Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the latest installment to the SMC blog, “It’s All In The Trades!” Every two weeks, we’ll take a look at a collection of comics all put into one awesome, or not, trade, and give it the well deserved attention it needs, be it good or bad. It’ll can be hardcover or paperback, new or old, but either way, we’re going to let you know where the best are, and what to stay away from. That’s enough of what this is all about, so let’s jump right into it, shall we? To start this awesomeness off, we’ve chosen Comix Tribe’s new Hardcover of Oxymoron Volume 1. Let’s do this!!
The Oxymoron collection I’m about to review is filled with it’s namesake. Lot’s of Oxymorons, and that’s really what ol’ Oxy can’t stand. A massive group of writers and artists from across the comics community has come together, with no small effort from Tyler James, the editor of this volume and Comix Tribe master, to bring us 10 insanely creative stories.
It all starts with Passive Aggressive, a story that has Oxy systematically killing off the head members of the mob in Swanstown. Why? Who the hell knows! All I know is that Jason Ciarmella’s script and Joe Mulvey’s artwork are fantastic. It doesn’t stop there, oh no! Next, we’re tossed into my favorite story in the volume: Selfless Man. Oxy just can’t stand someone who’s called “selfless” going into a buring building to save someone. We’re all self-serving by nature! It’s an Oxymoron, and by his namesake, it must be fixed. Here’s what I have to say about this entry: Oh. My. God. Most horror comics don’t make me cringe, but this did! John Lee’s script and Tyler James’ artwork were perfect together. It really is the perfect story of being killed, or letting someone else take your place. Are you really that selfless? Ol’ Oxy will help you figure it all out! I’m just glad I don’t live in Swanstown.
It couldn’t possibly get any worse than this? I mean, my guts have been twisting since reading just these two stories, so can I take a break? NO! This
tome of goodies keeps you locked in tight. Oxy’s not done having his story told, so you must sit and pay attention!
Stories like Double Standard, Act Naturally, and Nearly Perfect aren’t all about Oxy though. We get to see the ying to his yang, the black to his white in the form of Red and the Crimson Kid, two superheroes that attempt to foil Oxy at every turn. Where Act Naturally read like a standard hero tale, and Double Standard gives us insight into the mind of Oxy, Nearly Perfect is the best of the three having to do with Red. As the story unfolds, you are left to imagine just what Oxy is doing to some beauty contestants that were unlucky enough to be nabbed by Oxy. This story allows your mind to work on it’s own, and in my case, really gross me out. Yannick Morin’s script is very solid and Alex Cormack’s artwork intensifies what you think Oxy may be doing to these poor girls. Are they though? I mean, he chooses people that are the poster children for contradiction! They must have done something to deserve the lesson Oxy must teach them, right? No. Not at all. It’s gross. I can feel my stomach starting to turn again…
We have other stories. Alone in the Crowd, where Oxy has gotten a following of sorts, and he must take care of that. Working Holiday, where Oxy is all about Christmas, and Quiet Riot, which really sums up what Oxy is all about. There was one story that really had me laughing the most, and it wasn’t because of all the blood and guts. It had to be Living Dead, which is an Oxymoron in and of itself. If a zombie apocalypse ever took place, I’d want to have Oxy out there swinging. I mean, it’s the ultimate occupier for this psychopath! The living dead… get it? Woohooo! Clever! Mark Bertolini’s script and Carl Yonder’s artwork are superb. Let’s not forget Swanstown’s finest in the police department! Easily my favorite part of the story.
There’s some goodies in this too. The forward by Jason Ciarmella is a must read, as is the afterward by Tyler James. We also get some info on the writers and artists who took part in this book, along with a cover gallery, awesome pin-up art, and an epilogue story for current Oxy readers! If it’s the digital preferred copy you have, get ready to see storyboards and scripts after all this awesome reading.
I had never read anything by Comix Tribe before this, and I have to say that I’m disappointed in myself for that. If all these people, writers, artists, inkers, colorists and letterers can get together and make this awesome volume on who is obviously their flagship character a masterpiece, then I’m sold. It was everything a horror comic should be, but more importantly, it was everything a comic should be. It captivated me. I was laughing, cringing, and even getting a little green as I read. This has become a new favorite, and when I get the physical copy in my hands, I will strongly encourage all my friends to pick this up. It’s that good.
It will have a worldwide comic store release in June, but if you just can’t wait for that, you can sure pick up a copy now on amazon.com. It’s also available right now on top digital platforms like the Nook, Kindle Fire, and iBooks store. What are you waiting for? Get one now!
Script: With all the collected works put together, it gets a solid 9/10.
Artwork: With all this talent, another solid 9/10.
Parental Concern: I wouldn’t let the kiddies read this, but anyone who has a grasp on reality can safely enjoy this book!
