Ink and Riffs is a regular review series written by me, Citywide Co-Host Max Bowen, to talk about what I’m reading and listening to and why I think it’s awesome. Feel free to send suggestions to citywidemax@yahoo.com.
Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees (comic)
Without a doubt, this has been one of the best comics I’ve read in some time. Here’s the story:
Don’t. Murder. The locals.
This is small-town serial killer, upstanding citizen, and adorable brown bear Samantha Strong’s cardinal rule. After all, there’s a sea of perfectly ripe potential victims in the big city just beyond the forest, and when you’ve worked as hard as Sam to build a cozy life and a thriving business in a community surrounded by friendly fellow animal folk, warm decor, and the aroma of cedar trees and freshly baked apple pie…the last thing you want is to disturb the peace.
So you can imagine her indignation when one of Woodbrook’s own meets a grisly, mysterious demise—and you wouldn’t blame her for doing anything it takes to hunt down her rival before the town self-destructs and Sheriff Patterson starts (literally) barking up the wrong tree.
This was the original graphic novel debut by writer-artist Patrick Horvath, and I gotta say, he’s off to a hell of a start. The story was dark, tense and kept me guessing until the twist (and twisted) ending. The art reminds me of the books I read as a kid, which really just serves to make the whole thing even more surreally creepy. Read this one and then check out the new sequel series.
Work in Progress (music)
I’ve been a huge fan of the music of gavn! for some time, and this new album, “Work in Progress,” is a great example of his skill with music and vocals. The flow of the seven-track EP is powerful and passionate, from the opening track, “Eventually,” and continues throughout.
“Dead to Me” really stood out to me, with a story of the challenges of moving on from a person that needs to be left behind. I’ve been there a time or three and know firsthand how hard this can be.
The album shifts around a bit, with the more mellow “Shame” that slows things down a bit but maintains that same strength. The vocals are a real high point for me, with an intensity that draws you right in with a shared emotional experience.
This album is a high recommendation from me. You’re going to find yourself immersed in the stories and with this delivery, it’s sure to be a favorite.
Island Eight (Book)
Written by M.Z. Medenciy, “Island Eight” is the first in the Ataraxia Series and from what I have read so far, is one to be watched. Here’s a look at the story:
In a world on the verge of repeating a cataclysmic history, Sophia, an entertainer from the town of Salinas, unknowingly holds the keys to the world’s salvation. Yet, she turns a blind eye to their king’s tyranny to ensure her happiness. But not even the gods can protect her when the eyes of the castle shift directly to Salinas. After narrowly escaping death with the aid of a mysterious man who whisks her away to once forbidden lands, Sophia is unwillingly sucked into the brewing war with which she wanted nothing to do.
One thing that I really liked about the story is that it balances the seriousness with a good dose of humor and personality. There’s plenty of light-hearted moments that break up the tension and M.Z. weaves these different parts together perfectly. The result is a very organic tale with very realistic characters.
I can see that a lot of world-building went into this, not just the different cities, magical beings and legends, but the people themselves. Even if they’re not the main characters, each person has something that makes them unique and keeps the story moving forward. I’m really looking forward to the rest of this book and the series as well.
This album is a high recommendation from me. You’re going to find yourself immersed in the stories and with this delivery, it’s sure to be a favorite.
Island Eight (Book)
Written by M.Z. Medenciy, “Island Eight” is the first in the Ataraxia Series and from what I have read so far, is one to be watched. Here’s a look at the story:
In a world on the verge of repeating a cataclysmic history, Sophia, an entertainer from the town of Salinas, unknowingly holds the keys to the world’s salvation. Yet, she turns a blind eye to their king’s tyranny to ensure her happiness. But not even the gods can protect her when the eyes of the castle shift directly to Salinas. After narrowly escaping death with the aid of a mysterious man who whisks her away to once forbidden lands, Sophia is unwillingly sucked into the brewing war with which she wanted nothing to do.
One thing that I really liked about the story is that it balances the seriousness with a good dose of humor and personality. There’s plenty of light-hearted moments that break up the tension and M.Z. weaves these different parts together perfectly. The result is a very organic tale with very realistic characters.
I can see that a lot of world-building went into this, not just the different cities, magical beings and legends, but the people themselves. Even if they’re not the main characters, each person has something that makes them unique and keeps the story moving forward. I’m really looking forward to the rest of this book and the series as well.
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