[review] CONFUSED Volume 1 by TKO

So, among the many fun memories and cool stuff we got during this year's Pride March, Rocky and I also found a booth that was selling a bunch of indie comics, poetry and fiction zines.  Being a writer and artist myself, I felt the duty to support their work and give them my honest review/reaction to it.  After all, when I write and draw my stuff, I love being able to share it with others and even more so, hear from those who checked it out.

Tonight, I'm starting with CONFUSED Volume 1, which is a black and red two-tone comic by Trizha Ko (or TKO).  (A quick peek at the creator's tumblr reveals a healthy body of work which makes me feel shy and envious of not having been as prolific.

 

The comic is 16 pages long, and opens with "Why I Don't Like Talking To Myself" which I found to be a nice honest story.  I know I've found myself in such a situation many times in the past.  I loved how the word balloons were used in that story since they really captured the idea that was being presented.

"The Real Purpose Of Bras" followed, where we meet Melba Roast and learn of her three points on the issue.  The lack of actual "editing" is clear once you notice the addition of text in secondary world balloon that did not fit the earlier balloon, or the drawn-over corrections on some text portions.  This does not distract too much from the humor, though, of the piece.  (I did especially find fun the speech bubble nipple.)  Still, I kinda felt a tad let down that the story had to end with the last panel being duplicated twice, as if just to fill in the page.  If there was a deeper reason behind it, I didn't quite catch it.  I could have imagined it being repeated to suggest "free breasts" but that didn't seem to be the intention either.  (Yes, I know, I'm probably trying to read too much into it.)

The third story, "Androphobia" rotates the layout 90 degrees, and is nicely mostly wordless save for some panels.  I have to admit, I liked the non-realism of it all, with characters shifting into caricature faces as they blabbered about things and used their words to literally attack one another.

The fourth one, "Androphobia Part II" revists the characters but adds word balloons.    The use of red ink is nicely played here, and I have to admit, I admired the effort in creating all those textures and patterns to push the narrative and panel composition.

"Androphobia Part III" I felt was the weakest of the three.  Although it contains my favorite page.   This felt kind of rushed.  Or at least... "hilaw pa yung idea" and could have done a bit more incubating before being set down in ink.

"A Blind Man's World" was visually lovely, although I felt missed a mark when the last panel had the blind person mention the other's name.  I guess I always felt that blind people tend to develop their hearing better than their touch, when it came to identifying people.  But then again, what would I really know?

"To my Compromising lover" is a poem that follows with a small piece of support artwork in the corner.  The poem is interesting but I felt could have benefited from more show than tell.  Then again, I'm no published poet, so maybe its a great piece and I just don't know how to grasp it.

Afterwards, its mostly "Some Bonus Stuff you can rip out and hang on your wall" which features everything from a nicely detailed butt "magic" shot, to sketches "with Tads Tejada."  The sketches were nice, but given I did not know this Tads Tejada nor the creator of the comic, I felt they literally were just fillers instead of an opportunity to give the reader a chance to get to know the creator more (I guess I've been spoiled by DVD extras, eh?)  The "cover" to Androphobia was odd.  I felt it didn't carry the mood of the first three comics.  The "Prick" pages were kinda meh, as was the Venus with hand studies, but I will commend the artist for really having the determination to illustrate hair.  I usually just sketch a shape and fill it in with black.  The lats few pages were okay, I guess.  But admittedly, I felt the pages were kinda wasted opportunities to share more work, reach out more to the reader, or offer something more substantial given this wasn't exactly a free comic.

All in all, CONFUSED Volume One felt like its title.  It felt like there was an inspired attempt to create a comic to be shared to readers, but halfway through, simply because something that had to be filled up.  If that was the intentional message and reason for the comic's state, then I guess that worked.  But it did leave me, as a costumer who paid for the book, feeling cheated.    The stories within are quirky and definitely worth a read if you have time, but not what I'd mention if I were to be asked to recommend an indie comic to others.   The artwork shows huge promise (and in some cases I feel better than mine) but I do wish frames and panels were utilized better (as well as either a great letterer or computer-assisted lettering) to make the whole thing easier to actually read.

Comparing this to the creator's upcoming work, Bubble Gumball Girl! feels very wrong given how much more the upcoming project feels like a valid piece that is being truly invested with the creator's creative juices.

I'd love to read more of Trizha Ko's stuff, thanks to having seen the tumblr.  But had I only had this comic to rely on, I would have said, "That was nice.  Next please."

