ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES COMIC CON 2014 EXCLUSIVES

ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES COMIC CON 2014 EXCLUSIVES
Skyward, Vamplets, Nutmeg and Zombie Tramp convention variants abound.

 

PITTSBURGH, PA- Action Lab Entertainment, your new favorite comic book company returns to the Mecca of American pop culture, Comic-con International: San Diego. This year, Action Lab will have a plethora of show exclusive limited editions available for purchase at their booth.

 Jeremy Dale’s amazing all ages fantasy series SKYWARD, a hit with the young and young at heart will release it’s eighth issue with a show exclusive sketch cover.

Gayle Middleton’s Vamplets, the adorable ghouls from Gloomvania, return with the second hardcover album of the popular series.  Written by Middleton and Dave Dwonch (Cyrus and The Haunted Taxi Cab, Double Jumpers) with art by Amanda Coronado, Action lab will have a convention variant limited to 1000 copies.

Dan Mendoza’s relaunched Zombie Tramp series, now one of Action Lab’s monthly offerings will feature a show exclusive variant cover of the new issue #1 limited to 1000 copies.
 

And in the tradition of bringing something new to the table, Action Lab will debut their newest creator-owned series, Nutmeg.

Written by James F Wright and illustrated by Jackie Crofts, Nutmeg is the story of two suburban junior high girls who bond when through a twist of fate; a prank on a pompous rival finds them building a criminal empire with their irresistible brownies. It’s sugar and spite and everything not so nice as Poppy and Cassia navigate the world of middle school politics and shady dealings.

All four books, along with the rest of Action Lab Entertainment’s offerings will be available for purchase at Booth 2006 in Hall B all week long.

 For more information, retailers can contact Kelly Dale at kdale@actionlabcomics.com. For press and conventions you can reach Jamal Igle at jigle@actionlabcomics.com.
 
ABOUT ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT- Formed in 2010 with the purpose of pooling their collective talents into a single, powerful entity, the members of Action Lab Entertainment have countless years in multimedia publishing, design, and business.  Their first release, Fracture, was successfully funded through Kickstarter and since then they have continued their mission to produce high quality, genre-spanning entertainment.  Since its formation, the accolades for A.L.E continue to build on a daily basis.  Among its more popular titles are all ages material like the Eisner, Glyph, Shel Dorf Award nominated series PRINCELESS, NFL RUSHZONE (based on the Nickelodeon Television series), Jamal Igle's MOLLY DANGER, Artist/ Writer Jeremy Dale’s hit series SKYWARD, and Gale Middleton’s (My Little Pony, The Littlest Pet Shop) monstrously adorable VAMPLETS. Action Lab’s Mature Readers imprint ACTION LAB DANGER ZONE continues to push the envelope of comics entertainment with titles as varied as EHMM THEORY and Dan Mendoza’s over the top horror-comedy ZOMBIE TRAMP, THE FINAL PLAGUE and BO, PLUSHY GANGSTA.

Brand New: MIDNIGHT TIGER # 1 REVIEW

MIDNIGHT TIGER # 1
Written by Ray-Anthony Height & DeWayne Feenstra
Art by Ray-Anthony Height & Paul John Little
Action Lab Entertainment

This will be a spoiler free review.

                Our new book opens with a homeless man … with powers of manipulating fire attacking people in a bar. We got to our main hero, who was stops a somewhat familiar family from being robbed then does his homework.
                A school confrontation seems to hit Gavin personally … as well as have connections to a mysterious gangsta named P- Stone.


ART:

                Height creates one of the most visually appealing and detailed works in his career. There is a great amount of detail and variety of characters. Backgrounds are also filled in nicely, not skimping on them. Gavin’s got a great look for a young teen and a hero that is believable and striking.  Little helps breath a lot of life and color into Height’s work as they knock it out of the park with this first issue visually. We see different angles, different perspectives and great movements with the action.  Just the uses of side angles and over the shoulder perspectives were really entertaining this issue.  There is a richness in the line work and coloring as they do a great job with the light source and color of this book … particularly during the mugging/battle. I really enjoyed it and found it extremely well done. 

