“Helm” A High Fantasy Steampunk Webcomic – A Review

Old school epic fantasies about underdogs rising up have been my go to since The Wheel Of Time started spinning. Helm is a high fantasy series that centers on an awkward college dropout whose every action and decision will shape the future of the world he lives in. And what a beautiful world at that.

Scenic Train shot remniscent of the Polar Express
Eldrick Spellsong Jr. is joined on his path as the Harbinger, by nerd and Archery club captain Gwyneth Smedley (who is very suspicious – she has no good reason for being there… seriously), the enigmatic outlaw wizard Luna Lumere, and an unapologetic Bothan named Rusty Six-Guns. Together, they make their way towards the Bastard King, who will either unify or destroy the world. Just peachy.

So far on their journey, the group has been at odds with genocidal law enforcement that are trying to wipe out “magick-makers”, have run down snowy cliff faces without falling (which is in direct defiance of the laws of gravity and clumsiness), and met many of the fascinating races that populate this world. Jehanzeb Hasan has written us a world filled with the extraordinary. We’ve seen Downers, Hobbits, Goblins! I mean, the troll is a worried mamabear who makes coffee. How is that not perfect?

Of course, we have Mauricio Caballero to thank for these beautiful illustrations, whose detailed backgrounds can provide readers with hours of fun analysis. I tutted over Eldrick’s messiness (who puts a magnifying glass on the floor) and wondered what on earth the quill in his case was for, when he was drawing with a pen. I bonded with Eldrick’s father over his owl statue and was intrigued that this fantasy steampunk world has chess pieces. It is a lived-in story, that feels as if it could be your mess of a life. In a nutshell, the worldbuilding has been nothing short of legendary.

At 91 pages in, we have yet to see too much complexity to the characters, but a lot has been hinted at. Backstory appears in teaser conversations, but the focus of Helm thus far has been on the action, the chase. And what a chase it is. There isn’t a dull moment in Helm, and whether or not Jehanzeb will be able to fit the characters in around the action is something I hope to see happen soon. I expect it will since storytelling doesn’t seem to be a shortfall here, as Helm definitely isn’t lacking in the humour department.

Put a Blanket on it.
No one will notice.

Last month, Helm entered the running for an Eisner award in the best Digital Comics 2017 category. Only 1 day remains in the voting process, with votes from Comic Creators closing at midnight PDT on June 16th. The category is slightly muddled as Helm should come under Webcomic rather than Digital Comic, but those lines are so easily blurred. After all, only 2 of Helm’s running mates –“Bandette” and “Universe!”– are strictly digital comics (comics read via downloading), while “On A Sunbeam” has always titled itself a webcomic (available to read on webpages), and “Edison Rex” has recently reinvented itself as a webcomic. Despite this confusing categorisation, Helm’s acknowledgement by the awards committee is a nod towards it as a comic to watch out for.

After all, they created a teaser trailer for a webcomic. Seriously, who does that? Not that I’m complaining, as it looks like an old school point and click adventure in the vein of Monkey Island that I would really like to play.

 

91
½ – 1
4-?
4 / 5
Comic Pages
Read Hours
Comic Chapters
Geek Rating

 

7 Affordable Zombie Apocalypse Vehicles

In any emergency, you need to be able to depend on your car. Whether to transport you to safety, shield you from zombies, or help you gather more supplies. It won’t be with you forever since you probably don’t have an unlimited fuel source(gasoline lasts 3-5 months, 1-2 years at most with a fuel stabiliser). All those times people sourced fuel on TV years after production stopped? Lies. Regardless, your car will be essential to giving you an edge during the most hectic part of an apocalypse. The beginning. So, Zombie Apocalypse vehicle anyone?

The majority of Apocalypse-ready vehicles come with a hefty price tag. For instance, Conquest’s Knight XV, (which is essentially a dolled-up Terradyne Gurkha) retails for $800k. I don’t blame them, the car looks like you could drive through a horde and come out shiny. But let’s be realistic. Someone stronger, smarter or sneakier is going to come along and take it from you because it is so shiny.

Conquest Knight XV
$800,000 (Not Generally Affordable)
But is a ready-made super expensive vehicle what our prepper hearts truly desire? Or is it the opportunity to buy something affordable that we can fit out as we like? Perhaps in the vein of Donald O’Keefe’s imagination? I mean, just feast your eyes on these works of art he created. Regular cars for regular people – in the apocalypse.
 

 
Assuming that kitting out your ride is what you’re looking for, we have compiled a list of 7 affordable Zombie Apocalypse –possible– vehicles that are on the market today for your consideration. Cars that cost between 2-15% of what the Knight XV goes for, and will still be an apocalyptic boon.

