Michael Kelly, an American in China has put together a small range of comics that at times challenge his locations’ apathy towards western comic books, whilst also offering a nod of the head to some classic Manga and finally, with an slight re-imaging of self, looking to create a modern Madripoor.
Guangzhou is a province of China that has managed to become one of the safest cities in China, after a brutal crackdown on organised crime. Still the silent serpent of crime, is once again unfurling, looking to find a place in society. Enter Shexie Meiren, a bounty hunter who takes out the trash for the police, performing a civil duty of sorts if the price is right. Shexie is helped by her own “Felicity” in the shape of Maccy Makker computer hacker extraordinaire.
Micheal Kelly’s script pays homage to a mix of strong female characters of the past, including Lara Croft and Jessica Rabbit. As such, the book is at its core, a crime noir book featuring a classic femme fatale in the unusual position of being the heroine. The book has a gritty feel, that you would expect, whilst some of the dialogue could be seen as cliché, I prefer to think of it as paying homage. The art is by Rain Art Studios who utilises a black on grey vibe with highlights of color. There is an edginess to the art, an almost unevenness to it, still the kernel of storytelling is prevalent.
Writing – 3.5 Stars
Art – 2.5 Stars
Overall – 3 Stars
The planet Glittera is an utopia, a jewel in the cosmos. Yet bright, shinny things can attract all kinds of attention. In the debut issue we meet Agent Sparx and her partner Leng Xie who serve to protect the planet from the various evils that plague the universe. In this case, it’s a Killer Frost wannabe who eschews a traditional villain role to offer a more complicated world view. There are other influences in play, most notably a nod to Star Wars, which Kelley does well to include, giving this book a serious tone set against the Bubblegum Crisis style of art from BNA VP. Whilst the style works as a contrast, the art does require a touch more vibrancy to make the images pop. Still the ideas in the book are engaging with enough curiosity created to wonder what will happen to the look-a-like partners against crime.
Writing – 3.5 Stars
Art 2.5 Stars
Overall – 3 Stars
The final book is basically about a man who just wants to sit and enjoy his drink in a bar in Guangzhuo. But you know how it is, there is always someone out there ready to spoil your day! For the ex-pat known as The American, you know that there is a world of hurt about to be delivered. Kelly seems to be channelling Logan’s Patch character from the old Marvel Comic Presents book. The art by Allen Warner also has an edginess to it, though it is more cohesive and consistent than some of the previous art. It’s my favourite story of the three, proving that no matter the locale, there is always a need to drop of the edge of the world
Writing – 4 Stars
Art – 3 Stars
Overall 3.5 Stars
One of the quirks of the books is that the main characters are based on actual people that Kelly has met whilst in China, as seen by the “starring….” credits. Throughout the books, Michael Kelly has shown himself to be a name to watch out for in the future, especially as this Kickstarter is gaining momentum; the higher end rewards have all been taken meaning that another tier will be added. This is in addition to cosplay covers and pledgers having the opportunity to see themselves in the book.
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For those interested in hearing more from Michael Kelly, check out the latest Outside the Panels which features an interview with the man himself! Click HERE to listen!
To grab a hold of the Issue or issues of your choice please click here  to go to AIC Comics Kickstarter page.
Author Profile
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I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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