If you’ve been paying attention to comic news, it’s become evident that DC Comics has moved to the front of the publishers’ line, ahead of its main competitor, Marvel—perhaps not in overall sales figures, but certainly in terms of innovative ways to draw the attention of readers new and old. The “All-In” branding of their mainstream titles was first to do that, leading to the overwhelmingly positive critical and financial response to the Absolute line (Absolute Batman, Absolute Superman, Absolute Wonder Woman and beyond).
But it wasn’t just new comics that DC focused on, they also launched a (still-growing) line of DC Compact Comics: 5.5″ x 8.5″ trade paperback collections of popular comic series that originally took advantage of the new DC Universe films in production at Warner Bros. Studios, as when Superman writer/director James Gunn announced that his film was partially inspired by the Grant Morrison/Frank Quitely miniseries All-Star Superman, and that Supergirl (which recently completed its theatrical run) took its storyline from the Tom King/Bilquis Evely miniseries Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.
Marvel, of course, responded, first with its Marvel Premier Collection and now with a recently asnnounced line of Compact Comics. And then in the coming months there’s Archie’s Archie: New Riverdale Compact Edition, Dynamite’s Vampirella: Kurt Busiek Collection Compact Edition, Vault’s Vampire: The Masquerade Compact Edition, and…
You get the idea.
What this preamble is all leading to is that we here at ’Warp Central have our own compact comics, and we were at that attractive trim size long before the big kids hopped on board our bandwagon!
Lorelei: Sects and the City is our acclaimed Mature Readers adventure, in which a soul-stealing succubus battles a cult of Elder God worshipers trying to unleash their monstrous masters on the world. If you’re a fan of movies like the Underworld series or classic Hammer horror movies (to which reviewers compared the story to), or a lover of “bad-girl” comics like Vampirella, Witchblade, and Lady Death, then Lori’s old-gods struggle should be just the kind of graphic novel you’re looking for.
It’s a tribute of sorts to classic 1970s horror comics and movies, from writer/creator Steven A. Roman (that’s me!) and artists Eliseu Gouveia (The Saga of Pandora Zwieback Annual, Stargate: Universe), Steve Geiger (Amazing Spider-Man Epic Collection: Kraven’s Last Hunt, Incredible Hulk Epic Collection: Going Gray), and Neil Vokes (Tom Holland’s Fright Night; Elvira, Mistress of the Dark). Cover art is provided by Esteban Maroto (Vampirella, Zatanna: Come Together), plus there’s additional art from two of Maroto’s fellow legendary artists from the Warren Publishing era: a frontispiece by original Vampirella artist Tom Sutton (Werewolf by Night, Ghost Rider) and a history of succubi illustrated by Ernie Colon (Damage Control, Amethyst: Princess of Gemworld).
“What elevates this comic to another level is author Steven A. Roman’s dialogue. The writing is smart and that comes out in the characters…. Gouveia has an elegant [art] style that reminds me of old-school romance comics.”—Horror Talk
And Troubleshooters, Incorporated: Night Stalkings is about a group of supernatural-superheroes-for-hire—a wizard, a female ninja, a sorceress, a werewolf, and a rock ’n’ roll lighting designer wearing high-tech armor—taking on their first case: a millionaire threatened by a trio of evil spirits. Sure, the TSI members might not be on a power level with the Avengers or Justice League or even DC’s relaunched Doom Patrol (which is now itself a heroes-for-hire team), but they get the job done. And they’ve been compared to the Justice League’s supernatural offshoot, Justice League Dark, as well as the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense, featured in various Hellboy comics, although TSI predates both organizations.
Troubleshooters, Inc. is written by Richard C. White (Cry Havoc: The Furies, Book 1; On Wings of Steel) and his wife, Joni M. White, penciled by Reggie Golden, inked by Bill Lavin and and Randy Zimmerman, and features cover art by Richard Dominguez (El Gato Negro).
“A very good spin on the tried and true ‘good-guys-for-hire’ formula. All in all, an enjoyable read that I would recommend to anyone.”—Word of the Nerd
Lorelei: Sects and the City and Troubleshooters, Incorporated: Night Stalkings are available in print and digital formats:
Amazon
Lorelei: Sects and the City
Barnes & Noble
Lorelei: Sects and the City
Troubleshooters, Incorporated: Night Stalkings
Bookshop(dot)org
Lorelei: Sects and the City
Troubleshooters, Incorporated: Night Stalkings
DriveThru Comics
Lorelei: Sects and the City
Troubleshooters, Incorporated: Night Stalkings
