VERL HOLT BOND'S GALACTIC DIARY #3: A MYRIAD OF WONDERS & EMOTIONS

Verl Holt Bond is a genius. That's the gist of it, pure and simple. The writer/artist's Galactic Diary #3 is just further proof. 

For Issue #3, readers get a new, Wolf McKinzie/"Post Holocaust Blues" chapter, which should please those who appreciate the likes of Mad Max and Conan the Cimmerian. (The artwork for this installment is exceptional, creating a Viking panache that also invokes early America. Though the segment includes effective dialogue, Bond's use of streamlined imagery carries the tale all on its own.) 

The same earthy quality characterizes Bond's "Neanderthal Sunset" (in this case, the story having appeared first in Jim Main's Brain Freeze), with artwork that's as dark and deep as its brutal proceedings. (BTW: Bond's cover is a warmup to the story's events.) In the tale, a solar storm forces a trio of astronauts to crash on a primitive world, where its female member must adapt to the ferocity around her. (This one's Quest for Fire/Planet of the Apes/Teenage Caveman vibe isn't for the squeamish, but Bond's storytelling style, from both a visual and dialogue standpoint, also gives his untamed environment an ironic placidity.)

"Hollyweird" is a nifty yarn with a biting catch, as two beauties, Vicki and Dede, occupy an old mansion, where they settle in to watch a Dracula adaptation. (Bond's appreciative eye for the female form is a big plus in this one, raising the impassioned atmosphere a hundredfold.)

"The Heart Wants What the Heart Wants" is a blissful tale on the surface, but as with "Hollyweird," there's a twist in wait, in which a young man meets a young lady stranded on the road, but is her circumstance what it appears to be? (Bond's intricate setup invokes shows like Alfred Hitchcock Presents and Roald Dahl's Tales of the Unexpected.)

"Chance Meeting" is both a companion piece to "The Heart Wants ...," but also its antithesis, establishing a nostalgic recollection that invokes the romance comics of old. (Bond's knack for sentimentality shines through here, showing how a mere crossing of paths can lead to something touching and profound.)

"World Without Love" counters the latter, depicting a Bradbury/Huxley-like future where affection has become a crime in the People's Republic of North America. The necessity of emotion and unfiltered expression, whether of affection or revenge, is accentuated, with a warning that no one should take lightly. (Bond's artwork references that of Heavy Metal and Marvel Epic Magazine, capturing a Moebius feel that commands one's attention by being at one moment sexy and at the next, frightening.) 

Galactic Diary #3 is a suburb anthology that offers a beautiful blend of quality material for every reader. It also performs a great service by showcasing the many facets of Bond's enormous talent. 

If interested in a copy, email Mr. Bond at bondverl123@gmail. He'll get right back to you with precise instructions. 

 

TALES FROM GREEK MYTHOLOGY #2: JASON & DIONYSUS

Main Enterprises' Tales from Greek Mythology #2 is in the works. It'll feature more of Verl Holt Bond's outstanding, Jason & the Argonauts reboot, Set Sail! (again adorned by Thomas Ahearn lettering), as well as a Dionysus story from me. 

I must admit, I've never been fond of Dionysus or for that matter, Pan, since they both exemplify a playful indolence that I abhor. However, I did reference Pan in my "Medusa Reinvented" story for #1, and I found the means incorporate Dionysus' philosophy into a cautionary tale for #2.

The result is more of an Aesop fable than one of Greek heroics, but I'm anticipating it'll work. My wife, Donna, likes the story very much, and that, in itself, is a substantial endorsement for me.

Anyhow, more on Tales From Greek Mythology #2 will be sailing forth. Stay tuned.

MAIN ENTERPRISES' TALES FROM GREEK MYTHOLOGY: LEGENDS RETURN

Main Enterprises has just published a periodical entitled Tales From Greek Mythology (Because the Gods Demanded It!) that overflows with material inspired by the tall tales of antiquity.

Inside one will find a stunning layout by Jim Main and Robert Sodaro, with artwork (and related material) by Steve Shipley, Rusty Gilligan, Marc Haines, John Lambert, Jay Mooers, Kevin Duncan, Brad Foster, Floydman Sumner, Troy David Boyle, Jim Ordolis, Rick McCollum, George Lane III, Cliff Kurowski, Doc Boucher, Mike Maloney, Tony Lorenz and Eric N. Boyd, celebrating such legendary characters as Pan, Pandora, Atlas, Zeus, Athena, Chronos, Morpheus, Hermes, Hades, Charon, Heracles, Agea, Alpos, Apollo, Medusa, Keto, Iris, Odysseus, and even the fearsome Hydra. There's also a friendly "Lo! The Publisher Speaks" intro; a Medusa story by Michael Housel, with artwork from Keith Newsome; and the illustrious entry, "Set Sail," written and illustrated by Verl Holt Bond (with finishes by Tom Ahearn), which initiates a sensational, new sojourn for the ever intrepid Jason and the Argonauts!

The edition will bring any Greek Mythology connoisseur hours of enjoyment, and it also acts as a great tool to teach youngsters about the classics, which hold valuable morals and insightful lessons that impact everyday life. 

To order a PDF of this satisfying, scholarly submission, send $2.00 via Paypal to Jim Main at jmain44@aol.com. (Also, please share your email when doing so, to ensure you receive your copy.)   

The Gods appreciate your patronage!

VERL HOLT BOND'S ARTISTIC WONDERS: GALACTIC DIARY #1 & #2

Verl Holt Bond is an extraordinary, to-the-point artist. Bizarrechats readers were introduced to his astute abilities through Main Enterprises' The Adventures of Clay Hitchens, where Bond rendered detailed, western illustrations for Jim Main's engaging script.

