Archaia Pellet Comic Reviews
Archaia Studios sent The Nerdiest-Kids 3 titles to review, and boy are they definitely worth perusing a pdf nightmare. Archaia is becoming known for diverse creator work in multiple genres. If you need a break from the mainstream superheroes and crime noir, Archaia is becoming the place for that. These comics came out October 21, and should still be at your local comic shop or available for purchase online. This week we get God Machine preview, issues 3 &4 of Robotika and the first two issues of Titanium Rain. No spoilers!
God Machine: Created by Chandra Free, this comic preview is a marvel to behold. The art style is not at all realistic but still clean, though panels are hard to read occasionally. This is mostly due to the fact that the comic is very psychological in nature, and puts you deep into the characters mind. Even a toothbrush has a personality in this comic. I highly recommend picking this up, its beautiful, well written and just a god send for the comic medium. The story seems simple, along with the art (in terms of its abstractness), but the complex story of the lead characters search for his lost girlfriend is heart wrenching.
Robotika:Created by Alex Sheikman’s steam punk flavored is one weird comic. The art style isn’t my particular favorite, and I am diving into the middle of this story. Its a very violent story, but the panel to panel storytelling is second to none. I didn’t really connect with the characters, probably due to starting in the middle, but they were relatable enough that the combat is heart breaking to watch. I definitely recommend browsing this one, but I not an insta-buy. The art style also lends itself well to boy horror, and the steam tech is done very well.
Titanium Rain: Created by Josh Finney and Kat Rocha, compiles a very realistic art style with its war comic. Unlike the war comics produced by the big two, this comic really shows the effects of war. The lettering fails due to the realistic art, much like it does in Kingdom Come, but the story is fantastic. A civil war in China turns into a World War in the mid 21st century is shown to be as horrible as you might think. The battle scenes actually reminded me of the more violent parts of the Animatrix, so I highly recommend this book. In the end all three of these books are worth your perusal, but in terms of buying, its Titanium Rain and God Machine.
As the creator of Titanium Rain, first, THANK YOU for the review. I deeply apperciate it. Second, about the lettering. I agree the traditional comic letter is a little out of place. I’m open to suggestions for book 2. Has someone else done realism with lettering that was more in the style?
Thanks again!
-Josh Finney
Hey Josh! Glad to do the review for the comic, it was really excellent. The lettering issue is one that cropped up in Marvels and Kingdom Come. Its like Scoot McCloud said in Understanding Comics. As the art goes closer to realism, the balloons start sticking out more and more. The way I, a novice comic book maker as any, would see it is to either make that part of the solution by making the juxtaposition of reality and non-reality ironic in the story itself such as Alice in Sunderland. OR you can try what was done in Lost Girls, which was a greater integration into the panel. Another example might be Tamara Drew. Hope that helps somewhat Josh, and I look forward for more comics from you!
maybe some “mechanical” or computer lettering would work better? i don’t anything about comic book production, so i have no ideal how practical that is!
I will look into all of these. I’m familiar with most of the titles mentioned, although I’ve never heard of Tamara Drew. As I said, I’m looking to play around with the text more in the second series…maybe these can serve as a guide.
Anyway, thanks again for the feedback. I very much apperciate it.
-Josh Finney
Glad to help Josh! Great talking with you and keep up the great work. Send NK a line when you got another comic down the line, I would love to take a look at it.