FCBD: Zombie Tramp/Ehmm Theory Issue

FCBD: ZOMBIE TRAMP/EHMM THEORY
Zombie Tramp
Written by Dan Mendoza & Jason Martin
Art by TMChu, Dan Mendoza & Jason Martin

Ehmm Theory
Written by Brockton McKinney
Art by Larkin Ford & Aimee Hanchey
Action Lab: Danger Zone

This will be a Spoiler Free Review.
 

            Janey is hitchhiking across the desert when she gets picked up. As she takes her ride, we go through the events of both previous mini-series. And as her hitchhiker is looking for some payment, he finds Janey’s price a bit steep.

In the Ehmm Theory side of things … SHIT GETS REAL! Okay. Yeah. That was really blunt. More or less, Mindwolf ends up meeting up with Gabriel and Whiskers again … just NOT the Gabriel and Mr. Whiskers we know.

THE GOOD:

             We got some good writing by Mendoza and Martin. Janey is reflecting on the past while seeing where she, as a person, has gotten to. Mendoza and Martin go through the highlights of both miniseries well while allowing Janey to find how strong she has become. The pacing is great and the dialogue feels authentic.

            TMChu definitely has a different style than Mendoza but very much fits Zombie Tramp. Sure, the boobs are colossal … like Mendoza’s … and TMChu does have some influence in grindhouse in his art but not as much as Mendoza. Considering the story is about progress, TMChu’s style reflects that.  Mendoza gives some great panel work during the flashbacks.  Martin and Mendoza do a great job using color at the end of the book … both with Mendoza limited color style while Martin’s coloring of the book sets the mood right.

            So, overall, this short was about transition and it works.

             Ehmm Theory throws up quite a few surprises … which is pretty  status quo for them if you have read the original miniseries. McKinney, as usual, writes a balls to the wall yet extremely intelligent script as we find out that Gabe and Mr. Whiskers are different … and why they are different. It adds another element to Ehmm Theory while also allowing readers to kind of learn more of Mindwolf, who played a pivotal, yet small role in the original miniseries. As we get a little bit of what happened before with hints at what’s to come, McKinney uses smart dialogue and strong characterization to fit it all in one great package.
            Meanwhile, Ford and Hanchey do a great job. Ford’s cartoony/modern comic fused style really shines with great actions, strong panels and good amount of detail. They shine with all kinds of beings, proportions and backgrounds. Ford’s work is better than ever. Haney’s colors are strong, giving a nice shine and tone to Ford’s art. Really great stuff.

THE BAD:
            TMChu’s work might throw off some people who are used to Mendoza. Yet, it’s not that bad in my opinion.

FINAL VERDICT:

            This FCBD issue was strong, with great stories and art. Really great stuff. I give Zombie Tramp/Ehmm Theory FCBD issue a 9 … out of 10. 

Comics News: ACTION LAB Free Comic Book Day Tour Adds More Talent

 
 
ACTION LAB FREE COMIC BOOK DAY TOUR ADDS MORE TALENT
Meet your favorite Action Lab/ Action Lab: Danger Zone creators nationwide.


Pittsburgh, PA- Action Lab Entertainment adds even more talent to their Free Comic Book Day appearances. On May 3^rd, 2014 Action lab will be releasing not one but two Free Comic Book Day offerings, SKYWARD/ MIDNIGHT TIGER  and ZOMBIE TRAMP/EHMM THEORY for mature readers. Just added to the list are the talent behind PIRATE EYE, FRACTURE, NUTMEG,SUBCULTURE and NIGHT OF THE 80's UNDEAD:

Jackie Croft- NUTMEG
Comic Book University- Indianapolis, IN

Chad Cicconi- FRACTURE
Comic Paradise Plus- Fairmont, WV

Kevin Freeman-SUBCULTURE
Dragon's Lair- Fayetteville, NC

Aimee Hanchey- EHMM THEORY
Samurai Comics- Phoenix, AZ

Carl Yonder- PIRATE EYE
Beyond Comics- Gaithersburg, MD

Bill McKay- NIGHT OF THE 80's UNDEAD
Collector's Corner- Baltimore, MD

They join the already massive list of Action Lab creators who will be appearing at the following locations:

Jeremy and Kelly Dale- SKYWARD
Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find- Charlotte NC

Ray Anthony Height – MIDNIGHT TIGER
(Two appearances)
The Comic Bug- Manhattan Beach, CA
Comics, Toons and Toys- Tustin, CA