Nissan X-Trail
Full Spec Sheet
 
$38,000

126kw
10.5s
8.3ℓ
945ℓ
Engine Power
From 0-100kmh
/100km Fuel Consumption
Max Cargo Capacity

 
The Nissan X-Trail boasts a range of configurations and versatile capabilities. This 4WD can be fitted with a cargo area cage and net, or two extra seats. There is even lift-out floor storage, perfect for hiding your gear during everyday use. Easy to load, the X-Trail is for the prepper that wants to bring along as much as they possibly can, and still be comfortable with shaped seats. Its steel construction also means more resilience against rotting flesh. Need extra armor? Slap on a brush/grille guard and you’re good to start mowing down a few zombies. Emphasis on few. Mowing people down is bad for your engine; blood rusts.

Toyota Yaris SX
Full Spec Sheet

$20,000

80kw
12s
6.4ℓ
768ℓ
Engine Power
From 0-100kmh
/100km Fuel Consumption
Max Cargo Capacity

Going unnoticed during the apocalypse is the best way to survive. So, getting yourself a Toyota Yaris that is great on fuel and screams, “I’m suburban and have nothing to take” is key. It has a fair amount of storage space for a small car, again with lift-out floor storage. The seats fold down flat too, so putting a small mattress in the back isn’t inconceivable. Its small size allows one to get around congested areas and to make quick u-turns to avoid an oncoming horde. Zombies don’t wait for you to complete a three-point-turn. Extra bonus – there are bound to be spare parts everywhere. Get some roof racks installed for more storage and you could probably live in here for the first year, albeit curled up in the fetal position to sleep.

Ford F-150 Raptor
Full Brochure
 
$66,000

335kw
5.3s
13ℓ
1495ℓ
Engine Power
From 0-100kmh
/100km Fuel Consumption
Max Cargo Capacity

 
This is a powerhouse. The engine is a beast, and if you what you need is to get away fast, the Ford Raptor will do that for you. Of course what it gives in power and storage, it takes in fuel. It also has an amazing 6-ton-towing capacity for taking down those prison walls. The open back serves as a good spot to hunt from, provided you’re any good at shooting from a moving vehicle. Get some LED lights installed on the top of the vehicle to improve night visibility and shooting for a complete Raptor experience.

Toyota Hilux Pre 1985

$4,000

46kw
12s
11ℓ
? ℓ
Engine Power
From 0-100kmh
/100km Fuel Consumption
Max Cargo Capacity

 
If you’ve worried that an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) is going to cause the apocalypse, then preparing an EMP-proof vehicle is probably at the top of your list. If that’s the case, then you want to be looking for a manual diesel car built before 1985. The Toyota Hilux should be your first choice in that category, as they have stood the test of time. Most owners claim that Hiluxes get stronger the worse you treat them. Fortunately, most of the fallout from an EMP is unlikely to cause more than flickering lights on your modern car (since your car is essentially a pretty good faraday cage). But if you’re still worried, build a steel garage to house your precious in. In addition to its EMP-proof qualities, the Hilux is a great offroader, suitable for two people escaping the apocalypse with most of their house in the back. Get yourself a 4×4 Hilux with a carburetted 22R motor. It isn’t the smoothest ride, but this thing has had a war named after it.

Tesla Model X
Owner’s Manual
 
$145,000

193kw
3.2s
$0.30
2180ℓ
Engine Power
From 0-100kmh
/kwh Battery Consumption
Max Cargo Capacity

 
The most expensive semi-affordable car on this list, the Tesla Model X AWD is your answer in a fuel-less world. Make sure you have a solar-battery system set up off grid, and your Tesla will outlast you in the apocalypse. All the seats fold flat, allowing a huge amount of storage, or a luxurious air queen mattress. You can even upgrade to HEPA filters for a bioweapon defense mode. Conveniently enough, the doors will open automatically on your approach, enabling a quick getaway – especially with these exceptional acceleration speeds. I’ve watched many a movie where being unable to open their car door has killed people. You will probably want to disable the collision avoiders though, as the Tesla smart computer is unlikely to be programmed to understand the new world you find yourself in.

Subaru Impreza
Full Specs
 
$28,000

110kw
11.1s
6.8ℓ
795ℓ
Engine Power
From 0-100kmh
/100km Fuel Consumption
Max Cargo Capacity

 
A small and sturdy AWD, the Subaru Impreza is the most balanced car on this list. Featuring generous cargo capacity, good fuel consumption and enough power to get away from lumbering zombies. The sunroof also serves as a shooting outpost. Set an armored grill up top and you’ll be good to go. Slated as being able to get you through all weather and terrains, the Impreza is definitely a bargain. And as a bonus for the present-day non-apocalyptic world, it can connect up both Apple Car Play and Android Auto for a bit of first-world convenience.