WRITING:

                Height and Feenstra jump us into some action while also developing Gavin as a character and his world in one swift shot. We get a quick retelling of his origin (which was done in the FCBD issue) while blasting off into the present with Gavin had taken time to become Midnight Tiger. While he’s fairly new, you can see that he’s had some experience with this by now and Feenstra and Height display that. Gavin comes off really believable and multi-faceted right away as we see him butt heads with a “friend”, deal with his father and his over all beliefs compared to those he cares about around him. Our hero is a good guy but definitely flawed … in a good way. I applaud the writers for doing that right off the back … allowing readers to relate to the character and feel more invested.  And while we got some great world building, Height and Feenstra did enough to really leave some open plots for upcoming issues of the series. The current main plot is already hitting close to home for Gavin and our writers make sure you are in. Plus, what we see of Gavin’s inner circle seems to be interesting right off the bat as we have him disagreeing with not only his father, but with some friends as well. It is definitely a different direction from many other super hero solo titles where the friends seem to be fully behind our hero while parent (s) is not. Great, solid writing that makes me want more. 

FINAL VERDICT:

                The art was amazing. The story was superb. The characters are interesting and varied. And there are some great Easter Eggs for comic books fans in the issue that just make you smile. I am all in on this book. I give Midnight Tiger # 1 a solid 5 … out of 5. 

Jack Hammer # 4 Review

JACK HAMMER # 4
Written by Brandon Barrows
Art by Ionic
Action Lab Entertainment

This will be a spoiler free review.

                It’s the final show down between Jack and the Black Smile with an election and lives on the line. Conspiracies will be revealed and Jack and Charlie go all out to stop the Black Smile and his crew.

ART:

                Ionic  does a great job this issue. He adds a slight bit more of detail this issue, giving everyone a nice look with his unique art style. The detail he adds is great as it makes the action look good and the emotion of the issue is conveyed well. Backgrounds are good. The colors and shading work, add a good element of mystery; which fits the theme of the book.

                My only real gripe is that distance shots aren’t the greatest. Otherwise, the action was good. The people are distinct. And there are some decent backgrounds.

WRITING:

                The plots of the miniseries and the issue tie up well.  The plots with Goodman and the Black Smile are fully connected here and Barrows allow the mystery and the detective work leads to a strong climax. Jack, Charlie, Stu and more get some great development this issue. Barrows allows everyone to shine in one manner or another this issue, allowing the book to feel very powerful and complete. The main plot gets showcased well throughout the whole issue as we learned some more answers, leaving us with more questions. The dialogue was very strong and the pacing was near perfect. A really great ending for this miniseries.

 FINAL VERDICT:
                I really enjoyed this last issue. Things got tied up well. We got some mysterties for future mysteries with Jack Hammer. The cast got to shine and the art was pretty good. This issue really left me feeling satisified and wanting more of Jack. I give Jack Hammer # 4 a solid 4 out of 5.

Dry Spell # 1 Review

 DRY SPELL #1
Written by Ken Krekeler
Art by Ken Krekeler
Action Lab: Danger Zone

This will be a spoiler free review.

Note: I know I already reviewed this before a month ago but have yet to find the original review …. Soooooooooo … here we go again.

                Our story opens in a world of super heroes and our main character, Tom Ferris, is “enjoying” a mundane life as an office worker. At night, he dreams of the life he used to have … among the super heroic elite. And then … one day at work, that door to the elite starts to open again and things will never be the same.

ART:

                The art is simply gorgeous.  A mixed water colored and traditional coloring helps give the book its own sense of style and grace … and every scene is matched perfectly with tones that help set the mood and really draw you in. Krekeler does a great job with his line work, giving just enough detail to his characters and background to make them different but allows the colors and the inks help his art achieve this vibrancy and originality. Krekeler’s panel work goes from simple to outrageous, allowing readers to really keep a focus on the art while allow it to tell its story in its own way. It is truly magnificent some of the panel work when Tom is “under the influence;” allowing stunning art to really shine through. Krekeler conveys emotion well, shows people in different sizes and colors and really gives good perspectives. Really an outstanding job by Krekeler.

WRITING:

                The issue was near perfection from start to finish. Drawing on series like “Watchman” for an artistic opening with its opening page to its final panel, Krekeler allows readers to get a great dose symbolism and authenticity.  Krekeler speaks to the everyday man wishing to be something more with Tom Ferris while also talking to those men and women who think about their glory days. Krekeler uses the dream of always wanting to be more and to be back at your highest point as driving forces for the issue, allowing not only explanation on Tom’s actions but set up for the main plot of the book as well.

