Diversions #1 is a comic-book anthology from Blue Moon. It's of special interest to me since it features the writing talent of my good buddy, Lloyd Smith (of the Unbeatable Brick fame). Diversions covers an eclectic range of topics, as JW Erwin's spectacular cover artwork conveys. Wow--what an image!!!
For "Night Spider: ...Men and Monsters", Lloyd supplies the narrative and dialogue for Erwin's dynamic panels. In this instance, the eponymous superhero investigates a mysterious cargo, which proposes a threat to the citizens of New Constantine. The story not only unfurls a hard-hitting scenario for the here and now, but offers an insightful flashback into Night Spider's poignant past.
In "Other Worlds: King of the Hill", Smith weaves harried tension into a tale of an astronaut who visits a planet that proves more vexing (and creepier) than he could have ever imagined. Lloyd's content is embellished by the artistic renderings of Donnie Page (pencils), Ken McFarlane (inks) and Mort Todd (lettering). Our crafty quartet creates an ambiance in line with classic "Outer Limits". Yeah, this one would have fit nicely into the original series' imaginative scheme, and if that's not a complement, I don't know what is.
Last but not least, we get "Guns & Rosa: Angel of Death", where Lloyd layers on enough explosive grit to please any western fancier. To help the adventure along, the no-nonsense Rosa is as attractive as she is skilled, thanks to Joe Koziarsky's stylish imagery, making Lloyd's valorous yarn a winner on all counts.
If one enjoys great writing matched by gorgeous artwork, Diversions is the must-have, comic sampler.
Order your copy at DriveThru Comics:
https://www.drivethrucomics.com/product/302055/Diversions-1.
Lloyd Smith knows there's nothing quite like a quality creature clash to get the senses spiked.
For The Unbeatable Brick #4, our adroit author pits the rubbery, red Brick against a fiery, Pacific Ocean denizen called Volcanus, in what becomes the crusader's most cataclysmic conflict to date. Heck, if you think Brick had it tough with that darn mechanical menace, Colossus, you ain't seen nothin' yet.
In fact, this particular Lucky Comics/Surprising Universe adventure rivals the best Aquaman, Depthon and Sub-Mariner sojourns, with Donnie Page delivering the outstanding, splashy artwork, in which our fantastic F.L.A.G.G. teammate tosses every ounce of strength against the angry "Mountain that Walked like a Man".
This strapping nailbiter can be purchased at ... https://www.drivethrucomics.com/product/267405/Unbeatable-Brick-4a?manufacturers_id=7565&fbclid=IwAR3QBKhAc6CAV1MJEdLlPAguc058abiI513Qqobhdr93QOOXpyOQbNspl5c.
And while the chance is at hand, why not seize The Unbeatable Brick #1-3? Brick is without question one of the hottest, most fascinating, malleable protagonists to come down the pike in quite some time. His latest adventure is only the tip of the exciting iceberg in what's bound to be a super-long spree. Be wise and get in on all the unbeatable fun!!!
Hey there, folks! In case you haven't heard, there's a new superhero in town, and his name is (big drum roll, please)...the Unbeatable Brick!!!
Published by John Helmer's Lucky Comics (per its imprint, Surprising Comics Group) and created by the dynamic Mark Davis and rendered by the ultra-expressive Lloyd Smith, mastermind behind Ash-Aman, the Unbeatable Brick was once a crackerjack pilot and secret agent/soldier of fortune. During one of his harrowing missions, he slipped into another dimension, where three, wise aliens seized his altered frame and added a little, physical and philosophical tinkerin'--and in a way, mind you, that would make even DC's Guardians of the Universe green with envy.
From their extra-terrestrial efforts, an elastic, crimson-skinned hero was born, but due to circumstances beyond Brick's mighty control, he'll go insane if he ever turns human again. Brick, therefore, remains in constant, larger-than-life shape to face Earth's adversaries, relying specifically on F.L.A.G.G. (Furtive Legally Authorized Global Guardians) to point the intrepid way.
Brick's tenacious know-how matches his brawn, making him a cross between Spartacus and James Bond, while at the same time placing him on a level with the Thing, the Hulk, Hellboy, Savage Dragon, Mr. Fantastic and Plastic Man. However, Brick never mimics the aforementioned to the point of becoming a blah rehash. This big bruiser more than holds his own with the most original of DC, Marvel and beyond: a one-of-a-kind crusader for a one-of-a-kind age, with a strong string of outstanding artists contributing to his cause. (JW Erwin, Josh Holley, Joseph Graves, Rob Shalda, Donnie Page and David Johnson Jr. are but a few...)
Oh, yes, Smith's crafty creation gives readers lots of artistic variance. For example, The Unbeatable Brick #1 shares our hero's epic origin: revealed (interestingly enough) when he convinces poor, deflated Myron Dodds not to commit suicide. (Johnson Jr's skillful artwork gives the exchange a nice, comfy feel.) The Unbeatable Brick #2, on the other hand, shows our hero combating (and ultimately merging with) a colossal robot, thanks to the evil plans of Iron Baron and Ms. Tarus. (Erwin's stylish imagery grants this one a real, gut-crunching punch.)
In this respect, though Smith's Brick adventures differ in tone and texture, the writer captures the character's reliable dignity in each instance, no matter how big or small the circumstances. This approach allows Brick to project a special depth not found in other modern heroes.
I do hope that Smith and Surprising Comics supply a continual flow of the big, red "Malleable Master of Molecules". Brick is a hero destined for pop-cultural greatness!!! Heck, in many ways, he's already achieved that status. Don't believe me? Just flip through an issue; then dare tell me otherwise...