Suzuki V-Strom 650
Brochure
 
$13,000

49kw
5s
5ℓ
39ℓ
Engine Power
From 0-100kmh
/100km Fuel Consumption
Max Cargo Capacity

 
A motorcycle will get you places. This one will let you go 400km before you need to source more fuel. You can get an official 39-litre small top case for some emergency supplies, and other custom saddle bags to increase your cargo requirements. As long as you have a water purifying source, rations and zombie-proof clothing, the V-Strom can get you to safety through the most congested terrain. It is a tough little beaut, coming off the show room floor with an engine guard and spoked rims. Furthermore, as it has one of the lowest seat heights at 835mm and a comfortable padded seat, you could spend days trying to find civilization again before worrying about lower back pain.

 
In conclusion, get what you need.

This isn’t the exhaustive list of Zombie Apocalypse vehicles, but it is a practical one that should get you started. Everyone’s requirements are going to be different based on how many people and pets they’ll need to travel with. Have a big family? Get a Nissan X-Trail. Just you and your dog? Attach a side-car to your bike and zoom off. One tip before you do start your research: don’t buy white. White cars get pulled over for the most traffic offenses, show up dirt easily, and is the least able to be camouflaged in the apocalypse. Happy vehicle hunting!

Disclaimer: In the event of an apocalypse, we hold no responsibility for our vehicle recommendations as we are unlikely to have survived. And if we happen to be one of the 0.088% who do survive, you are welcome to come hang out in our future bunker.

“The Atlantis Grail” is Hogwarts in Space meets The Hunger Games

For some inscrutable reason, I delight in books where teenagers go to class. The Atlantis Grail feeds this hunger of mine, while serving up a delicious platter of “go to class to learn how to not die”. Best of all, the nickname given to the main character is superhero gold.
 

“Listen to her!” Laronda picks up. “She is Shoelace Girl!”

 
The Atlantis Grail is an epic read, crossing different genres. It is a coming of age, science fiction series shadowed by Hunger Games competitions. Add to that the classes/schooling of the Harry Potter universe, the physical survival prepping of Robinson Crusoe and all of this taking place in space, well you get the gist. Also, going to the planet Atlantis takes a really long time. I actually appreciate that. Too many science fiction novels/shows have people zipping around in impossible ways that make me roll my eyes. If the Doctor gives “Timey Wimey” as a reason for everything one more time…

It is set 19 months before Earth is Big Banged again, and follows 16-year-old Gwenevere Lark’s journey to survive. It is set in a present-day-ish Earth of cheesy eggs, TV and yellow buses. Pretty much your everyday, except for the alien spaceships in the sky and an impending doom. The people of Atlantis left Earth 1000 years ago after their own catastrophe, and found a home in the stars. And now they are back, willing to save 10 million Earth teenagers from the impending meteor by whisking them off into space.

At its core, Atlantis Grail is about a nerdy klutz who is pitted against all the other teenagers of Earth to win a coveted spot as one of 10 million refugees. Gwen is 16, full of emotions, full of ideas. The best thing she has going for her, is her brain. Mainly because she is a completely unfit potato. She spent her whole life focused on academia, and then the apocalypse arrived. So when forced to qualify or die, she finds herself starting to exercise. And it isn’t a cathartic “oh hey, I’m good at exercise” situation, but a slow and painful regime. A majority of the first half of the book is dedicated to classes, gym sessions, martial arts lessons and multiple scenes of atrocious “jogging” around a track. All this culminates in Qualification, where it is each person for themselves. A lot of children get hurt, a lot of children die.

That is probably what really drew me into the world of Atlantis Grail. The Author Vera Nazarian – a Nebula Award Nominee – doesn’t allow her characters to just be magically good at things. All of them have to work hard and fail often, which results in distinct physical and mental character growth. I love how Gwen’s friends aren’t just cookie-cutter support characters, but flawed and varied human beings. Nazarian’s teenage voice for the characters can sound a bit disjointed at times, but what is a teenager if not all over the place? One day Gwen is mature, the next she has forgotten about her responsibilities because she got caught up in a crush. She is impulsive, intelligent, resolute and tries not to let other people in on how she feels.

In order to accomplish this, the books are long. Book 1 Qualify is 210k words long, Book 2 Compete is 176k words long, Book 3 Win is slated to go up to 310k and there is still Book 4 Survive. For reference, the longest Harry Potter book (no.5) is only 257k words long (bit of trivia, total words for entire Harry Potter series is 1,084,170). While this has allowed for a truly immersive world with tons of internal monologue, interpersonal conflict and reflection – it does mean that any action scenes are fairly long. Both books could have probably been served with some better editing to tidy up a bit of the filler.

In any case, I am on the edge of my seat waiting for Win. Especially after the twist at the end of Compete. Nazarian’s website has this teaser:
 


 
And, if like me you can’t wait for the third book, well you’re in luck. Because Ms Nazarian uploaded the first 26 unedited chapters of the third book “Win” for us to read right now for free! First line of book three?
 

“Today is the most impossible day of my life.”