                Krekeler constructs Tom Ferris to be a relatable character from when we first meet him to his decision to go out with “the old gang” for a night out on the town. Krekeler also reminds us the dangers of going back to our glory days; as old vices might rear their ugly head as well but seamlessly ties it into the story well. The distinct differences in Tom in his mundane life and Tom during the end of the book are very obvious but are built upon well. Krekeler builds a good supporting cast around Tom that already starts to pull at him in different directions while also uses them to maintain a level of mystery. And while the ends kind of stops the story more than ends it, overall, the first issue was solid with great pacing and wonderful characters.

FINAL VERDICT:

                Honestly, this was a great first issue. The art was spectacular. The writing was superb. The characters were relatable and the premise seemed very authentic. I enjoyed this first issue and really and looking forward to looking at Tom Ferris a bit more, next issue. So, with that, I would like to give Dry Spell # 1 a solid 4.5 out of 5. 

SUPER ADVANCED REVIEW: THE F1RST HERO # 1

THE F1RST HERO # 1
Written by Anthony Ruttgaizer
Art by Phillip Sevy & Fred C Stresing
Action Lab Entertainment

This will be a spoiler free review.

                In a world where having super powers is so taboo, that it automatically is met with force, Jake Roth narrates his story for us. Join Jake as we see his world and how his powers emerged. 

ART:

                Sevy and Stresing bring us Jake Roth’s story. The art does a good job of telling a story, with a style that isn’t overly detailed unless it needs to be. The panel work gives enough detail to immerse readers into. The lines are  a little thicker than normal but works for the story and the setting. I am impressed with how well Sevy gets Regan’s face looks in this. The action is good and Sevy does a good job, giving some good perspectives here and there. The backgrounds are ok with some good detail. I did especially enjoy Sevy and Stresing use of shadows when Jake is tied up. A pretty good opening shot form the art team.

WRITING:

                Ruttgaizer has some great narrative here. Jake Roth comes across very believable, likable and vulnerable in this one issue. Ruttgaizer’s choice to have Roth tell the readers the story through his own narrative alongside regular dialogue really helps build on the character and the world. Ruttgaizer moves the issue well, with a perfect pace that both explains the world of The First Hero and Roth well. Roth gets some great character development as we learn of his fears as well as his sense of duty. Roth already starts as a complex character and Ruttgaizer builds upon that, using both the world around him and Roth’s personality to make the story personal, compelling and different from most other super powered hero comics.  The dialogue was very authentic for the characters which only added to how well the book is written. While we didn’t see a supporting cast yet, the fact that Ruttgaizer uses Roth as the main narrator makes it okay.  An extremely well- written and well constructed first issue.

FINAL VERDICT:

                The writing is top notch with some good art by Sevy and Stresing. The book has just begun but we have a great, complex main character that I look forward to seeing in this world where just having super powers is a death sentence. The great narrative and the easy style make this a great first issue.

                I give The First Hero # 1 a 4 out of 5. Great job. Order this book today.

 For more information, retailers can contact Kelly Dale at kdale@actionlabcomics.com. For press and conventions you can reach Jamal Igle at jigle@actionlabcomics.com.

Action Lab Entertainment September 2014 Solicitations

 SOLICITATIONS: ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT FOR SEPTEMBER 2014 
The following titles will be available for purchase in comic shops everywhere! 



 

CRIMSON SOCIETY#1
Writer(s): Mike Hunau
Artist Name(s): Carlos Trigo
Cover Artist(s): Carlos Trigo (r), Daniel Logan (v)
 
 In the very near future, supernatural beings live among humans in peace, yet Jack Crimson finds his life as a werewolf frustrating, and wants nothing more than a cure. Desperate to free himself from this curse, he makes a series of decisions leading him down an unexpected path. Join Jack as he makes his way through this dark new world. Features a variant cover by Daniel Logan (Ghost Town), limited to 1,500 copies!

