Category: Sci-fi

Comics in the sci-fi genre

Hot shit high #1 review

Previously…

So last weekend I was trying something new with the NSFW reviews and as such didn’t have one but to the old way of doing things and writing about people doing each other. This weekend I’m reviewing an erotic, action-comedy gem, from creator Erotibot. It’s sort of like Revenge of the Nerds only if it were in the world of Dragon Ball and had consensual sex. So let’s get into this John Hughes film of a first issue and see what’s up.

Situation

Our story begins in the halls of HSHS, where we meet our main character and prototypical nerd Marvin, and his pal Davy. They talk about there upcoming science fair while Charlene, head cheerleader leader and run of the mill mean girl, laments that her cheerleading career is in jeopardy because of her failing grades. She comes up with a great idea to remedy that by having Marvin help her with her homework and by help, she means do all of it for her. While that is going on the HSHS star quarterback, Spud spies “his girl” and a nerd talking and pulls out a handgun spraying the hallway. An aside I don’t think Erotibot meant for this to be insensitive or offensive in the least, it comes off as comical and no one is injured. A teacher even pulls out a Tommy gun and returns fire as a means of discipline, while ironically yelling “ No shooting in the hallway.”  Everyone cowers and despite her protests to the contrary Spud reiterates that Charlene belongs to him and Marvin needs to know his place. But little does Spud know Marvin has a hidden power that even, he is not aware of. 

Story

Erotibot’s world is lighthearted and hormonal, nothing seems to take itself seriously from the ridiculous assertions of masculinity, to the aggressive use of feminine wiles. Even Marvin the main character isn’t to be taken as seriously has his insane superpowers entail and this is where HSHS shines, it’s funny and fun pure and simple. There is however some thought put into the story as the mystery of Marvin’s abilities and genetic gifts fill the narrative. This like a lot of my other reviews isn’t just an excuse to draw sex, Erotibot put a little thought into this outing making it an engaging read.

Pictures

Erotibot’s art style is a cross between Archie and Slut Girl. The characters all have a wholesome feel while all the while feeling just as sexually charged as any high school. There is also a great fluidity in the movements of the characters, from action scenes to sex scenes, no one looks stiff or uncomfortable unless the scene calls for it and the facial expressions are great at conveying the personality of the characters. The comic is in black and white but that works in its favor adding to the manga-equse feel of the story where using color might otherwise distract the reader and feel out of place. 

Real

Hot Shit High issue 1 is a great comic for those who don’t want an erotic story too heavy but don’t want it to be shallow either. I look forward to the next issue which is in the works on Erotibot’s website as we speak. 

Rating 5/5 

Mine to Avenge: The Book of Layla # 1 review

Previously…

I’m going to let everyone in on a secret, I love the Cyberpunk genre, having been first introduced to it in college I voraciously read as many Cyberpunk novels as I could. Unfortunately, since we live in the future that most of the books are set in, and still can’t graft retractable razors into our hands, the genre all but died. So when I saw Mine to Avenge on Kickstarter I thought, hmm, black folk and Cyberpunk, might give this a whirl. Truth be told I’m glad I did.

Situation

Our story starts in New Orleans, Louisiana circa 1863. We meet a young girl named Leah, who is running down an alley while being chased by someone or something otherworldly only to be saved by a priest who lies on her behalf, throwing her pursuer who happens to be her owner off her trail. Flash forward to Tunguska, Russia in the year 2154 where we meet our protagonists Prya and Travis, two members of an organization known as the Retribution Cabal. The duo is on a mission to save a young girl who went missing on a post-college backpacking trip. From here our story takes a decidedly spooky turn.

Story

When I finished my initial read through this comic, I thought one thing, ‘Damn, it’s over already?’ Writer Robert Jeffery II does a great job of introducing the characters of Prya and Travis who have a relationship laced with witty banter and playful needling. Such is the case when Prya finds out that Travis’ ship AI is named Sade and takes her sweet time making fun of him using song titles from the AI’s namesake. Jeffery breaks right into the action with a scene like something out of ‘The Ritual’ as the duo carve a bloody path through the girl’s kidnappers, a group of cultists so weird looking they’d make Lovecraft smile. I also appreciate Travis’ responses to the cult leaders racially charged remarks, both verbally and physically.

Pictures

The art in this book is extremely crisp, with a production value rivaling any “mainstream” book out there. Artists Mateo Illuminati and Loris Ravina do a great job of bringing this world to life, especially during the fight scenes. The action is depicted as very straightforward but far from boring and the character designs are sleek yet rugged when the moment calls for it. The design of the cultist’s leader looks equal parts horrifying and ridiculous but fits the scene perfectly. The locale designs give me a funky ‘Blade Runner’ meets Wakanda vibe and that fits perfectly in this cyberpunk, dark fantasy world.

Real
I genuinely enjoyed this first issue, however, I do have some problems with certain aspects of it.
The story isn’t as focused as I’m used to, yes Prya and Travis are dope, but I don’t know why they do what they do. What is Retribution Cabals to Leah? What does the return of the Lalaurie’s mean? How did the RC form? And what have they been doing before the return of this family? These are a few of the questions I would have liked touched upon a least a little in the first issue. Other than these things I enjoyed this first outing and hope that this is an ongoing series and not just a mini, so we can get into the history of the world and characters, as well as how they shape the current story.

Rating: ⅘

You can purchase a copy of Mine to Avenge: The Book of Layla issue# 1 from Gumroad and Peepgamecomix