[nsfw] New DC Logo!

This is definitely the NEW DC Logo I'd look forward to.
:-)

Good job Jiro220!

Have you read: The Enigma

If there is only one comic I could recommend for anyone who wants to try something different:

The Enigma

by Duncan Fegredo and Peter Milligan

Go read it!

Geekwood: Catman

Very nice.  

DC Comics nicely does sometime get it right when they revamp a character.  Gail Simone was the person who made Catman the successful hunk he is now, thanks to Villains United and Secret Six.  Whether or not this hot slab of feral meat will still exist in the same hotness stream come the new DC Universe remains to be seen.

Catman, while looking most of the time like a more colorful Batman clone, always kept a Sawyer vibe going.  With his scruffy looks and his typically less-freshly showered appeal.  He used to just be a criminal whose shtick sorta copied Selina Kyle's, but now has turned into a character in his own right.

Gotta note the scars really add to his image.

Gail Simone had released a statement how Catman was supposed to be revealed to be bisexual.  It was sad that the story arc exploring that was cancelled (as always) but it is nice to have it declared as true.  Adding another macho role-model to bisexuality is always a plus, considering how I grew up with only effeminate men as my role models.

Thank you for drawing this!

Yep.  This guy has got them both by the balls.

Had he been in Dungeons and Dragons, Catman would qualify as being Lawful Evil or Chaotic Good, considering how the books reflect him as a villain with a moral code, or a hero who is willing to cross lines others do not.

Ultimately, here's hoping for more hunky men who love more than just the model-esque gals that dominate the comic book cast of thousands.

Dry Humping on covers.  Before and Now.

If the character inspires cosplayers like this, then they're doing something grrrrrreat!

The Bane of my Existence...

Tom Hardy works it as Bane in the upcoming Batman movie.
Woof!  Love the hint of armpit hair still there.  I hate it when men shave their armpits.
Just plain weird to see it smooth.

To draw or not to draw... them naked?

Part of me has been wanting to make an adult comic for some time.  Nothing too pornographic, although the objective is to get the sexy going.  In many ways it feels like both a celebration of man beauty and a rebellion of the fact there are just way so much hentai devoted to naked women, or girly lithe men.

Tee hee.

Admittedly I know I have a long way to go before I can even consider my art as hot or sensual.  I don't have the skills yet that other artists have achieved in drawing the male form (in all its wonderful poses).  But like all skills, art does get better the more one does it and I hope by having a comic like this, it would encourage me to push myself to draw things that do more than just tell a interesting story.  I wonder though if the Philippines is ready for a clearly "bara inspired" gay comic?

But I guess if others can make Hercules into someone even hotter than before, I can do my best to make that one classic line in my comic Diliman even more memorable.

Ride me, Horsie indeed.

Geekwood: Magnus Robot Fighter

He would probably eat Daleks and Droids for lunch.

From the comic world comes our next Geekwood candidate.  I wasn't even born yet when the hero known as Magnus, Robot Fighter first came into being.  Born from the creative mind of writer and artist Russ Manning back in 1963, Magnus was a man who fought against robots thanks to his incredible martial arts.

This sketch was made back in the 1960s,  Timeless and impressive.
Makes you wonder why aren't more characters designed this cleanly?

While primarily based on Tarzan, the character quickly gained a more original feel  with each passing issue.  Like Tarzan, Magnus was raised by non-humans (specifically a robot called 1A) and was trained to protect humans from rogue robots and humans who have chosen to side with the robots.

Somehow I think for most of you, you'd be smiling with arms outstretched ready
 to catch him if he ever did this to your bedroom window.

Set all the way in the future, the year 4000 AD to be more precise, the comic follows the adventures of Magnus as he attempts to protect his girlfriend Leeja Clane, as well as find a way to free those areas that have been overwhelmed by robot rule.

"RAPE MAGNUS..." said the robot.  "Yes please," said us slaves of the technological dictators.

While most Geekwook candidates have a generous helping of hotness, Magnus is quite the tease with precious little moments of him showing of his fantastic physique.    A HUGE tease.  I could barely find more images of him showing off his build.

While the original comics approached the concept of Magnus merely being trained to break steel with his bare hands, later incarnations of the concept gave him an immense reservoir of incredible strength.   I wish I was able to find a good comparative chart of his machine-killing strength against other comic heroes like Superman or the Hulk.