32 pgs./ Mature Readers/ FC                        $3.99/$4.99 Variant
 


DRYSPELL # 3 (Bi-Monthly)

Writer(s): Ken Krekeler
Artist Name(s): Ken Krekeler
Cover Artist(s): Ken Krekeler
 
 The stage is set. Tom Ferris, once little more than an office drone, is about to return to the man he once was. Side-by-side with masks and costumes, he has calculated a grand return to the limelight of his yesteryear. His entourage assembled, his target marked, his city is calling to him. It watches and waits for the black.
32 pgs./Mature Readers/ FC                                          $3.99
 
 
 
  
EHHM THEORY: EVERYTHING AND SMALL DOSES #1
 
Writer(s): Brockton McKinney
Artist Name(s): Larkin Ford
Cover Artist(s): Larkin Ford (reg), Jerry Gaylord (var)
 
 Action Lab's underground hit series returns! Time-jumping assassin monkeys, an evil military super-force, and paranormal ex-lovers plague Gabriel Ehmm and his blood-bound talking feline Mr. Whispers in this eye-smashing, brain-messer of a sequel entitled; Everything and Small Doses. Features a variant cover by Jerry Gaylord, limited to 1,500 copies!
32 pgs./Mature Readers/ FC                        $3.99/$4.99 Variant


 
THE F1RST HERO # 2 (OF 4)
Writer(s): Anthony Ruttgaizer
Artist Name(s): Phillip Sevy (art), Fred C Stresing (letters/colors)
Cover Artist(s): Lee Moder (standard cover), Ray-Anthony Height (variant)
 
 Back on American soil, Jake settles into his normal life. But when the police attempt a violent takedown on a teen extrahuman, will Jake endanger that normal life and use his own powers to save the boy? Or will he keep quiet and abandon the youth to his grisly fate? Variant cover by Ray-Anthony Height (Midnight Tiger and Marvel’s: Fear Itself, Spider-Girl) limited to 1,500 copies!
32 pgs./ Teen/ FC                                    $3.99/$4.99 Variant

 

JACK HAMMER :USURPER #1 (OF 2) (Bi-Monthly)
Writer(s): Brandon Barrows
Artist Name(s): Ionic
Cover Artist(s): Ionic
Just as things are starting to get back to normal for Jack McGriskin and friends, a new shadow falls across their path... and lands squarely on Ramona! A mystery man stalks her through the streets of Boston, but is she his target or only a means to an end?
 32 pgs./ All Ages/ FC                                    $3.99

 
 

MIDNIGHT TIGER #3 (Now a monthly series)
 
Writer(s): DeWayne Feenstra, Ray-Anthony Height
Artist Name(s): Ray-Anthony Height
Cover Artist(s): Ray-Anthony Height (Marvel: Fear Itself, Spider-girl, Image: Noble Causes)
 
 Gavin has to shake down an old friend for some intel, but may end up going too far. Unfortunately for Gavin, Powerstone and the Apollo Bay Police Department are on the hunt…and it’s MidnightTiger season!
32 pgs./ Teen/ FC                                   $3.99
 


 
MISHKA AND THE SEA DEVIL HC
Writer(s): Xenia Pamfil
Artist Name(s): Xenia Pamfil
Cover Artist(s): Xenia Pamfil
 
 Eleven days trapped on a mysterious island. Eleven chapters drawn in eleven different styles. One incredible artist. After a chance encounter at sea, fisherman Mishka washes ashore on an uncharted island. Surrounded by monsters and worse, can Mishka survive long enough to solve the mystery of the Sea Devil and return home? Join her, Captain Furball and Admiral Ghost on the adventure of their lives!
100 pgs./Teen/ FC                        $24.99


 
 
SHINOBI: NINJA PRINCESS #2 (OF 6)
Writer(s): Martheus Wade
Artist Name(s): Martheus Wade (Pencils, Inks, Colors) Marvin Chevealier (color assists)
Cover Artist: Tressina Bowling
 
 After successfully completing her first mission, Shianndrea is allowed to accompany Kim on reconnaissance to New Tokyo in order to spy on the Azumi Ninja Clan. Things can't be better! However, just when things are getting cozy between the two ninja, Ai joins the mission, making these three ninja a crowd.
32 pgs./ Teen/ FC                                    $3.99




SKYWARD VOL.4: SINS OF THE FATHER
Writer(s): Jeremy Dale
Artist Name(s): Jeremy Dale
Cover Artist(s): Jeremy Dale
 