Dan Mendoza – ZOMBIE TRAMP
4 Color Fantasies- Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Brockton McKinney, Larkin Ford – EHMM THEORY
Jeremy Whitley- Princeless
Ultimate Comics- Durham, NC
 
Brandon Barrows – JACK HAMMER
Jetpack Comics- Rochester, NY
 
Jamal Igle- MOLLY DANGER
Wild Pig Comics- Kenilworth, NJ
 
Eric Grissom- PLANET GIGANTIC
Comic Book Shop- Wilmington, DE
 
Marc Bertolini- SCUM OF THE EARTH
Gotham Central Comics- Mississauga, ON
 
Michael Hunau- CRIMSON SOCIETY
Earth 2 Comics -Sherman Oaks, CA

James Rochelle-SKYWARD
Comikaze- San Diego, CA
 
 Lea Hernandez – THE GARLICKS
Meltdown Comics- Los Angeles, CA
 
J.D. Arnold- THE FINAL PLAGUE
Comicopolis- Santa Cruz, CA

James Wright-NUTMEG
Geoffrey’s Comics- Gardena, CA
 
All appearances are subject to change.

 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.

Preview: EHMM THEORY Vol. 1 TPB

EHMM THEORY Vol.1 TPB
Writer(s): Brockton McKinney
Artist Name(s): Larkin Ford, (colors - Jason Strutz)
Cover Artist(s): Larkin Ford
Synopsis: Gabriel Ehmm was doing just fine until the morning he woke up… dead! Now, along
with his talking kitten, Mr. Whispers, the two begin the wildest ride of their un-lives. Ehmm Theory
Volume One collects the critically acclaimed mind-melting adventure that features all that plus
pint-sized zombie clowns, giant cybernetic crustaceans, and a super-team of the bizarre!
Special Notes: Collects the first four critically-acclaimed (Fangoria, Aint It Cool News) issues of
the break-out hit series.

FC/ 112 pages / $9.99       MATURE READERS

1st Impressions: EHMM THEORY # 4

EHMM THEORY # 4

Written by Brockton McKinney
Art by Larkin Ford & Jason Strutz

Action Lab Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Revelations give Gabriel and Mr. Whiskers shocks as Aaron faces his son and starts giving answers. Dominika wants none of that as she sends G.O.D.D. to capture them. But not everyone in G.O.D.D.  agrees with Dominika. It leads to some startlingly revelations about Dominika, Aaron and Gabriel as this issue ends the first miniseries.

ART:

                Ford and Strutz give a tour de force in this issue. The panels have great detail and backgrounds. Everyone has a nice distinct look. There are so many kinds of things this issue: people, robots, animals, talking animals, dimensional portals and much more. This book expands your imagination in ways that both make sense but never thought of before. The emotional moments look authentic and powerful. The characters look realized, with great nuisances and good expressions. The colors are vivid. The pencils and inks are powerful. A stellar ending for Ehmm Theory’s first miniseries.

WRITING:

                McKinney writes a very strong ending to this first miniseries. There was definitely a good amount of emotion, revelations and handled the plot lines very well. The dialogue, as always, was some of the best in comics today. McKinney really puts a lot of joy in his work … as we shall monsters that would come from our imaginations but at the same time, we might not have thought of. The characterizations felt very authentic. The pacing of the book is really good for the amount of events that happen within this final issue. Although, there are a couple of parts that might make it feel too fast.  And while things get tied up well, McKinney leaves it open for more with one last, stunning revelation.

OVERALL RATING:

                The writing is stellar. The art is amazing. While there are a few fast parts to the issue, overall, this was an enjoyable ending to one of the most inventive series in comics.


RATING:

                I give Ehmm Theory # 4 a strong 9.5 … out of 10. 

1st Impression: Ehmm Theory # 3

EHMM THEORY # 3

Written by Brockton McKinney
Art by Larkin Ford & Jason Strutz

Action Lab: Danger Zone

FLIPPING THROUGH:

            So, after last issue completely changed the status quo of what we thought this series was about, we get even more surprises. As Gabriel, Mr. Whispers and Alyona continue journeying to find Gabriel’s father, Aaron Ehmm; we are introduced to Alyona’s old friend, Tym.  The search reveals how Gabriel’s parents had met. Yet, Dominka is closing in and a reunion gets more and more difficult as Gabriel finds out more about his parents than he bargained for.

