Ben Seeka Comic Reviews

While my review is largely ignorant of any content of much worth to the overarching stories of the comics 2000 AD presents, I have to commend the collection of artists and writers on this particular project. I might not have been able to appreciate the stories, but the art and writing style is largely done well, with little to complain about.

I've been a fan of Bill and Ted since I was young, and knowing that there's comics of the franchise (and possibly a third movie on the way) made me jump for joy, especially when I was tasked with reviewing the new mini-series from one of my favorite publishers. A magnificent comic, that builds on the original world and doesn't talk down to newcomers to the Bill and Ted mythos. 3.5 out of 5 stars.

I feel like the writer just wanted to make something "deep", but in their pursuit of depth they created a shallow story, with uninteresting characters and a brief sex scene which just feels completely gratuitous and out-of-place.The art is good and easily understandable. But aside from this and some good writing, it's difficult to really praise anything about Criminal. The comic doesn't seem to say anything, or speak in any volumes about anything. It's just "here are some characters, this is what they do." Even more difficult than to specifically say anything good or bad about it, is to just say something about it. It's hard to say things about a comic that doesn't say anything, and Criminal is so flat and lifeless it feels like a day at Keira Knightley's acting academy. 1/5 stars.

The comic feels like it came from the sexpolitation movement within cinema in the 60's. It doesn't matter whether getting freaky or shooting a Devil's Cross Gang member, the women are all presented as eye candy all the time, and not only is it unrealistic, old-fashioned and offensive, but it lowers the overall value of the comic, and hurts the verisimilitude of the comic's world.

Writing this emotively is impressive. When you can emotionally engage an audience and have the story deeply affect them, despite the fact they came in at the last issue, then that is truly a sign of talent. Eric Heisserer, coupled with the artistic talents of Miguel Sepulveda (line art) and Javier Mena (colours) creates a truly wonderful story that is intriguing, interesting, emotionally charged and simply incredible to read.

Raygun is a stripped-back, simple comic with an amazing story and amazing visuals that leaves readers begging for more. It's entertaining, deep without being 'subversive' and it's just a perfect comic. I can't wait to see what else comes from Gregory Schoen. 5 out of 5 stars.