 Jeremy Dale and Action Lab proudly present the fourth volume of the smash-hit, SKYWARD! In the wake of the Battle at Three Rivers, it's certain that new alliances must be formed to withstand the armies of the Brother Kings. Enter: The Berserkers! Continuing the fantastic action-fantasy epic from CGS 2013 Breakthrough Creator and Harvey Award nominee Jeremy Dale (G.I. Joe, Marvel Kapow!), following the thrilling tale of Quinn and his dog, Jack-- as we travel ever further into the strangeness of the unknown! Collects Skyward #10-12!
96 pgs./ All Ages/ FC                                    $9.99  

 
SOUTHERN DOG#2 (OF 4)
Writer(s): Jeremy Holt
Artist Name(s): Alex Diotto
Cover Artist(s): Riley Rossmo
 
 After revealing his involvement with the KKK, Jasper’s farther forces him to confront a bully from school through violent tactics. Refusing to participate, Jasper fleas the scene only to succumb to another "episode" as the beast inside of him resurfaces. Unable to fight it, Jasper suddenly finds himself in the middle of his town's racial war. Featuring series covers by red-hot artist Riley Rossmo (Drumhellar)!
32 pgs./ Mature Readers/ FC                        $3.99

 
  
ZOMBIE TRAMP #3
 
Writer(s): Dan Mendoza, Jason Martin
Artist Name(s): TMChu
Cover Artist(s): TMChu
 
 Zombie Tramp has fallen in with the wrong crowd in her adventure to Las Vegas… specifically, the undead clutches of the king of Sin City’s sex trade. Now she’s being forced to wed the jump-suited monster of a man in a private ceremony at the Grand Canyon! But in this unholy wedding, “Til death” is just the start. Features a “risqué” variant cover limited to 2,000 copies!
32 pgs./Mature Readers/ FC                        $3.99/$4.99 Variant

 For more information, retailers can contact Kelly Dale at kdale@actionlabcomics.com. For press and conventions you can reach Jamal Igle at jigle@actionlabcomics.com.
 
ABOUT ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT- Formed in 2010 with the purpose of pooling their collective talents into a single, powerful entity, the members of Action Lab Entertainment have countless years in multimedia publishing, design, and business.  Their first release, Fracture, was successfully funded through Kickstarter and since then they have continued their mission to produce high quality, genre-spanning entertainment.  Since its formation, the accolades for A.L.E continue to build on a daily basis.  Among its more popular titles are all ages material like the Eisner, Glyph, Shel Dorf Award nominated series PRINCELESS, NFL RUSHZONE (based on the Nickelodeon Television series), Jamal Igle's MOLLY DANGER, Artist/ Writer Jeremy Dale’s hit series SKYWARD, and Gale Middleton’s (My Little Pony, The Littlest Pet Shop) monstrously adorable VAMPLETS. Action Lab’s Mature Readers imprint ACTION LAB DANGER ZONE continues to push the envelope of comics entertainment with titles as varied as EHMM THEORY and Dan Mendoza’s over the top horror-comedy ZOMBIE TRAMP, THE FINAL PLAGUE and BO, PLUSHY GANGSTA.

SOMETIMES YOU JUST GOTTA FIGHT..LIKE A GIRL!

SOMETIMES YOU JUST GOTTA FIGHT..LIKE A GIRL!
Action Lab Entertainment’s newest miniseries battle royal set to debut.

PITTSBURGH, PA- Action Lab Entertainment is all about great stories and great female characters. Now the company that brought you PRINCELESS and MOLLY DANGER continues that tradition with the launch of FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!

Created by writer David Pinckney, FIGHT LIKE A GIRL stars Amarosa, a normal girl who is desperately trying to find a way to cure her terminally ill brother.  To save him, she must earn the right to make a single wish. To do so she must face the Pantheon of Gods and go through a series of nine trials within the Wishing Well, a source of unimaginable power. If Amarosa survives, her wish will be set in stone. If she fails, her soul will be damned for all eternity. She’ll have to get past her insecurities in order learn more about herself than she ever imagined. Will she succeed? Find out in this fantastic four issue miniseries.

Fight Like A Girl features art by Soo Lee (Liquid City, Dim Sum Warriors) and is scheduled for a November 2014 Release.

 For more information, retailers can contact Kelly Dale at kdale@actionlabcomics.com.