Recently, Bond sent me a set of another of his creations, one that he both wrote and illustrated, Galactic Diaries #1 & #2. I figured the contents would be good, but holy smokes, they're really on a whole other, breathtaking level. 

Much of Bond's success comes from the seamless way he tackles variegated topics. As such, he sometimes shoots for the stars, and in other instances, shoots straight from the hip. Either way, the results are grandiose. (FYI: Though this post features veritable pages from the Galactic Diaries, it also includes bonus imagery, which further flaunts Bond's wide range.)

As irrefutable proof of Bond's eclectic inclinations, Issue #1 offers a Twilight Zone-ish tale with a startling, Neanderthal twist; a tribute to a famous, flying reptile; a protective amazon who confronts alien invaders; an EC-imbued cemetery where love unexpectedly blooms; a devilish outcome for an on-the-lam Nazi; and a Robert E. Howard/Jack Kirby-esque, post-holocaust exploit, featuring the courageous Wolf McKinzie, a hero who's a clever cross between Conan the Barbarian and Kamandi, the Last Boy on Earth.

Issue #2 continues McKinzie's nomadic, "Post Apocalyptic Blues," as the warrior and his beautiful companion, Jenny, embark on more rough-and-tumble sojourns, battling glabrous Cutthroats across a dystopic landscape. They even sail far beyond the sea with a convivial band of mercenaries for additional, survivalist undertakings. We're talking quite a roving mythology in this regard, and it all works with a distinct, unapologetic swagger.  

To Bond's credit, his artwork is uncluttered yet involved. His storytelling is trim yet profound. I appreciate his McKinzie romps the most, in that they hold a staunch virility that goes against today's voguish grain of spineless compromise and over-drenched sensitivity. 

On every front, Bond knows the score and gets it right. I'm thankful to have absorbed his fables, and you will, too.

Copies of Galactic Diary #1 & #2 are $5 each ($10 for the set), which includes postage. If interested, send a check or money order for the designated amount to Mr. Bond at 1663 Blue Heron Lane, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250. Be sure to list your precise, mailing info, so that the issue(s) get to you in a first-class snap.

JIM MAIN/VERL BOND'S THE ADVENTURES OF CLAY HITCHENS #2

The Adventures of Clay Hitchens, written by Jim Main and illustrated by Verl Holt Bond (with color enhancements by Bob Sodaro and title-design by Marc Haines), has catapulted me into cowboy heaven. I assumed the second issue would be as good as the first, but better? Aw-shucks, come on ...

Thanks, in particular, to Jim Main's "Baptism of Fire," this 36-page submission is one of those rare, superior sequels, with even better dialogue, lusher imagery and deeper, bounty-hunter reflection (as Hitchens relays his escapades to the mindful J.B. Sweetwater). It hooks one from start to finish, all anchored by the fabled yet credible town of Miller Falls.

For this fiery chapter, Main throws the spotlight on Hitchens' bout with the bank-robbing, LeGrange Gang. This leads Hitchens and Sheriff Baker to form a posse to snare the double-dealing antagonists, though in full, High Noon fashion, the Black Stallion patrons snub the offer. But fear not, for the lawmen do come to enlist a couple brave souls to comprise a Rio Bravo-styled ensemble. From there, a showdown with the gang escalates with unremitting tension. 

The plot also holds a crafty ploy involving a glib "salesman," and the brawny Isiah Hammer steals the show several times throughout. (I believe he's my favorite in this issue's guest-starring roster.)

The door is wide open for another exciting exploit and many more after that. I sure hope Issue #3 gallops forth soon, and if J.B. Sweetwater's reunion with a fetching lass is any indication, the rollicking best is yet to come! Yee-haw!

BTW: As added treats, The Adventures of Clay Hitchens #2 contains "Hitchens' Posts," where readers share their views on the blossoming saga, as well as an episode of Main Enterprises' eerie Boot Hill, hosted by the crusty Gunslinger, as rendered by the super-artistic John Lambert, in a Faustian, poker-game chiller that's bound to get under one's skin in the most entertaining way.

For those itchin' for a copy of The Adventures of Clay Hitchens #2, please send Mr. Main $5.50 via Paypal, at jmain44@aol.com. (This includes U.S. postage only.) And be certain to list your email and physical address when placing your order to ensure that this fine issue gets to you without any snags. 

JIM MAIN'S BRAIN FREEZE #1-A: A FAR-OUT, COSMIC-COMIC TREAT!!!

(Jim) Main Enterprises comes through again with another stunning and unique submission. It's called Brain Freeze: a mini comic (available in hard-copy/PDF formats) that's distinguished by stylish artwork and varied, spacey concepts covering a number of themes.

Inside one will find Verl Holt Bond's engaging epic, "Neanderthal Sunset" and Bob Vojtko's exuberant "Rocket Roach and Radar", which churns a belly full of laughs.

In addition, this initial issue contains contributions by Kevin Duncan, Steve Shipley, Doc Boucher, Doug Holverson, Jon Lawrence, Brian D. Leonard, Marc Haines (logo designer!) and John Lambert, who supplies this issue's saucy Saucerman image, plus a wondrous "War of the Worlds" homage. (To usher it all, Mr. Main gives readers a most amiable "From the Publisher" welcome.)

Brain Freeze is one of the most enjoyable, illustrated experiments to emerge in years, and yes, a sequel is well in the works (to cover some cool, kaiju concepts, word has it), so hop aboard while the "freeze" is nice and hot. 

For those interested in obtaining Brain Freeze #1-A, please contact Jim Main at mainjim23@gmail.com for ordering details.