 

386k
30 – 35
2 / 4?
4 / 5
Total Words
Read Hours
Books in Series
Geek Rating

 
Where can you read Qualify and Compete? The eBooks are on Kindle and iTunes, and a physical copy can be picked up from Amazon. I think these are also available to read free through the 30-day free trial of Kindle Unlimited.
 

The Atlantis Grail Links:

Kindle Download  Amazon Shop   iBook Download
 
Need more books to read? Check out my list of the 7 best Dystopian Novel series. Spoiler, this is one of them.

“Firebiner” Review – The Carabiner Preppers Dream About

If all that’s holding your keys together is a regular old carabiner (or an even more regular keyring), then the Firebiner will provide you with the perfect excuse to upgrade. It’s sleek, it’s sharp, it’s shiny, it’s sparky. And it will hold your keys.

 

Firebiner Packaged Up.

 

Firebiner Characteristics:
  • Stainless steel
  • Titanium coating
  • Rated for 50lbs/ 22kgs
  • Weighs 1 oz / 22g
  • Patent Pending EverSpark wheel Firestarter
  • 2 Free Replaceable Ferro rods
  • 5 colors: Silver, Black, Gold, Blue & Red-Blue

 

Firebiner Review:

There are a multitude of keyring survival tools on the market. But few of them took it as far as a complete re-design of the humble carabiner. In fact, most keyring survival tools need to be clipped on to a carabiner. The Firebiner sails past its competition in being able to legally hold 50lbs / 22kgs (pushed to 403lb /182kg before breaking) while sporting a blade, firestarter, screwdriver and bottle opener.

Thus far, I have lit a bunch of cotton balls on fire in the sink, easily cut threads off any item of clothing to come my way and hung the firebiner on my belt loop without it catching when I took it off. All in all, it has been a joy to use. And I am not the only one to think so. Positive reviews from other Kickstarter backers have been flooding the Firebiner comment section, while some have even taken to leaving 5 star reviews on their website.


This is a true case of receiving what you have put your money into. Every tool incorporated functions as it should, without going overboard with too many bells and whistles. I have axed many a Kickstarter project from my list that added-on a Plush Doll or something else unrelated halfway through their campaign. Features like those take up time that I prefer designers to spend on the backed product.

Outdoor Element has done just that. Their campaign promises were to make the Firebiner better and more cost-effective for backers. For instance, they promised a free accessory kit to international backers after sourcing cheaper international shipping. Many companies simply absorb these savings as profit. Outdoor Element kept things transparent and courteous. They consistently provide updates, acknowledge any mistakes, speak to the community as often as they can, and continue to take on board feedback to improve their products.

My Firebiner set with keys, vials and ToolArc.

Of course as a new product, there are still some kinks.

Some are easily remedied (if your firebiner won’t spark, prime it by turning it in the opposite direction for a bit first before trying again), others require a bit of DIY (dab some super glue in the wire gate holes to decrease likelihood of losing the wire gates). Quality wise, there are bumps, burrs and scratches on the Firebiners, and one person’s Firebiner only had one hang slot. Go figure. Others who have tried to “fix” their Firebiners have accidentally lost their screws and springs, and it seems that a fair number of international backers didn’t receive their free accessory kits (myself included). However, the latest updates from Outdoor Element show that they are aware of these issues, and are already working to rectify them.

Dents and dots on my Firebiner.

Would I buy this again? A hundred times yes. Even with the issues mentioned above, the Firebiner is a treat to use. And it is lighter than my old carabiner was. Once you go Firebiner, you don’t go to dinner.. without it.

In fact, I’m planning on buying more for Christmas. The Firebiner completely replaces an everyday object, and that is what truly makes it.

Firebiner Knuckle Duster for the win! Actually don’t, you might break your finger.

p.s. What to put in the vials?!? So many options. Cotton wool, sewing needle, thread, fishing line, strike-anywhere matches, iodine, bobby pins, a paper clip (for sim card removal!), hair bands, water purification tablets, prescription medication, Potassium Permanganate (firestarter, trail marker, water purifier all in one), alcohol wipes, bandaids, etc. Personally, I had a lot of trouble deciding and am still trying to stuff more things in there.

My vials

“Don’t Starve” Or Die A Lot Video Game Review

Dying is just par for the course in Don’t Starve, where there isn’t any hand-holding, tutorials, or making things easy. Instead, Klei Entertainment built an in-depth world of magic, science and survival, where every night you stay alive is a night you want to pat yourself on the back. That is what you sign up for when you play a game that throws you to the wolves – or hounds in this case.

Art-wise, Don’t Starve has a just-right feel about it. Nothing looks too complicated, and yet everything is interesting. Every screen speaks to a Tim Burton-esque creepiness (he did not draw this – but wouldn’t a movie be great?). The music in the trailer above? That’s what you hear in game. The graphics mixed with the music and the sound effects (is someone out there?!), create an atmosphere of dark humour, mockery and heart-thumping goodness. And since the map and resources are randomly generated, it doesn’t get boring.

