Ink and Riffs

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.

INK 

The Cape (comic) 

I really dug the omnibus version of “The Cape” by Joe Hill. We always associate capes with heroics, but what if the one wearing the cape was the villain? That’s the case with Eric when he realizes his childhood cape — the one he used to play superheroes with his brother as a child — actually gives him the power to fly. Does he use this gift to save lives? NOPE! He’s cruel, selfish and heartless….in other words, the perfect villain. It’s a hell of a journey and with the additional books included in the omnibus, it really fleshes out the story. 

The Hunger and the Dusk (comic) 

I’ve been working my way through Book 2 of “The Hunger and the Dusk.” The new arc picks up right after the first one ends and shows the impacts of choices made by the characters (no spoilers!). I really liked the pacing of the story and the various perspectives show. Like I said, the choices made have a lot of effects on both sides, and the story gives a clear picture of what is happening.

The art is just amazing! I’m a big fan of fantasy stories and this one hits all the marks. Fluid action, a diverse color palette and characters that really reflect who they are on the inside. I loved the designs and want to see what happens next!





RIFFS

“Smoke” (music)

“Smoke” from singer-songwriter Henry Lees was such a hit in my ears. The funky new release with a romance-themed story is instantly relatable and the sound is just a pleasure to hear. The sounds just relax you and kick you up the same time.

“Walking Around This Town” (music) 

The latest album by Bernie Barlow is a great collection of powerful, catchy folk/rock music. After hearing “Brave,” one of the tracks from the album, I decided to check out the rest and thoroughly enjoyed it. The atmosphere it creates is one of intense lived experience through the lens of strong vocals blended with a great range of folk and rock sounds.

“Brave” is a great opener for the album, and I really dug the melodic vibe of “Don’t Wake Me Up.” The songs really have a diverse sound, some really chilled and others more rock-infused and the album gives the ears a lot to enjoy.

Author Justin Lee is back with a most unexpected sequel

In 2018, author J. Lee published his first book, “The Hubley Case,” introducing the world to the character Ben Siebert. At the time, it was supposed to be a one-off story, with no sequels planned. But the fans spoke, telling Lee that they wanted another adventure for Siebert—and so we have “The Silent Cardinal,” available on Aug. 3.

In this interview, Lee and I talk about his feelings as release day approaches and plans for in-person events now that such things can be done. We look at the continuation of the story and how Ben grows as a person. We also talk about the villains and how to make such characters unique in a world where thriller bad guys are so prevalent.

Lee also talks about the complex story he created and how it all came to be, as well as his planning process and outlining.