Not
your usual blog post but since this month is Irish Comic Book
Month,I’ve decided to spotlight some of my favourite Irish comics. This
post is mainly aimed for those who don’t really have a clue what comics
are out there and perhaps this could serve as a useful starting point to
get into Irish comics. I tried to keep my choices as varied as possible
so that there can be something for whatever genre or format appeals to
whoever is reading.So without further ado, here are some
recommendations!
Last Bus #2 (2010) (Cardboard Press)
Last
Bus is a zine that is comprised of six mini stories,the main ones
(Departure Lounge,Before The Thaw) involving a family going through a
rough patch set in the backdrop of rural Ireland.The comic is hand drawn
with airy lines and is hand lettered that is presented lucidly which
gives a very personal feel to these characters and stories.Also included
are other short light hearted comics that break away from the mood to
refresh the main story.A nice gateway to Indie comics and a
cheap pick up too!
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| Art : Paddy Lynch |
...
Tales From The Void (2012) (Dot Comics)
Darrin O’ Toole, MaGnUs, A Kaviraj
Tales From The Void Is another comic that contains various short stories that
are all tied up under sci fi influences such as 50’s B Movies,The
Twilight Zone and Alien to name a few.These are evident by shots in
certain panels and in dialogue.The artwork is quite similar to the times
of action oriented comics were poses are referenced with pure black and
white artwork.This sense of wistful nostalgia is even evident in the
story ‘Carpe Diem’ which compliments the conveyance to the style of the
comic.If you’re looking for a fix of classic sci fi comics,this should
do the trick!
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| Art : A Kaviraj. Lettering : MaGnUs. |
...
Windell Superhero Showcase (2009) (A Bene Placito)
Gar Shanley, Cathal Duggan
A
spot on parody of silver age comics presented in the style of quick
skits that all take place within the same universe.The format is shown
as if the comic was part of some lost forgotten insane publishing
company,Windell, complete with ads for gimmicky products,letters to the
editor and a piece behind the ‘history’ of the comic.All the characters
are recognisable spoofs of classic characters such as Iron Man, The
Question and The Hulk to name a few.My favourite story involves a
certain boy with the power to become a superhero who is a little on the
sensitive side...
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| Art : Cathal Duggan |
...
Stray Lines (2012) (Cardboard Press)
Contributions from Gus Hughes, Phil Barrett, Andrew Judge, Chris Judge, Paddy Lynch and Barry Hughes
A
paperback collection of various artists and stories from underground
Indie creators funded by a successful fundit project.Each of the five
shorts demonstrates the great individual tastes on show.Such an example
of this include Gus Hughes use of primitive sequential storytelling
which resembles cave paintings in ‘Animals Attacking Their Own
Reflections.’ I particularly like Chris and Andrew Judge’s ‘The
Illustrator’ which talks about the after effects and the impact of an
individual’s actions.
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| Art : Barry Hughes |
...
Mister Amperduke (2008) (Clamnuts Comix)
One
of the,if not,best Irish Graphic Novels you can get your hands on,Mister
Amperduke is a silent comic like no other.It both appeals to casual and
avid readers of comics of any age,giving the readers free reign to enjoy
the comic at any pace they feel is necessary.You can read the 153 page
story in 5 minutes or longer,plus there is no language barrier for
international readers.The story centres around the Lego - like Snodule
creatures as they are terrorised by an insect planted by Amperduke’s
Grandson. Throughout the story both Amperduke,the creator, and the
people of this world are on a mission to save Amperville.
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| Art : Bob Byrne |
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