Furthermore, adding in the Don’t Starve: Reign of Giants expansion, expands the art to include the weather. Just watching the rain patter down while your little person complains and thanks trees, fleshes out the theme tremendously. And if you get rained on in the dark, expect your insanity meter to start dropping like mad.

Yep, that’s a door.

Don’t Starve doesn’t tell you what you’re supposed to discover. Player set objectives are central to the experience, as you set your own goals (burn trees for charcoal, mine for gold – get a crock pot before day 5 for meatballs) rather than having an interface tell you what you need to not starve. It is refreshing to figure everything out on your own, and gives this sense of accomplishment that you will treasure for days afterwards – if you’re still alive. It is a balancing game between reward, frustration and a slew of challenges.

As a sandbox survival game, there isn’t much of a pre-built story to Don’t Starve. At least, that is what it seems like in your first 20 or so days where you work through the night on survival (don’t sleep, it is a waste of time). But a turning point comes at some point, where instead of survival, you start thriving. This gives you the luxury to begin wondering, what does that weird evil flower circle do? What about all the holes in the ground? Is that a freestanding door? Am I brave enough to explore holes with teeth? And if you are, be prepared. Point is, bring a spear.

Death by spider is very common at the beginning.

The battle system for Don’t Starve is a simple hack and run. Most of the enemies have fairly predictable attack movements, and so anticipating when to strike before running away can become second nature. But that will take time. To begin with, I suggest running. Or find something that will kill your enemies for you. There is no experience to gain from killing, and death comes quick and easy.

My advice? Get yourself a stock of Buttermuffins to heal up by 20 health. Best way to do this is to plant a Butterfly Farm next to a Beefalo Herd. Just remember to collect your wings before they rot. This will all make sense once you start.

The best part? You can also play Don’t Starve with your friends and complete strangers. Don’t Starve Together is only available through Steam, and is an amazing multiplayer experience. I don’t often like multiplayer games, but this takes the cake. Mainly because you can all die together.

Wes is unlocked through the story. Is he worth it though…
Conclusion:

If you have gotten tired over the years of games that are dumbed down clones of each other, you will probably appreciate that Don’t Starve does not pander to that. Klei Entertainment are a rare breed of developers that care about the customer experience, as they constantly add things to the game for free. They even created an entirely new game – Don’t Starve: Shipwrecked – labelled it a DLC (Downloadable Content) and are selling it at DLC prices. Even their ports to mobile are a treat, and so far bug free.

This game won’t appeal to you if you don’t enjoy losing EVERYTHING very often. The most you get for dying is unlocking new characters, but there aren’t all that many to unlock. On the other hand, if you love a challenge that will reward you the better you get, Don’t Starve is for you.

Don’t Starve Internet Memes.
Don’t Starve Links:

         

“Tool Arc” EDC Multi-tool Review and Comparison

When it comes to multi-tools, I adore my titanium Leatherman Charge with its S30V blade and 18 other tools. But at 250g, I am guilty of sometimes leaving it at home. Lugging around an extra quarter of a kilo can really tug at my pants. Which is why I started scouring the market for an everyday carry multi-tool. In other words, something lightweight that I wouldn’t leave behind. Like this one that was funded on Kickstarter last September: Tool Arc by TFD.

Tool Arc didn’t break any Kickstarter records or start trending over social media when it came out. But even though it flew under the radar somewhat, it did manage to get double its original goal of $2500, and manufacture a quality product.

At 2.5oz / 70g, you get a 15-in-1 tool. That is a hefty selection of tools. You get wrenches, a safe serrated edge, replaceable screwdriver bits, a wire stripper, a nail pry, etc. At $26 during the Kickstarter campaign, it was a pretty easy decision to support this company. Particular as they do all the work of producing their designs in house. It’s like a mom-n-pop shop, but with CNC machines.

Tool Arc 15-in-1

The best multi-tool is the one that you have on you. As it is attached to my keyring, I haven’t yet left the house without the Tool Arc since it arrived in March. Thus far, I’ve used it to slice open multiple boxes of geeky postage, tighten the screws of my door lock, help my friends put together their quail coop and pull up a stabby nail. Damage-wise, the Tool Arc has sustained cosmetic scratching from being amongst my keys, but otherwise has no visible defects – rust or otherwise. So far, it seems to be living up to its promise of being a Tough Lifetime tool.

However, the magnetic core that is supposed to hold it all together has failed me once. A relatively hearty bump against a cupboard door caused the core to get knocked out of its housing, letting loose my 2 screwdriver bits. Small moment of panic as the cat went chasing after them. I also discovered that the bits only slide in and out perfectly when you allow gravity to pull them back into place. It’s a small thing, but as I sometimes enjoy spinning its wheel (it is my multi-tool-fidget-spinner) just for fun, it can get a bit irksome.