Damn, you see that clawed out part on the dino's neck?
Magnus is THAT bad-assed!

And this was a merit which Magnus clearly used to his advantage.  It did not matter what kind of robot stood to face him.  In the end, a quick application of wits, unearthly strength and heroic determination allowed him to bring down anyone who stood in his way.

His super bulge probably kept his tunic in place too.

Devoted partner, and a shining paragon of masculinity, what else would add to making Magnus the choice for this installment of Geekwood?  Well, how many men do you know are not only straight, but confident enough to actually wear red skintight tunic, white boots, and nothing else but a black belt emblazoned with a huge buckle with the letter M.   For someone in the 4000s, Magnus sure has a love for the classics.

If you can sit like that while having a picnic in your tunic, it is either because
you've got everything to show off, or nothing to be ashamed of.  Yes, Magnus, you fulfill both.

And yes, when he does finally decide to tease us a bit, Magnus does it with a nonchalantness that would probably make others blush.  His ease with his body is quite apparent in how he chooses to carry himself.  How many guys would throw kicks like that when wearing a tunic?

And I shave too!

Not to mention, each issue of Magnus Robot Fighter would have a healthy dose of muscular guns and sweaty armpits for all of you guys who are into that thing.   It is a pity though that they decided men in the 4000s would be into body waxing, but that does seem to be the case.
 

I'm not sure what Magnus is up to here.
But I am seriously bothered that when out of his tunic,
it looks more like just an oversized shirt.

So, go continue fighting the good fight for us, Magnus!  Well, the fight which as far as we are concerned has yet to begin... and as far as your comics were concerned, had already ended.  You already defeated the Malevs and married your Leeja, and have a son named Torque.  Heck, you even already have a toy!  Here's hoping your new upcoming revival will be a greater success.

MAGNUS SMAASH!!!

Geekwood: Tom Strong

Once again, from the realm of comic books comes another entry for this blog's Geekwood.  Most of the time,  we find a guy who is smart, or strong, or handsome, or beautifully built.  If we're lucky, we get someone who captures two of the four qualities.  Maybe even three.  But rare is there a man who captures all four, and is socially skilled to boot.

Tom Strong is the creation of Alan Moore (Watchmen, V for Vendetta) and Chris Sprouse (Legionnaires).  Unlike most superheroes whose powers greatly define who they are, Tom Strong is a science hero in the vein of a modernized pulp hero.  He uses everything from his incredible intellect, super-science gadgets, total body control and clear undeniable logic to defeat his many enemies who tend to be nods towards various comic genres.

While Tom Strong might not be as popular as Superman or Spider-man, his approach to defeating his villains is always an entertaining read.  The comics show him doing everything from talking down an otherworldly digital construct to trading another planet for the salvation of the Earth.   Each issue an interesting read by itself!  But even more fun are the cast of characters that join him in his exploits, from his wife Dhalua, to his daughter Tesla, his gorilla companion King Solomon, and his loyal servant Pneuman.

 Of course, I can't deny that Tom Strong has massive bonus points for being one of the rare comic characters who proudly cultivates a healthy growth of chest fuzz.  Most comic characters seem to prefer shaving themselves to a more pre-pubescent look.  Tom Strong, however, proudly shows the strength of his testosterone.

There was even an issue where the explore a future version of Tom Strong, and yes, age has done little to bring down this man's hotness.  Even if his hair had grown white, his body remains at the peak of delicious fitness and his fuzziness even more so.

And of course, what comic that embraces the pulp era would fail to have its own share of bondage moments?  There also are issues where our good yummy Tom finds himself fighting against tentacle-like horrors or struggling against bukake-esque monstrosities.. but I think I best leave that for you readers to find the issues and experience the visuals on your won.

But definitely, this married man is off limits save for us adoring his heroic exploits.  I mean, let's be frank here, he already has a daughter.  Superman only accomplished that when an openly gay director was given the rights to handle his development.  Yep, we gay guys are needed to remind them breeders to breed at times.

So with all that, Tom Strong wins a place in this blog's Geekwood entries.  Admitted, he might not be the chunky bulk most bears are, nor the much more hirsute forest grizzlies can get, his massive guns, and even larger intelligence easy shoo him into the world of comic hunks that deserve to be noticed.  

Check out Tom Strong when you can!  With 36 issues out there with each one absolutely worth reading, I highly recommend you head for your nearest bookstore or comic shop and treat yourself to a four-color experience that tickles both your brain and your... other bone.

