat and tears of one woman.

Yanantin has has even won an award in Italy.

Soon to be playing here DTLA Film Fest in los angles 9.17.22 @ 12pm at LA Live

Issues 21: Suemi and Steve Guerra; Suicidal Goldfish and Enkyskulls

Growing up with siblings can be interesting. You grow up in the same nature and nurture and yet eventually you grow distant differences. Interests in different side of the seesaw, one a writer the other a designer. There is a medium that can combine the art of writing and the art of design. A comic book is a perfect medium for my next two guest. Suemi Guerraand Steve Guerra.

Suemi has been a zinester for 10 years. And as a teacher by trait she has taught classes on the subject. With her 2013 suicidal goldfish storyline that, that debuted in 2013. We get introduced to Violet our protagonist and her band of merry friends. Set in a story about friends, love being in High School, and the death of a goldfish named Leo. This book delivers lots of teen-age angst within the backdrop of Baldwin Hills.

In 2019 the latest volume in the series was released. Titled Las Fakes, Suemi brings back the cast and sets them up like ‘The Archies’ to form a band. While maybe they formed it to impress a boy. The session is rudely interrupted by … well you got to read to find out why this book jams.

Steve is the designer of owner of Enkyskulls. He has stuffed plush business that he and his girlfriend, Jessica, run together. He has been designing for several years and has had many successes and has even been included in designer con in years past. Has himself design several notable plushies that are available on his etsy shop and anytime he tables at a show.

He also has some cute ass Kaiju prints.

Suemi and Steve, siblings have come together, for the first time, to bring one of Suemi’s fantastic coming of age stories to life. In Las Fakes Collaboration we see what these two siblings stuck together during the pandemic can achieve.

Years ago, Suemi would take Steve to Spanish rock shows, their first show was Mana en concierto. Now Steve is bringing to life Suemi’s world, in the latest reiteration of Las Fakes Steve brings to life the characters. Using photos shop he uses a collage style mixed with hand drawn to make issue no 1 of a thing to behold

COMICENTRIC ISSUES 20: WITH GUEST: TANYA "LA LUNAPERDIDA" SOTERO

Welcome to another episode of comicentric on this week’s episode we have Ms. Tanya Sotelo in the studio with us. A Highly creative she used to design comic bags , intricate jewelry, and other nerdy style accessories. She used to sell in the convention circuit when she tables with her husband and to Mr. Ofloda_Monstros.

You will hear Tanya talk about her friends and how much she loves to support and make sure they are doing well. she often speaks about Magic glasses creator Melina Echeveria of Quidate Mija, they meet via DSTLArts and help create Autrusict zine.

Now Auturistc is under the editorial supervision of one of Tanya's other friends Naomi Valderia and they hope to make the zine much more than what it already is.  An avid reader you will also hear her talk about her friend Alisia Escobar who writes fantasy books and has tickled Tanya's fancy when it comes to literature.Avid Sandman comic reader Tanya is really excited about the Netflix adaptation

This mother of two is known is known for being very supportive of her friends and children. And since she is often found promoting her friends. That she often forgets about herself.

She has worked with non-profit organization DSTLArts to help create Aurtisticzine. A magazine to help better understand autism. The magazine features pieces by the Adolfo and her son Fox. Their contribution has helped raise awareness on autism and help promote better living and community.

When Tanya came in, we made mention of a tiny window that overlooks a sealed room. Well Tanya soon let her imagination take over to the point of naming the ghosts, Rebecca! Now we must embark on a journey into mystery to find out what lies behind the sealed bars and wooden planks. Thanks Tanya!

COMICENTRIC ISSUES 19: Talking Kaiju's with Mark ‘El Dude’ Martinez

Haaaave you meet mark? Mark El Dude Martinez is based from on the East side of Los Angeles and he draws up some of the most gigantic and kaiju-centric characters. I first meet mark at the East Los Angeles CAPE enthralled by his Samuriachi comic and the cool leather jacket he was wearing at that time. I thought we need more Fonzie’s drawing comics. And well Mark might just be cooler than the Fonz.

Also Mark isn't afraid of the spot light, we talk a bit about what it is like being part of the comedic lime light.

Mark has since gone to create more self-owned comic books such as Devil Mask and Kaijula. Prominently, has published 2 Kaiju themed art books for the month of June; Meticulous titled ‘Kaijune‘ the book collects the kaiju art he mustered up over the month of June all.. you guessed it… kaijus.

In his latest drawing path he has been given the privilege of drawing a cover for IDW comics . Marks' Godzilla Rivals: Battra Cover has become the top selling cover for this series.  Here is hoping the big wigs at IDW recognize the talent and they give mark a shot at a full book.

I know he'll do Big G justice.

This Saturday August 27, 2022 @ Nostalgic Books in San Gabriel CA

This signing will featuring Cover artist Mark Martinez and also the Oliver Ono illustrator of the Current Godzilla Comic book. The signing starts at 2pm at Nostalgic books Located in 513 S. Del Mar Ave, San Gabriel CA 91776

XOxoXO

Cruz