Will this be my forever multi-tool? To be honest, it is still a bit on the heavy side. If this had been made out of titanium, my answer would probably be a hundred times yes. As it is, you can feel even 70 grams. Who knew. Then again, this may just be a matter of always wanting it lighter, and never being satisfied.

Furthermore, although I received my Tool Arc (I was backer #49 out of #136 and they are delivering 1 by 1), many others haven’t. Despite not having finalized delivery to their Kickstarter backers, TFD has the Tool Arc for sale on their website, with an estimated shipping date of 3-5 days. This is quite surprising, especially as TFD have stated that their CNC machine is only able to cut out 2 Tool Arcs at a time. I guess that’s what we get for not shipping manufacturing off to a third world country.

Tool Arc Website

At the end of the day, I will continue to use my Tool Arc, as it definitely does what it says it should. It is a tough, hard-wearing tool, that has not failed me. That is, until something better my way comes. I should probably get the tool hoarding under control. Right after I get the board game hoarding under control. Oh, who am I kidding.

Everyday Usefulness Rating: 4/5

Zombie Apocalypse Usefulness Rating: 2/5  

Here’s how Tool Arc stacks up against other EDC multi-tools:

NameCost (USD)WeightTools
Tool Arc$39.0070g15
Gerber Dime$34.5062.3g10
Leatherman Squirt$32.9556.4g9
Leatherman Micra$24.9551g10
SOG Crosscut$20.0048.2g9
True Utility FIXR$22.9945.3g20
Leatherman Style$24.9544.7g8
MyKee$19.265.2g18

 

“Scurry” Webcomic Review – Apocalypse for Talking Animals

Mice! Adorable, semi-realistic, beautifully illustrated mice. Mac Smith put the first page of Scurry up on the 17th of January 2016 and it doesn’t disappoint. In fact, the community loved it so much that Scurry raised over $100,000 on Kickstarter in October 2016 for a print run of the first book. Scurry is now 5 episodes in, and updates twice a week.

Mouse under a leaf is my photo goal.

Scurry Webcomic Review:

Scurry is set in a dystopian future, where the humans have all disappeared. Human-centric narratives usually espouse a world that would continue on without us. But what if it didn’t? What if, instead, we follow a community of human-dependent mice that are beginning to starve in the wake of the apocalypse. After all, how can a house mouse live without humans to buy the groceries? So out they’ve gone into the long winter, searching for food as they skirt past the cats and hawks. Scurry is a gripping action adventure tale of bravery and sacrifice, change and death, centered around a little red mouse named Wix.

Seep
How cute is that satchel!

The mice treat us to a view of the apocalypse that is quite literally tiny. Their whole world is a house, a suburb. And now they have been abandoned. While some have an inkling that things are very wrong, their size has prohibited them from realizing the true scale of things. So they continue trying to live the life of the civilised mouse (not like those wild forest mice *shudder*), adhering to their societal rules while they wait for the humans to return. But how long should they wait? How long can they wait?

Scurry isn’t a laugh-out-loud sort of webcomic, though it does have its moments of dark humour – almost ingesting rat poison, for example. However, this doesn’t quite gel with those moments when the writing could have been better. Such as the very tropey conversation between “girl mouse” and “respected elder” of ‘yes, I care very much about the boy I grew up with’. Also, there is 1 obviously female character at the moment, and she is mainly kept protected. Sure, her dad says it is to help him, not protect her, but she has been kept in the whole time, not just this one time. I am hoping this will change considering that we are 111 pages in and barely scratching the surface of how epic this tale could become. After all, the writing in Scurry is generally good – with a nice pace ranging between character introduction, riveting action, epic excitement and curious exploration.

But what really makes Scurry, is the art.

My window shades look just like that.

The detail Mac has placed into every panel, from the cats to the microwave cable, is simply stunning. All the mice and cats have distinctive features that make it easy to differentiate between them, while still keeping to a natural colour scheme. The digitally-painted scenes have an atmospheric, almost mystical quality to them, giving credence to the talking animals. Mac’s skill is obvious in the various expressions and tones he is able to portray on a page. And he has the resume for it to boot, after working with big name companies such as Blizzard Entertainment (WoW).

Annoyed cat on the left is my favourite.

 

115
1 – 2
5-?
4 / 5
Comic Pages
Read Hours
Comic Volumes
Geek Rating

 
If you enjoy stories about the apocalypse or talking animals, then I recommend picking up Scurry. There are a few kinks in the storytelling, but the art is beautiful enough to forgive most of it. And if you missed out on the physical copies, fear not as Mac has them available for pre-order. The comments section of the Kickstarter is also showing that the books have been delivered to satisfied customers – always a good sign.

