WELCOME BACK, UNBEATABLE BRICK!!!

Mark F. Davis' the Unbeatable Brick returns in a new and spectacular Surprising/Lucky Comics adventure by Lloyd Smith, with breathtaking artwork by Joshua 1:19 Holley (with color assistance by Anna Holley and lettering by John Helmer). For Issue 6(a), the big red one battles the mad and menacing Polarr beneath the tumultuous sea. 

The trouble begins when our shape-shifting protagonist embarks on a hazardous "vacation" into the watery unknown. Of course, with the danger-prone Brick nothing ever goes as plan, as the petulant Polarr proves when he manifests from the icy depths. However, as much as this terrible titan wants to pound Brick into oblivion, there's an unexpected side to the creature that our astute hero uses to his advantage.

Lloyd's tale will please all mutant-vs-mutant fans with its invigorating, Silver Age flair. In fact, this throwback gem might be my favorite Unbeatable Brick yarn to date, and considering the sterling quality of what's come before, that's saying a heap.

Order your download of The Unbeatable Brick #6(a) at 

https://www.drivethrucomics.com/product/323586/Unbeatable-Brick-6a?src=newest_since.

BLUE MOON COMIC'S DIVERSIONS: A SUPER TRIO BY LLOYD SMITH AND FRIENDS

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.

THE UNBEATEABLE BRICK #5: A SURPRISING ADVERSARY!!!

Surprising Comics and Lloyd Smith bring us The Unbeatable Brick #5, and boy, is it ever a thriller, empowered by an unnerving twist.

This time our malleable hero faces an unexpected adversary (one who's otherwise proven himself a true-blue hero). For whatever odd reason, he holds a grudge against F.L.A.G.G. and of course, the big, red one.

What's the catch...the motivation behind the resentment? Well, the mystery just adds to the suspense in this terrific issue, energized by Smith's jolting dialogue and Donnie Page's edgy plot and artwork.

Don't let this historic clash slip by. Order The Unbeatable Brick #5 at ...
https://www.drivethrucomics.com/product/281104/Unbeatable-Brick-5a?manufacturers_id=7565&fbclid=IwAR0cy9eRtiwaD8aZuIOAF-rHMX_Beic0dvOgPIw3FncSXiRlUwVGhu-tOFc.

FUN ADVENTURE COMICS! #15: FINAL FLIGHTS OF FANCY!!!

It breaks my heart that Fun Adventure Comics! #15 marks the end of the run, but at least Warren Montgomery/Will Lill gives us a satisfying sendoff. 

For one thing, we get a jubilant appearance by Montgomery's lively Lightning Marval of Happytoe, Oregon. 

In "Short Stay", our speedy protagonist faces a monstrous bully called Muscleman Guy. Of course, the brute is no match for our affable avenger, though Muscleman Guy does administer the puzzling knack of vanishing in a snap. Montgomery's story and art are bright and fanciful: guaranteed to keep one elated throughout...

The second tale comes from writer, Rodney Lockett and is entitled "Displaced from Disaster". It includes spellbinding artwork by Jardel Cruz, enhanced by Montgomery's captivating colors and lettering. 

"Displaced" caters to a war between distant factions, where indignant heroes tackle heartless villains to stop a raucous attack on a "Super Human Institutional Prison". The story's zest rivals the best of DC and Marvel and references such stirring sagas as "G.I. Joe", "Battle of the Planets" and "Star Hawks". A breathtaking sojourn of seething conflict...

To finish the issue, the dexterous Lloyd Smith returns with a new superhero encounter that crosses pathos with daring delirium, featuring powerful artwork by Seppo Makinen, inked by Steven R. Addlesee and lettered by Susan Dorne.   

In "The Hero Falls", the mighty Mercury must come to terms with the unwavering Nemesis, who's slaughtered a group of Diamond City hoodlums, but did they deserve the punishment they were dealt?

What develops is a philosophical melee of fists and wits, with a twist that will leave one's head spinning. Profound, intriguing and most of all, character-driven: right in step with Smith's best works...

I don't know why Montgomery decided to retire Fun Adventure Comics!, but I'm thankful for what exists and do hope that #15 sells well enough to make the artist/publisher reconsider.

For the here and now, #15 is available for purchase at ... 
https://www.drivethrucomics.com/product/267471/Fun-Adventure-Comics-15?fbclid=IwAR3z_IugYFpTc1eV4f6-fA05x1m60yV5O7oJ14Pa1EmC-N0_2xB7qJI7i9M

THE UNBEATABLE BRICK #4: VOLCANUS ERUPTS!!!