ART:

            Larkin Ford and Jason Strutz continue to dazzle people with their art. The cartoony style mixed with detail and modern super hero sensibilities really make this book’s art stand out. And this issue really gives you a vast variety of things: talking animals, robots, medieval like princesses and modern day guns. There are various kinds of backgrounds in this book that also really shows off Ford and Strutz’s skills. The art is smooth, with enough detail to show people and animals of all shapes and sizes. The inks are very clean and sharp. Ford’s pencils continue to electrify. The book constantly makes you see the unexpected and Ford pulls it off so well. With great proportions and even more vivid colors, this was a solid issue.

WRITING:

            McKinney continues to write one of the most innovative, most status quo shattering books in comic book history.  Every time you think you have your footing and feel like you know where this book is going, McKinney pulls the rug under you. This issue’s revelations just add to the mystery behind the book while building up to this first miniseries’ finale. While McKinney is building his world, he makes sure to keep developing his main characters. While this issue, it does not seem apparent, Gabriel got some deep development with the multiple revelations this issue. His reactions to everything kept building and building on what has been established. Whispers and Alyona also get great development.

            Yet, McKinney weaves so many twists and turns so well to the emotional attachments in the show. The pacing for the book is good but honestly, if the book was a little slower, then it’d be perfect. Otherwise, this is one of the best written books I have ever read.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            This issue was simply amazing! Great art. Exquisite Story. Good pacing. Besides the manor pacing issue, this book just continues to be one of the best comics ever.

RATING:

            I give Ehmm Theory # 3 gets 9.5 out of 10. BUY IT!!!

Comic News: Action Lab Danger Zone Launch Titles Sells Out At Distributor

Action Lab: Danger Zone Launch Sells Out At Distributor

Thursday, June 13th - As of last night, Action Lab was informed by multiple retailers that both of our two Action Lab: Danger Zone launch titles - “Ehmm Theory #1” and “Ghost Town #1” - have sold out all copies through Diamond Distribution and all reorders from retailers are currently being put on hold.

First and foremost, Action Lab would like to thank all of the retailers and fans who have made the launch of our new imprint a tremendous success.  It’s a fantastic problem to face to have such high demand that we’re struggling to meet it.  It would frankly be impossible without your support.

On another note, it’s not over yet.  Action Lab is tapping our company supply of convention stock to meet all orders through Diamond.  Retailers still have the opportunity to get first-print copies of both Ehmm Theory and Ghost Town’s premier issues.  We will be issuing a resupply to Diamond later this week to cover all outstanding orders.  On that note, we encourage you to get your orders in as soon as possible while we still have copies in stock.  We intend to fill every last Diamond order for both titles as long as we can and encourage all retailers to contact their Diamond rep about ordering or reordering both books.

Again, thank you so much to all the retailers, reviewers, and fans who have made our lives a little more difficult - in the most pleasant way possible.  We look forward to hearing from all of those who read and enjoy our books in the coming month.  For any retailer questions, please contact our Director of Marketing at jwhitley@actionlabcomics.com

Jeremy Whitley

Action Lab Director of Marketing

1st Impressions: EHMM THEORY # 2 Review

EHMM THEORY # 2
Written by Brockton McKinney
Art by Larkin Ford & Jason Strutz
Action Lab Entertainment


FLIPPING THROUGH:  (WARNING SPOILERS)

            Gabe and Mr. Whiskers are on a journey with the old woman they met at the end of last issue to find his father, Aaron Ehmm.  The old woman gives us some background.  Alyonia, the old woman, tells a little about Aaron, her, his sister and an old professor named Lanny who actually met a ********* ******* in the South Pole.

            Things get weirder as they are then attacked by a GIANT lobster and are saved by a team of …  ********* called G.O.D.D. Yup. GODD’s leader, **********  says she’ll protect Gabe and that they are the good guys. Alyonia though tells Gabe that they do not need their help. Mindwolf leaves a card with Gabe as he and Alyonia leave to meet an old friend of his father’s. I am not even gonna spoil the ending …


ART:

            Larkin and Strutz love what they are working on cause it shows in the book. Larkin’s style, mixing comic strip art with the fantasy of super hero comic art really shines through in these pages. It does not have a great amount of detail but it is more than enough to show you what is going on and to convey whatever the creators are trying to say or do in the panels.

            No overly exaggerated women’s butts everywhere. No overly muscular men. The monsters are magnificent And everything has a neo-classic feel that is gripping from panel to panel. Strutz colors really bring out the best of Larkin’s art throughout the whole issue by making sure the colors really express the tone of the moment. When things are a bit quieter, the colors are more subdued … including in the flashback. When the action starts, Strutz makes it more vibrant, which only enhances the colors and what Larkin is trying to do. A real outstanding job by the art time as this issue was visually entertaining.