“Dark Matter” Syfy TV Series Returning 10th June 2017

Dark Matter is coming back to our screens for Series 3, with their first 2-hour premiere episode titled “Being Better Is So Much Harder” airing on the 10th of June 2017. I have already added it to my calendar; nothing is going to get in the way. Well, the occasional medical emergency… maybe.

Are you ready? #BadGuysHaveWayMoreFun

Posted by Dark Matter on Sunday, May 21, 2017

Dark Matter Upcoming:

What have we been missing? Action, adventure, thrilling escapes. It has been 9 months since we saw the Android, #2, #3, #5 and #6 attempt to stop galactic war, while on a space station that was blowing up in the Season 2 finale.  It seems everyone we cared about has survived to season 3, and that #4 is the next target of the crew of the Raza, probably because he stole the blink drive. Well maybe not everyone we cared about…

What’s more, we are also getting a bit of a treat this season, in the vein of Talking Dead. A new after-show – After Dark – is premiering to run us through all things Dark Matter, hosted by Zoie Palmer (I miss Lost Girl!). Another chance for us to pretend we’re just friends picking apart our favourite shows on a couch.

Dark Matter Review:

For those that haven’t sunk their teeth into Dark Matter yet, here’s why you should.

Dark Matter opens aboard a spacecraft that is in trouble. All the crew start waking up from hyper-sleep to save the ship and themselves. The problem is, they have no idea who or where they are.

It is a wonderful exposition of the clean slate. We have all seen the character that loses their memories, and how this changes them, changes dynamics. For a show to start on the premise that all of the main characters have a history – a dark history – and have them not remember that, gives this sense of tension and discovery that has become rare in television.

The majority of Season One revolves around the crew figuring out who they are and who to trust, knowing that one of their number could have caused the amnesia. They think that figuring out their history will tell them who they are, but as they learn their history, some of them start thinking that they would rather not know.

Every character snippet reveals a reason not to trust anyone, making the audience second-uess their own predictions. Dark Matter does an amazing job of keeping me on my toes, while still having me root for all of them to get it together when the bigger bad guys pop their sinister heads up.

Which is the other reason to watch Dark Matter. The universe and politics that are larger than their individual stories. Dark Matter reveals a compelling futuristic society, that just gets better as the seasons progress. Antagonists and corporations are introduced that you want to know more about (e.g. Wil Wheaton as Alex Rook), while plots start unfolding themselves with the Raza crew at front and center.

And did you know that Dark Matter started as a graphic novel? Check out the snippet below.

Dark Matter Graphic Novel
Dark Matter Graphic Novel

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“Star Power” Webcomic Review – Astronomer Turned Superhero

Star Power is the brainchild of seasoned webcomic creators Michael Terracciano and Garth Graham. It is a sci-fi comic set in a distant future, starring assistant astronomer Danica Maris a.k.a. the superhero Star Power. The comic is currently at Volume 4: Star Power and the Last Jump Gate. It updates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

I discovered Star Power back in 2013, after following Michael over from his debut work, Dominic Deegan: Oracle for Hire. Back then, I had already found the comic beautiful, brilliantly designed and full of character. But it was a baby. As it was only 14 pages in, I decided to place it in my “read in the future” bookmarks. So, welcome to the future.

Star Power = Evil
I love this take on Dark = Evil

Star Power Webcomic Review:

Star Power gets off to a bit of a bumpy start. The quick mutation into a hero 7 pages in, the lack of early character establishment and the less than creative first antagonist (his name is Black Hole Bill, for goodness sakes) are all less than desirable. But get through the first chapter and you could very well find yourself hooked, just like I was.

Danica Maris is an interesting heroine. One part saviour complex, one part insecure introvert (mommy issues *hint hint*). That may sound like most heroes, but finding a heroine with a personality and backstory is rare. She starts the story off as a quirky assistant that nicknames her favourite stars, and rails against the institution in very relatable ways (if you won’t let me do this at work, I’ll do it in my own time!).

She becomes a Star Powered Sentinel through this very trait – by watching her favourite star Mitch who is actually a sentient computer/energy/shiny thing. Mitch turns her into a sentinel just in time for her to save her station from the Void Angels (a murderous gang for hire led by a very Jaafar-like alien). And best of all, Michael’s work on her character development over 4 volumes has been steady and surprising, exactly what you want from a main character. She gets stronger and weaker, all without compromising the core of the character.

Star Power = Strength

The art in Star Power is sensational. Garth Graham’s style has come a long way since his first comic Comedity in 2005. Star Power has the feel of an established publication – rivaling the art of the Marvel/DC universes. The environment, the backdrop – I imagine all the work that goes into each star and well, colour me impressed. Furthermore, each alien race having their own features and expressions, that are equal parts unique and accessible, is simply masterful. One of my favourite aspects is how Garth manages to convey Star Power’s expressions even with solid white eyes.