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!!!

FUN ADVENTURE COMICS! #14: A MIRACULOUS, CREEPY AND SENTIMENTAL HIGH!!!

Thanks to Warren Montgomery's Will Lill (Publishing), readers are treated to another trio of terrific tales in Fun Adventure Comics! #14.

Writer Lloyd Smith (creator of Ash-Aman) and artist Joe Koziarski present a miraculous appearance by super-scientific Max Miracle, a superhero of far-out, inter-dimensional design in "Liv Elaine at the Center of the Universe". 

In this instance, we find grad student, Liv prepared to teleport into that titular "center", but things are never as they seem. When the set-up goes awry (and boy, does it ever!), the metamorphic Miracle is prepared to remedy the matter in an adventure that's as thrilling as it's bizarre. Fans of old-time science fiction will be pleased and elated by the imaginative ingredients that Smith and Koziarski stir...

Then writer Ron Fortier and artist Rob Davis give us "Tales from the Mother Road", featuring kismet-kissed characters, Little Doc and Wishbone Charlie Beaumont. The duo's sojourn sports a sweet twist which demonstrates that good deeds always pay off. 

I gotta say, the story made me misty-eyed, but then the best life-lesson tales will do that to any of us. Fortier and Davis sure did hit the sentimental jackpot with this one...

In the third story, Jonathan A. Gilbert and artist Lee Melton present statuesque, bounty hunter, Karen Le'Court in a cool, little riddle entitled "A Chitown Story", where our intrepid, Gadsper Corp mercenary encounters a gang of cruel cosplayers in doleful Detroit.

Le'Court has only her physical prowess to ward off the maddening eccentrics, in a reckless rumpus that culminates in a chilling cliffhanger. Can't wait for the next Fun Adventure Comics! to see how Gilbert and Melton resolve our heroine's stupefying predicament...

Issue #14's entries create the sort of flavorful consortium that one won't find in most comics these days, but that's what makes Warren Montgomery's Will Lill publications so darn special. Fun Adventure Comics! will please those who desire something new with a dash of the traditional: a great, ongoing anthology of diverse wonderment from the best writers/artists around. 

Order your copy of Fun Adventure Comics! #14 at ... https://willlillcomics.bigcartel.com/product/fun-adventure-comics-14. 

THE UNBEATABLE BRICK #3: THE ELECTRIFYING ESCAPADE CONTINUES!!!

In November '18, I posted about a awesome, new character, fashioned by writer Lloyd Smith on behalf of creator Mark Davis--the Unbeatable Brick!!! If you fancy the likes of the Incredible Hulk, Savage Dragon and Hellboy, you're in for one big bruiser of a treat. 

For the record, the Unbeatable Brick graces the panels of Lucky/Surprising Comics and is a mysterious, shape-shifting, ex-pilot and now team player for the fantastic, crusading group, F.L.A.G.G. (Furtive Legally Authorized Global Guardians).

Issue #3 continues Brick's harrowing escapade from #2, courtesy of Smith's superb writing talent and JW Erwin's artistic mastery, with our "Malleable Master of Molecules" attempting to flee the clutches of Iron Baron and Ms. Tarus, aka Electrisch, at the high-tech Castle Speer. 

I gotta say, Electrisch is one mighty, swell sight for sore eyes, as luminous as she's curvaceous, though a face-to-face encounter with her would surely leave me trembling in my boots. Anyway, she and the Baron (as well as their heated henchmen) don't make things easy for our dear buddy Brick, but then, can evil ever truly rival the glory of good?

The Unbeatable Brick is a character destined for long-term greatness, and his rock'em-sock-'em saga is one that no serious comic-book fan should overlook. 

To get in on all the powerhouse fun, order your copy of The Unbeatable Brick #3 (as well as #1 and #2) at ... https://www.drivethrucomics.com/product/264659/Unbeatable-Brick-3a?manufacturers_id=7565&fbclid=IwAR1vwTUHlZXno5JdZfTrE9AupoNK0UqblMQWg-H1fYw328uhajlrF4Ix3YU. 

LLOYD SMITH'S THE UNBEATABLE BRICK: A LUCKY/SURPRISING COMICS HERO IS BORN!!!

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...

FUN ADVENTURE COMICS! #11: ACTION, FRIGHT AND DANGEROUS DELIGHTS!!!