Take home your own Tom Strong now!
Or sleep soundly with original Tom Strong artwork on your walls!

We were the Gayest Superhero duo!

My partner and I decided to dress up this year as the gayest super couple in comics:  Midnight and Apollo of The Authority.  I wrote up much more about it in my other blog.  I definitely had a great time this year and I am happy to know my partner really enjoyed getting dressed for this holiday too.

After rocking with the geeks at Hard Rock cafe, we dressed down and headed to Malate for the Blackparty event.  Thankfully, we were able to avoid most of the lines thanks to our loyalties to O Bar.  

It was a fun Halloween.  Nothing over the top but definitely not a waste of the weekend either.   We posted the rest of the pictures at facebook.  Makes one wonder what we will come up with in the coming years.  

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Geekwood: The Enigma

While it is easy to find certain comic characters such as Wolverine or Batman hot, most sadly overlook other hotties such as Continuity Comic's Megalith on this entry's offering: The Enigma.  Born from the creative genius of Peter Milligan and given visual life by the artistic exemplar Duncan Fegredo, the Enigma is a character of mystery and sensuality unbound.

I still re-read this miniseries at least once a year.

At the risk of spoiling the story which was published back in 1993, the Enigma is a strange man with reality-altering powers whose far from ordinary past set the stage for the events that were to unfold in the miniseries.  A man named Michael Smith quickly learns that his own life is somehow entangled in the mystery of the masked and caped comic character that has somehow come to life.  Wearing a face mask, a ruffled shirt and a cape, the omnipotent yet emotionally detached man known as the Enigma is soon discovered to have been inspired by the remnants of Michael Smith's emotional releases in the ruins of what was once his parent's home.  Learning much of Michael Smith's happiness as a child was drawn from a long discontinued comic book called The Enigma, the Enigma then embraces that persona as his own, empowers total strangers to become his league of villains, all part of an elaborate plan to win against the Enigma's true enemy:  his own mother.

A masked hero who attacks his enemies by tearing out stars from their stomach.  You gotta love that imagery.

The Enigma is a story that explores the importance of self and identity.  Especially the need to be able to embrace ones sexuality in a world where labels and roles become reduced to merely fulfilling one's routine.  The Enigma forces Michael Smith to face with his own inner demons and struggle for self-acceptance, and later reveals that very said acceptance was the thing he needed to face his own demons.

I can never recapture how excited and shocked I felt to realize for the first time how this comic was touching on the "gay" issue.  Back then, the idea that a comic would discuss it seemed unheard of.

The comic was published by the Vertigo line of DC Comics, which for its time was touted as the pioneer creative ground for works that approached comics with a far more adult sensibility.  While European comics and Japanese manga have long treated comics are merely a medium and not a childish format, Vertigo comics was a good step in that direction.  Needless to say, it allowed The Enigma to explore themes and issues other comics would shy from.

There's an Enigma for everyone!

See, even footsies!

The Enigma was far from the typical likeable character.  He used people to further his ends without care, being blunt about what he needed and being direct about why he did things.  His lack of social graces made him far from the ideal one would expect.  His preferred form of dress seemed a tad too fashionably gay.  And while he had a magnificent smile and a hot body to boot, his emotional sensitivity was far from acceptable.

The artist really succeeded in giving him an iconic look.
Or as Ru Paul would say, "Enigma works it!"

However, the Enigma was one who did not shy away from truth.  The Enigma faced with the Truth head on, and challenged us to do the same.  The Enigma openly embraced the need for sensuality and perhaps in unexpected ways even catered to other's sexual fantasies without trying.   The Enigma challenges and inspires and demands one to be true.

This image.
I remember seeing this for the first time and so wishing I was Michael Smith.

For such qualities, the Enigma deserves to be my choice for this entry's Geekwood post.  And yes, while the idea of dating a guy who loves chewing down lizards sounds questionable, realize this is a man who will remind you that you never need to fear falling because he will be there to catch you.  This series hooked me so much that I spent over five years struggling to find all the issues (only to finally receive them as a gift from an ex who sadly has never gotten past hating me) and eventually inspiring me to write my own take on a sequel to the story.  (Much to my chagrin, the sequel was very received and is still online in a number of websites out there.)

Falling indeed.

And his saying it is not just metaphor.
It is real.

"Like a Strange Girl."