Star Power = Cthulhu
Quite simply the cutest Cthulhu ever

However, it isn’t Danica or the art that truly makes Star Power worth reading. While those are both amazing aspects, it is the world that Michael and Garth have created that is truly compelling. The Millenium Federation consists of more than a thousand worlds, races and cultures. Star Power gives us an amazing variety of alien races, a full-bodied cast of support characters, an ever-moving universe with ridiculous TV shows, intriguing universe-shaking secrets, thousand-year-old genocidal antagonists and the promise of exploration, of venturing into uncharted space. It also does a fine job of touching on world issues without being preachy, ensuring that it meets the standards of the Bechdel test and not shying away from or glorifying in death. Also, I really appreciate that Michael transferred his love for puns from Dominic Deegan to Star Power.

Star Power = Psi Cop

In conclusion, go read it. What’re you waiting for?

 

432
2 – 5
4-?
4.5 / 5
Comic Pages
Read Hours
Comic Volumes
Geek Rating

 
You can buy physical copies of Star Power from Shark Robot or read it online for free.

Starpower Links:


 

It doesn’t seem like it will be finishing anytime soon, so if you need anything to tide you over after binging like I did, you can always check out Michael and Garth’s other works. Dominic Deegan, Comedity and Finder’s Keepers are all available to read online. You can also support them on their Patreon page so that we all get more Star Power.

Dominic Deegan
Dominic Deegan – I miss you Spark

Comedity
Comedity – I really like cats

Finder's Keepers
Finder’s Keepers – The Wyrd Bazaar, like Diagon Alley but Wyrd-er

p.s. Patreon is a site where you can donate a buck a month or more to as many artists/creators/entertainers as you want to call yourself a patron of the arts.

Bill Potts is the Best Thing to happen to “Dr Who”

Pearl Mackie is being hailed as the breath of fresh air that Dr Who needed. Twitter went nuts after the pilot episode, with people everywhere proclaiming their love for Bill Potts. 5 episodes in, and that love has yet to abate. Personally, it’s been years since I’ve laughed this much watching an episode of Dr Who, and I love it. After the serious days of Clara the Impossible Girl, I didn’t think that Dr Who could head back in this direction. I have never been more willing to be wrong. It feels reminiscent of the no-nonsense Donna era, but better.

Bill Potts is real. Even Pearl Mackie herself thinks so: “You want people to like her [Bill], but I did when I read the script. I was drawn to her and felt there was something quite fresh about her attitude and the way she spoke. She’s very real, very much someone you might just bump into on the street.”

This is just part of what is making Bill one of the most relatable characters to ever step onto the Dr Who set. She isn’t burdened by a complex backstory; she doesn’t have trauma or revenge to exact (yet) and she is full of happiness and wonder. Her sense of wonder is the most amazing aspect of this season. Just watching Bill watch the world around her with awe helps bring the viewers and the Doctor back to the fact that this is, first and foremost, a show about time travel to far off and wondrous places.

Bill Potts fatted

We also get to see a new aspect to Peter Capaldi’s Doctor in this season, as he plays off Bill. He is warmer, happier, a mentor in every right. He gets to bring Bill on journeys that are about time travel and heroics by choice, rather than because of some grand timey-wimey plan. All the monsters and aliens have simply been a backdrop to their relationship up to this point, and it has worked. In fact, everyone in this season seems to be having fun, even the TARDIS who is technically the one that chooses to save ‘Nessie’. Well, everyone except maybe Nardole, who is playing the part of the dutiful house husband reminding the Doctor to keep his promise and guard the vault.

Pearl Mackie has been in the media more than past companions before coming onto a show, in part due to Dr Who having been off the air for over a year and the other part because she has been hailed as the first openly gay “official companion” on Dr Who. But Moffatt and Co. have handled her representation of her various communities beautifully, leaving no one with any doubt that Pearl Mackie will soon be acheiving (if she hasn’t already) fan favourite status.

Bill Potts whitewash

Bill Potts, asking the real questions:

“What is that? A Police telephone box? Did you build it from a kit?”
“Yeah, but why?”
“Did you run out of money? Is that what happened to the doors?”
“Can I use the toilet?”
“Do people ever hit you?”
“Imagine how it would feel if someone did this to you.”
“So the TARDIS has dresses and likes a bit of trouble?”
“Hearts, though, why two?”
“How’s it sonic?”
“What is sky made of?”
“Where’s the steering wheel?”
“Why would you name your box in English?”
“It’s hidden itself as a box with pull to enter on the front?”
“What happens if I throw up in my helmet?”
“Time Lords. That’s hilarious. Do you wear robes and big hats?”
“Doctor, have you killed anyone.”

Want to binge watch more Dr Who while waiting for the next episode of Bill Potts? You have options! Sign up for a 30-day free trial to watch it on Amazon Prime, or a 30-day free trial on Netflix. Links below:

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