Most of us today are so used to mainstream comics. What I mean is, we are hooked on the flashy, near perfect art, the deep, complex story lines, 15 issue mega arcs… you get the idea. Sometimes though, we need to just sit down and look at something that is drastically different. All of the above mentioned doesn’t necessarily make a comic good, it’s more how you feel after reading it. If it’s horror, it better scare you or at least leave you feeling a little queasy. If it’s action, you adrenaline should be pumping by the time you put that issue down. If it’s comedy, you need to laugh. Not just chuckle, but really let out a good guffaw (It’s an actual word, and it actually makes sense if you think about it. G’head, try it. Let a good “Guffaw out!).
Now, when I sat down to read “Man From Space”, I’ll be honest, I was not expecting much. My mainstream mind-frame was in full force, so at first glance, I was ready to write this off as a waste of time. As I started to read though,I found myself getting more and more involved in the comic, and smiling and laughing throughout!
Take a look at the plot. In the far reaches of space, a ship crash lands on a remote planet. From the wreckage, a shaggy bearded man, with no shirt or shoes and just a pair of pants and his cape, climbs out with his fish Michael. Together, they trek this new found planet and along the way, meet and are attacked by, some very strange creatures.
Marc Jackson, who is the creator of Man From Space, isn’t part of the big time. He’s in the Indie circuit, or as my brother (who is an Indie Wrestler) likes to say; “You’re paying your dues.” He’s right, but that’s where some of the best talent can come from. For whatever book your making, you have to put it an extreme amount of work into the issue for it to even make a dent in the Indie circuit, let alone the industry. Man From Space, with it’s very simplistic computer generated art, to it’s crazy story, could do just that.
With the way Marc Jackson writes, Man From Space reads like an off-beat 10 year old super hero adventure, complete with mishap and mayhem throughout. If it had any sort of real seriousness to it, I don’t think I’d like it at all. It is its juvenility that really makes this comic worth reading. It did slow down on some parts, but with parts like the Random teleportation of Unit 7-73, it could literally take that issue anywhere. It holds true to the comedy it’s trying to get across. It feels to me like it’s something you and a buddy of yours would sit down, snicker the whole time you’re creating this totally bizarre idea, and loving it the entire time. If that’s the case, then Marc Jackson has hit the mark.
Man From Space will be officially released November 11th of this year, but it’s limited to a 50 print run. He’s taking orders now, so if you hurry, you can reserve an issue. Head over to http://www.manfromspace.co.uk/ to reserve your issue. If you just can’t wait, you can get a digital copy at www.theillustratedsection.com/manfromspace or http://www.drivethrustuff.com/ . It will also become available shortly at http://www.graphicly.com/ .
Now, some of you won’t like it, and hey, that’s OK. No comic is intended for everyone. As for me personally, I loved it. I really enjoyed the surprise it gave me when I was laughing so loud my wife had to tell me to keep it down. I was smiling through the whole issue, and that’s rare for me nowadays. You’ve made a fan out of me Marc, don’t let me down. I can’t wait for issue 2!
My pleasure Marc! It really was a joy to read and I’m very much looking forward to the second issue. Keep it up!
Tim, you’re killing me with your comments. Thank you Sir, thank you!
Ps. The printed comics are going to look great, the sample print is awesome. The heavy black really pops. You’re going to love it!!
UPDATE: After a month of waiting, my Man From Space comic has arrived!! It looks great! The color is very very good, and I think it actually looks better on the printed page than digitally. I’ve been keeping in pretty regular contact with Marc since the review, and I’d just like to let everyone know that his mission to get it on shelves is paying off! He also says that the book is selling well. This is fantastic news considering he’s doing this all on his own. Marc has lit the perverbial fire and created quite a stir about Man From Space! When issue 2 gets released, you better believe you’ll see a review on it here. Keep up the good work Marc!
Thanks Tim, much appreciated! The printed comic definitely takes it to the next level, glad you agree. I’m so grateful to folks like yourself who have read, enjoyed and support MAN FROM SPACE. Issue 2 will be out in February and it’ll be a cracker!
Send me a photo of you checking it out and I’ll add it to the Fan page!
Have a great Christmas!
Cheers
Marc