Will Lill's Fun Adventure Comics! #11 hits the scene, featuring new narratives to get the adrenaline pumpin'!!!

First up is R. A. Jones' "Semper Fi", starring super tough-guy, the Reaver, a Cheyenne-Arapaho antihero who struts forth to get even with the mob for a truck-heist gone awry. 

Eric Wright's audacious illustrations give this white-knuckled bout the perfect, punishing pitch, in a story that's certain to appeal to admirers of Bronson, Eastwood and Seagal. Trust me, this one sure ain't for the fainthearted!!!

Following Reaver's bloody brawl, we're treated to the second, exhilarating chapter of Ron Fortier's "Mark of the Gargoyle: Rocket's Red Glare", with exquisite artwork by Montos. Fortier's story (inspired from an idea by Dario Carrasco, Jr) follows Lord Greyford/the Gargoyle's unflagging attempt to dissect a Nazi-based murder case. 

This time our costumed crusader takes his pursuit to the air, with Fortier granting gritty, aviation action to conclude his somber but breathtaking sojourn. Fasten those seat belts! This blazing jaunt combines the derring-do thrills of the Dark Knight with those of Captain Midnight. Not to be missed!!!

Issue #11's third entry comes from Lloyd Smith and artist Ian Groff. As with Smith's amazing Ash-Aman adventures, "DoomShadow" overflows with destructive passion, but is stationed in the here and now, where a disabled man seeks revenge on his wife and her lover in a most startling way.  

Groff's sleek and shadowy images give Smith's story a swell, EC pizzazz, and the content rolls right out of "Rod Serling's Night Gallery", oozing a mind-bending mood that's destined to give readers a hearty nightmare or two. A ravaging ride of relentless retribution!!!

I give publisher and artist extraordinaire Warren Montgomery a big pat on the back for making Will Lill one of the most fascinating and eclectic comic-book sources on the block. Fun Adventure Comics! #11 is further proof of the exceptional entertainment his readers have come to expect. 

Purchase your copy of Fun Adventure Comics! #11 at ... https://willlillcomics.bigcartel.com/product/fun-adventure-comics-11?fbclid=IwAR1OSDhG7GrSqTPaOv7CYEXD-gJ1FF4MEgVXIQ1v5Es9bPvYcby_jpFJZIY.

FUN ADVENTURE COMICS! #10: NEW TALES TO THRILL AND ASTONISH!!!

Another three exciting tales arise in Will Lill's Fun Adventure Comics! #10...

Ron Fortier's script, based on Dario Carrasco Jr's story idea, establishes the initial segment, "Mark of the Gargoyle", featuring rich, moody images by Montos and lettering by Jim Reddington. (The breathtaking cover is courtesy of Carrasco and colored by Will Lill publisher Warren Montgomery.) 

The first chapter in "Mark of..." is "Rocket's Red Glare" and introduces the brooding, Boston-based protector, Lord Greyford, aka the Gargoyle, who's prompted by the compassionate Father Holmes to probe a Nazi-linked murder case.  Batman, Black Bat and Spectre fans will find much to relish in the gripping tale, where each panel's shadowy essence springs to spectral life. 

The Gargoyle's eerie entrance is followed by the small, sprawling wonders of "The Man Under the Microscope", by Jonathan Gilbert, with striking artwork by David Owens and lettering by David A.Vance.  Followers of DC's the Atom, Marvel's Ant-Man and Richard Matheson's "Incredible Shrinking Man" will get an amazing, colossal kick out of this one, as an intrepid trio of scientists embark on a fantastic voyage into a dangerous world. The story is a real nail-biter, folks, and even more so, scientifically uplifting. 

Capping off Issue #10 is the fourth and concluding installment of Lloyd Smith's epic Ash-Aman saga, entitled "Cataclysm", visualized with stylish zest by Russ Martin. 

This time the ardent Ash-Aman fights to save Atlantis, in a valiant and woeful finale that rivals even that of the great George Pal's "Atlantis, the Lost Continent." 

Once more, I was inspired by Smith's storytelling, which ripples with intensity and identifiable humanity. Without question, Ash-Aman's story stands as an astounding merger of ancient adventure, matched with the tragic pathos of Universal Studio's famous fables. A virile and moving saga for the ages!!! (I must confess, though, that I was saddened to see it end.) 

Order Fun Adventure Comics! #10 at ... http://www.wlcomics.com/.