ABOUT ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT- Formed in 2010 with the purpose of pooling their collective talents into a single, powerful entity, the members of Action Lab Entertainment have countless years in multimedia publishing, design, and business.  Their first release, Fracture, was successfully funded through Kickstarter and since then they have continued their mission to produce high quality, genre-spanning entertainment.  Since its formation, the accolades for A.L.E continue to build on a daily basis.  Among its more popular titles are all ages material like the Eisner, Glyph, Shel Dorf Award nominated series PRINCELESS, NFL RUSHZONE (based on the Nickelodeon Television series), Jamal Igle's MOLLY DANGER, Artist/ Writer Jeremy Dale’s hit series SKYWARD, and Gale Middleton’s (My Little Pony, The Littlest Pet Shop) monstrously adorable VAMPLETS. Action Lab’s Mature Readers imprint ACTION LAB DANGER ZONE continues to push the envelope of comics entertainment with titles as varied as EHMM THEORY and Dan Mendoza’s over the top horror-comedy ZOMBIE TRAMP, THE FINAL PLAGUE and BO, PLUSHY GANGSTA.

Bo Plushy Gangsta # 3 Review

BO PLUSHY GANGSTA # 3
Written by Pavel Balabanov
Art by Pavel Balabanov
English Translantion by Jason Martin
Action Lab: Danger Zone

This will be a spoiler free review.  

THIS REVIEW WILL HAVE STRONG LANGUAGE. YOU’VE BEEN WARNED.
(I am having fun with this review ... so if you don't like strong language ... forgive me but this seemed appropriate.) 

                Bo finds himself facing off against weird snake alien thing called The Serpent aka Puppet Master. As the two square off, we find out how Bo came to be there and something very familiar and important to Bo is in the hands of Puppet Master.

THE GOOD:

                Holy SHIT! This book is just amazing. It is very surreal to see a plushy bear with an afro beat up an alien, snake thing. And it was glorious. Balabanov work is great from start to finish. The writing was very much fitting of current hip hop culture. The characterizations were refreshing, showing both characters in the issue playing various mind games to keep the suspense. The dialogue was certainly authentic with some great pacing. This book felt written as a one and done issue while still advancing an overall plot, much like the classic books of the 60s. Balabanov really gives us some more layers to Bo, showing his courage, his fear and his determination. 

                Balabanov’s art was simply full of life. The panels were definitely a bit more dynamic; art just popping out the muthafuckin pages. And the action … that shit was off the chain. There was guns. There was knives. There was some crazy shit and explosions. Balabanov really put great energy in the smooth pencils and colors that graced the entire issue.  There is a great use of shadow and the character design are just like FIRE.  With a healthy dose of kick ass action to go with the spirited fuckin’ dialogue,  this book is just amazeballs!

THE BAD:

                Not a fuckin’ thing. DAMN son!

THE VERDICT:

                This book was just amazing from start to finish. It was easy to follow, creative and dynamic through great art and story. Pick this book up or you be missing on on that good good son! This book ain't for no bitchasses now. I give Bo Plushy Gangsta # 3 a solid muthafukkin 5 … out of 5.

Bo, Plushy Gangsta # 3 Preview

BO, PLUSHY GANGSTA #3
Writer(s): Pavel Balabanov 
Artist Name(s): Pavel Balabanov 
Cover Artist(s): Pavel Balabanov 
Variant cover: Pavel Balabanov 

[attachment=7694:BoPlushyGangsta_issue3_cover_solicit.jpg]
 
 As Bo Plushy’s showdown with the “Roswell” gang and their boss, the Serpent (a.k.a. Puppet 
Master) continues, things aren’t what they appear! Does the Puppet Master have the voodoo teddy 
gangsta by the strings? Or is it the other way ‘round? Come on, it’s Bo!

ZOMBIE TRAMP Vol. 2: The Taint Train of Terror Review

ZOMBIE TRAMP Vol. 2: The Taint Train of Terror TPB

Written by Dan Mendoza

Art by Dan Mendoza

Lettering by Zen

Action Lab: Danger Zone

This will be a Spoiler Free Review.

It is a new adventure with Janey as she meets a mysterious little girl named Morning. She gives help to Janey as long as she would kill her parents. As we find out that our Morning has more to her than meets the eye, we continue our little adventure on a train where a bunch of teenagers. And the grindhouse influence takes over as things go from bad to worse ... for the students on the train ... and even Janey.

THE GOOD:

Mendoza gives his signature style a great amount of flair with dynamically gory panels, limited use of colors and interesting use of inks ... or not. Mendoza really brings a great atmosphere to his work. The lack of color with few exceptions really help bring out a certain fair to the book. The brutality is in full spectacle. If you are a fan of zombies or grindhouse, Mendoza presents you with this love letter.  