WRITING:

            This is, by far, one of the best written books I have read in the last decade. This is not me being a fanboy. This is me stating fact. You think you know this book after reading the first issue . .. and this book COMPLETELY plays you for a fool and I loved every second of it. You read the flipping through section .. . it was nothing I expected after the first issue. There are SOOOOOOOOOO MANY questions after this issue that I am looking forward to more. The characterizations are believable and relatable. The plot is amazing and complex. The characters are diverse. I do not know where this book is going anymore and I love it. McKinney surprises the reader several times this issue. I gave  a couple of spoilers but this is by far one of the best books I have read.

            The only thing working against it is that someone who hasn’t read the first issue will feel a little lost. Yet, it is still a very enjoyable ride. And the mysteries make me want more. And I laughed so hard when Mr. Whiskers was arguing with T.A.M.M.I. cause the dialogue felt so real and it was just so surreal watching a talking cat curse out a  ********.  McKinney is well on his way to being one of the greatest new comic book writers in history with Ehmm  Theory. And I know that Larkin Ford also adds to the book as well.  Honestly, hands down one of the best written books I have ever read.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            F*cking Magnificent. The book is stellar. The art may turn off some people but I love it cause it is very unique and the book itself is just so well written. Your life is not complete without reading this book.


RATING:

   Ehmm Theory # 2 gets a 9.5 out of 10. And the point 5 off is cause it may not be the most accessible issue but still amazing. Buy this book. Buy this book for you. Buy this book for your friends. Buy this book for everyone you know. This is what comics is truly about. Order it in stores. OWN THIS BOOK NOW!

Ikaricast S5, Ep 3: Interview with Brockton McKinney & Larkin Ford

On this week's Ikaricast xaos and Seraph interview Larkin Ford and Brockton McKinney of Ehmm Theory which is a book under Action Lab Entertainment's Danger Zone imprint.

Questions, Comments, email theikaricast@gmail.com

Links for this week: 

www.actionlabcomics.com/

www.actionlabcomics.com/DangerZone

Download the episode here

Comic News: Action Labs Gets Dangerous With DANGER ZONE LINE!

ACTION LAB has now entered the DANGER ZONE!

Action Lab Entertainment formerly announced the formation of their new mature readers imprint entitled, Action Lab: Danger Zone, and now the first books from the new line are making their way to release.

Starting this May, fans can pick up a full line of new creator-owned titles via comic book shops, as well as all major digital providers, bookstores, and anywhere comic books are sold. Each month will see new mature-themed titles debut, showcasing boundary pushing, genre-redefining material suited to today’s contemporary comic book readers. Comic shops can already -order titles such as new ongoing series Ehmm Theory, and Ghost Town, as well as the original graphic novel, The Trip , and four more titles-- the ongoing The Final Plague, Night of the 80’s Undead, the trade paperback collection of Double Jumpers, and the SubCulture Omnibus following for pre-order in June. There will be even more new titles, like the cult hit, Zombie Tramp, to release in the months to come!

With the emphasis on fun no-limits content, titles offered range from comedy, to horror, to science fiction, to whatever creators can dream up!  Danger Zone is the place where anything goes, both for readers and creators. As with any independent publisher, Action Lab is tirelessly working to get this exciting material in front of as many eyes as possible, so be sure to check Danger Zone and these new titles out on the web and in the Diamond Previews catalog when you see them. Fans of genre fiction done right have a new home in…the Danger Zone!

You can see a free PDF sampler for the line now here:

Action Labs Danger Zone Sampler

Be sure to find us on the web:

actionlabcomics.com/danger-zone

facebook.com/ActionLabDangerZone

twitter.com/ActionLabDanger

And ask your retailers to support our line!

Action Lab received two Eisner nominations in 2012 for its critically-acclaimed all-ages comic Princeless, and has been praised for its diverse library of titles, including Pirate Eye, Fracture, and works like the upcoming Skyward and Odin Jones.  Be sure to visit the Action Lab website http://www.actionlabcomics.com for more information, including links to social media outlets and submission information.

