Steven Universe #14

Another of the recent batch of comics purchased at Double Midnight in Manchester NH over Christmas break.

Title: Steven Universe
Issue: #14
Date: March, 2018
Publisher: Kaboom!
Writer: Grace Craft
Artist: Rii Abrego
Colorist: Whitney Cogar
Letterer: Mike Fiorentino
Cover: Missy Pena
Editor: Michael Moccio, Whitney Leopard

When looking for some supplies at the car wash, Steven finds a box of CDs from his Dad's days as a musician. He decides to organize a concert for his Dad to perform, and recruits the Gems to build a stage on the beach while he makes flyers to advertise the show. Both plans go wrong, as the Gems have to deal with a corrupted Gem in the area, and Steven puts the wrong date on the flyers.

After some frantic attempts to salvage the show, an alternate plan emerges.

This was fun, and I liked the bit of background that it added to Mr. Universe. The events of the story felt a bit rushed, but it had a nice feel-good ending.

Rating: 7/10

Steven Universe #17

Here's one I picked up at Jetpack Comics in Rochester NH over the summer.

Title: Steven Universe
Issue: #17
Date: June, 2018
Publisher: Kaboom!
Writer: Grace Craft
Artist: Rii Abrego
Colorist: Whitney Cogar
Letterer: Mike Fiorentino
Cover: Missy Pena
Editor: Michael Moccio, Whitney Leopard

Steven brings home a new video game and invites Peridot to try it out. Peridot proceeds to become obsessed with playing, and seems to be pretty much invincible after practicing for a full day and night straight.

I like how this story progressed, with very real human reactions. The whole things felt both real and gentle, with its emphasis on friendship and understanding that came through in the end.

The facial expressions on the characters were excellent throughout the story, and the video game itself was goofy, surreal fun.

Rating: 8/10

My Escape

I picked up a surprising amount of comics at the National Conference on Science Education this past week, but I am still also doing reviews of some of the books I brought home from Anime Boston. This one comes from a person I've had the pleasure of working with on some of my own comics.

Title: My Escape
Publisher: Missy Pena
Writer: Missy Pena
Artist: Missy Pena

Artist Missy Pena describes this 40-page full-color sketchbook as "a collection of sketches done in my free time, whenever I felt like I needed an escape from the real world." My Escape is a full color journey told in characters, setting, fashion, and magic.

In between the artwork, Missy give short insights into her techniques, her influences, roleplaying games, and fan art.The artwork features original characters with a bit of fanart from Legend of Korra and Assassin's Creed.

This is a beautiful book, and a great celebration of fantasy as a genre, and of the look and style of the fantastical.

Rating: 8.5/10

30 Day Comic Challenge Day 23

Day 23 - Your Favorite Artist.

Like many folks, I find this a very difficult question. There are so many artists who have contributed to my love of comics. After much deliberation, I'm going to choose Charles Vess.



Part of my love for Vess' work comes from my love of the fantasy genre. Vess takes every subject he illustrates and infuses it with a sense of magical wonder that suits fantasy perfectly. And he does it with incredible attention to detail.

From My Creations

When it comes to the comics I write and the artists I work with, I really can't choose favorites. I'm going to have to call this one a draw. I've been fortunate enough, since I co-founded Dandelion Studios to work with four absolutely awesome artists. Here are some quick samples.

Gynn Stella draws Zephyr & Reginald: Minions for Hire.



Missy Pena draws Perils of Picorna.



Katrina Joyner draws Kaeli & Rebecca.



Alice Veidt draws Stone.



The 30 Day Comic Challenge Page on Facebook is here. Here is the complete list of daily topics:

30 Day Comic Challenge
Day 01 - Your first comic book.
Day 02 - Your favorite character.
Day 03 - A comic that is underrated.
Day 04 - Your guilty pleasure comic or character.
Day 05 - Comic character you feel you are most like (or wish you were).
Day 06 - Most annoying character.
Day 07 - Favorite comic couple.
Day 08 - Best series being published right now.
Day 09 - Most touching comic book/comic book scene.
Day 10 - Dream versus match.
Day 11 - Favorite comic book cartoon series.
Day 12 - A comic everyone should read.
Day 13 - A book you’ve read more than five times.
Day 14 – Most awesome single comic book image
Day 15 - A Picture from the comic you’re reading right now.
Day 16 - Funniest comic book/comic book scene.
Day 17 - Most useless Villain.
Day 18 - Favorite B-list character.
Day 19 - Comic book city/universe you wish you lived in.
Day 20 - Favorite super power or skill.
Day 21 - Favorite writer.
Day 22 - A series that you liked but stopped reading
Day 23 - Your favorite artist.
Day 24 - Dream character team up.
Day 25 - A book you plan on reading.
Day 26 - A comic you wish they would make into a movie.
Day 27 - Favorite comic book movie.
Day 28 - Favorite comic publisher.
Day 29 - A comic you thought you wouldn’t like, but ended up loving.
Day 30 - Your favorite run or series of all time.