Mendoza also does a great trick of putting flashbacks, keeping them strictly his finished pencils but no inking on it. We got a good amount of gory mixed with suspense and sexual situations.

Writing wise, Mendoza gives us an entertaining, yet gory rump from start to finish. We do get to know a bit more about Janey and Mendoza develops her by her meeting Morning, her gaining her new abilities and the flashbacks. Read separately, the issue are fairly good. But as one whole, complete story, this second volume of Zombie reads like a classic zombie/grindhouse, suspense movie. And while Janey shines, Mendoza does a good job developing Morning, the Omega Men and more. The pacing works as a whole and works better as a collection.

THE BAD:
            Like I mentioned, the single issues of it were good. But as a whole, this reads so much better. Yet, what happens to our teens is very predictable. Otherwise, nothing really bad.

THE VERDICT:

Mendoza’s style is something people will either love or hate but it captures Zombie Tramp well … a mix of horror with sex appeal while also giving nods to grindhouse movies and thrillers. Janey clearly has development here and there can be a whole lot more. While there is some predictability, the journey is still entertaining and Morning proves to be an interesting wild card. I give Zombie Tramp Vol. 2: The Taint Train of Terror a 3.5 out of 5.

The F1rst Hero Preview

  

QUESTIONING THE SANITY OF SUPERHEROES IN ACTION LAB’S ‘THE F1RST HERO’

A WORLD OF SUPERPOWER-FUELED CRIMINAL INSANITY GIVES BIRTH TO ITS FIRST SUPERHERO.

PITTSBURGH, PA - What if everyone who ever had superpowers had gone insane and became a threat to society?  If one man were to manifest powers yet somehow keep his sanity, would he choose to use his new abilities to help the innocent?  Or would he keeps his powers a secret to protect himself and his loved ones from a world that hates and fears his kind?  These are the questions asked in THE F1RST HERO, the latest release from Action Lab Entertainment.

Written by radio host/pop culture commentator and professional wrestler Anthony Ruttgaizer, the series is couched in real world events.  Jacob Roth, a US Marine serving in Afghanistan, is just a few days shy of returning to the States.  In the heat of battle, Roth discovers that he is an “extrahuman”, a being whose extraordinary abilities normally come at a horrible price.  But even if he masters his new powers, Roth must still deal with a society that will see him as a ticking time bomb, easier to dispose of than to defuse.

Ruttgaizer doesn’t shy away from controversy, tackling real world history in establishing a grounded setting for THE F1RST HERO, and he has assembled an amazingly talent art team to help him tell this tale.  Anthony is joined by artist Phillip Sevy (a runner-up in Top Cow’s 2013 Talent Hunt), colorist/letterer Fred C. Stressing (Adventure Time Annual, Hello Kitty), with covers by Lee Moder (Wonder Woman, Shinku) and an issue 1 variant cover by Jamal Igle (Terminator, G.I. Joe).  The first story arc runs for four monthly issues starting in August.

 For more information, retailers can contact Kelly Dale at kdale@actionlabcomics.com. For press and conventions you can reach Jamal Igle at jigle@actionlabcomics.com.
 
ABOUT ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT- Formed in 2010 with the purpose of pooling their collective talents into a single, powerful entity, the members of Action Lab Entertainment have countless years in multimedia publishing, design, and business.  Their first release, Fracture, was successfully funded through Kickstarter and since then they have continued their mission to produce high quality, genre-spanning entertainment.  Since its formation, the accolades for A.L.E continue to build on a daily basis.  Among its more popular titles are all ages material like the Eisner, Glyph, Shel Dorf Award nominated series PRINCELESS, NFL RUSHZONE (based on the Nickelodeon Television series), Jamal Igle's MOLLY DANGER, Artist/ Writer Jeremy Dale’s hit series SKYWARD, and Gale Middleton’s (My Little Pony, The Littlest Pet Shop) monstrously adorable VAMPLETS. Action Lab’s Mature Readers imprint ACTION LAB DANGER ZONE continues to push the envelope of comics entertainment with titles as varied as EHMM THEORY and Dan Mendoza’s over the top horror-comedy ZOMBIE TRAMP, THE FINAL PLAGUE and BO, PLUSHY GANGSTA.