DANGER ZONE TITLES:

EHMM THEORY 1 - ongoing bi-monthly (series of mini-series)

Writer - Brockton McKinney, Artist - Larkin Ford, Colorist - Jason Strutz

28 pages, full color, $3.99, mature readers

Synopsis - Gabriel Ehmm has awoken to a world where zombie 'little people' rise from graves, someone calling himself Saint Peter offers bargains, and his pet kitten can now talk. Connected by blood and straddling the afterlife, Gabe and Mr. Whispers (the aforementioned talking cat) begin a universe-spanning adventure in the first issue of this mind-bending and genre-blending new series.

Publication: May 2013

Diamond Order Code: MAR130763

GHOST TOWN 1 - ongoing bi-monthly (series of mini-series)

Writer - Dave Dwonch (Double Jumpers), Artist - Justin Greenwood (Resurection, Wasteland), Colorist - Brian Dyck

32 pages, full color, $3.99, mature readers

Synopsis - Moments after scientists create a time machine, terrorists steal and weaponize the device, sending bombs into the future. Las Vegas evaporates in flame as the terrorists reveal their future target: Washington DC. Now, the FBI must find the terrorists before the capital becomes a Ghost Town. The clock is ticking.

Publication: May 2013

Diamond Order Code: MAR130765

THE TRIP - original graphic novel

Writer - Jesse Grillo, Artist - David Brame, Colorist - Heather Breckel

96 pages, full color, $14.95, mature readers

Synopsis - A group of college kids on a desert-baked road trip take a Native American drug that unlocks their deepest fears. Now, if a teenager and his grandfather from the local reservation can’t find them in time, they’re going to have to face their own personal terrors, or be consumed by them! The Trip is an Indian drug fueled ride into horror!!

Publication: May 2013

Diamond Order Code: MAR130764

THE FINAL PLAGUE 1 - ongoing bi-monthly (series of mini-series)

Writer – JD Arnold, Artist – Tony Guaraldi-Brown

28 pages, full color, $3.99, mature readers

Synopsis - The Final Plague has begun, and with it mankind's final hours. Can a rural Iowan family survive the initial onslaught of crazed, rabid animals, presumably the product of a mutated super-virus? Or will they succumb to the plague that threatens to end all life as we know it?

Publication: JUNE 2013

Diamond Order Code: APR130759

NIGHT OF THE 80’S UNDEAD 1 - bi-monthly 3 issue mini-series

Writer – Jason Martin, Artist – Bill McKay

28 pages, full color, $3.99, mature readers

Synopsis - It's 1986, and Russia's last ditch cold war effort is to strike at our American excess lifestyle with bio-engineered Colombian cocaine. What happens when two girls out for a good time cross paths with a huge celebrity party hyped up on commie zombie blow?!?! Radical undead action man! Totally!!

Publication: JUNE 2013

Diamond Order Code: APR130760

DOUBLE JUMPERS – trade paperback

Writer – Dave Dwonch, Artist – Bill Blankenship

104 pages, full color, $14.95, mature readers

Synopsis - The cult hit of 2012 is finally collected! After Jason and his team of programmers get stuck in their virtual reality game, Dungeon Lords, they must find a way back to the real world. Unbeknownst to them, the fantasy characters they inhabit have taken control of their bodies… and now wizards and warriors run free in Las Vegas!

Publication: JUNE 2013

Diamond Order Code: APR130763

SUBCULTURE OMBIMUS

Writer – Kevin Freeman, Artist – Stan Yan

344 pages, b&w (sc), spot color (hc), $24.99 (sc), $39.99 (hc), mature readers

Synopsis - Everything SubCulture in one book!  Join Jason, Arthur, Noel and the entire Kingdom Comix crew as they live--and enjoy--the geek life in this funny and poignant look at fanboy (and fangirl) culture.  This 344-page tome collects the critically-acclaimed four-issue mini-series plus all 501 webcomics published between 2008 and 2012.  Also includes dozens of strips from guest artists, pinups, and behind-the-scenes features.  Also comes in a limited edition hardcover!

Publication: JUNE 2013

Diamond Order Code: APR130761 (sc); APR 130762 (hc)

ABOUT ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT

Action Lab Entertainment was founded in 2010 by a group of independent comic creators with the sole intent to bring the world the most action packed, thought-provoking, entertaining comics available, thereby ushering in a new age of world peace under the dominating, yet benign control of the Action Lab. Action Lab Entertainment is the public front for all the activities of the Action Lab and its members. Although most of the Action Lab’s activities remain classified, Action Lab Entertainment can disclose that two of its many functions are the marketing of comic books through various sales outlets, and the expansion of their domination into other mediums.