Maximo Raw Book One by Laurent Minassian As I was reading this book I was listening to the radio, and the tune God Made Me Funky by The Headhunters came on. The band are Herbie Hancock’s jazz-fusion combo from the early 70’s – and it’s a funky, jazzy tune, sometimes abrasive which will carry you to a world of hot nights in the big city. … Continue reading Bloody Pulp Fiction
Stan and Jack by Pete Doree The Mighty Marvel Bullpen, a fantasy world that we read about in Stan Lee’s Bullpen Bulletins, his monthly column that ran in every Marvel comic. A wonderful world of fun and imagination. This is where most of us first heard about the likes of Jack ‘King’ Kirby and Steve Ditko. We know now that the reality was not so … Continue reading Bullpen Badinage
Merrick the Sensational Elephant Man Writer – Tom Ward, Artist – Luke Parker, Letterer – Micah Myers, Editor – Clare Lenton Victorian London has long been a place that has stimulated the imagination of writers. From the world of fiction we have Sherlock Holmes, Fagin and the Artful Dodger and even Dracula himself strode the foggy streets. The world of non-fiction might be even richer. … Continue reading Victorian Values
Blat! Issue 1 by Mat Greaves Blat is the new comic being imminently kickstarted by creator Mat Greaves. I enjoyed Reefers and Riffs, his Murun Buchstansangur meets Charlie Parker comic which I reviewed here. Not only that he did what surely must be the definitive take on middle-aged Shamrock for me. The influence of the American underground can be felt in the book which consists … Continue reading Hangovers and Hope
The Junction by Norm Konyu It is an odd time for humanity on planet Earth. As I write, many of us are locked down. Trying to shelter from the storm of a global pandemic that lies in wait for us, invisible, hanging in the air. We have had to come to terms with isolation, repetition, boredom. Working and studying have merged with home life in … Continue reading Frozen Existence
‘That Comic Smell’ Comic Mike Sedakat, Fernando Pons, David Robertson, Tom Stewart, John Tucker I’ve often enjoyed a lazy Sunday afternoon listening to comics podcasts whilst pottering about and, well, reading comics. Among them is ‘That Comic Smell’. The hosts are all based around the original home of comics – Dundee. Beanoland itself. I spent some formative years in this fine city myself and I … Continue reading Biscuits and Big Barda…More Tales from Beanoland
Beatrice by Joris Mertens The year is 1972 and Beatrice is a young woman working in a department store. The store is in a busy city – perhaps Paris or Brussels. Each day is much like the last. A busy commute, dealing with the public and then back to her small apartment. Only her daydreams bring some escape. But one day she begins to notice … Continue reading Fading Glamour
The Union issue one Writer – Paul Grist, Pencils – Andrea de Vito with Paul Grist, Inkers – Drew Geraci and Le Beau Underwood with Paul Grist, Colourist – Nolan Woodward, Letterer – VC’s Travis Lanham, Published by Marvel Comics’ I have never reviewed a Marvel Comic before. That is not because of some kind of snobbery, on the contrary Marvel are my first love … Continue reading Not all Black and White?
The Hoards of Surrey Writer – Dave Wimblett, Artist – Rory Donald, Letterer – Ken Reynolds, Published by Covert Comics The American teenager is extraordinarily well recorded in popular culture. Since the first teenager pulled on their bobby socks and letter jacket and cranked up the Buddy Holly tunes we have followed their development in books, movies, TV and yes comics. So powerful is this … Continue reading Teenage Kicks
Clodagh issue 1 Written by Simon Birks, with art by Willi Roberts and letters by Rob Jones. An evil witch brings terror to a small town nested somewhere in the wilderness. With a thirst for eyes and driven by unrelenting hatred she uses fear as a weapon. Not just fear of her, but fear of outsiders, whom she cunningly blames for the evil that she … Continue reading Season of the Witch
The Writings and Ramblings of Ben Herman
This is a blog dedicated to what I have been lucky enough to find out about comics. I might add in some other geeky goodness, but it's mainly about the comics.
Comicbook chin-stroking, to while away an idle moment, or two
Comics with a British focus
Interviews with big name comic book creators brought to you by the Official Lakes International Comic Art Festival Podcast.
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Comic Writer
Feeding the habit one issue at a time
Comics with a British focus
