As a writer, I understand the passion and excitement about a story that burns inside of you. Christopher Orndoff exudes it for this comic book and his unique character with a guitar for a head. Orndoff’s love for his independent art form stood out the moment I met him. Would this passion lead to an enjoyable comic book?
Credits:
The Blueseph J. Headmetal Saga-Issue # 99
Head Metal Comics
Writer: Christopher Orndoff
Artist: David Faught
Colorist: Kate Finnegan
Inker: Ryan McCann
Cover Art: Rudy Vasquez
Price: $3.00
Plot:
After the origin story focused on Blueseph’s mother, his conception, and his birth in issue #1, this story transports us to the deathbed of Blueseph. It is a story about family. The focal characters are Rain, Blueseph’s son, and Sun, his daughter. Sun is the loyal child beside the bed of her dying father. Rain has bitterness and emotional pain from his relationship with his father. The conflict between Rain and Sun tell an overview of Blueseph’s life.
Review:
Art:
Faught’s pencils are beautiful. His backgrounds have good details from the guitars, to the military medals, and the television screens. I love his use of line to show music and electricity.
I adore the use of music in the scenes throughout the book. There is a double spread page with Blueseph and family walking across the street as a tribute to the cover of the Beatles Abbey Road album. The music binds the whole book together and gives it a nice flow.
The double page spread of Blueseph with the assault weapon fighting the dragon is geek-tastic. It is extremely KOOL.
Faught draws various and unique looking people. The children of Blueseph look like relatives but not identical and the doctor looks completely different. Oh course, Blueseph is a completely different looking character.
Ryan McCann does a fine job of inking the issue. Kate Finnegan is a great colorist and she continues to deliver beautiful coloring in both Blueseph J. Headmetal Saga and The Legend of Oz: The Wicked West. Rudy Vasquez’s cover is beautiful, emotional, and daunting.
There was only one negative with the look of this issue in my opinion. I am not a fan of the lettering for Rain. The bolded letters looked handwritten. It was difficult to read at times.
Story/Plot:
How will our kids view our lives on our deathbed? This comic tells that human dramatic story of guy whose kids are at odds with each other while he is dying. Sun is her father’s biggest cheerleader. Rain is their dad’s biggest critic.
This story tells big ideas. It explores the intricacies of prayer and music. It analysis the razor’s edge differences in dreams and nightmares. This comic examines war and peace and how they can be two sides of the same coin. Some of these ideas are fleshed out more than others.
This story felt true to life even though the main character has a guitar for a head.
My REVIEW:
I have to admit, this comic is not my usual style. I am usually a mask and cape kind of guy. I regularly read comic books to escape into a superhero world. It appears that Blueseph J. Headmetal has special music and electricity abilities but his stories are not your typical costumed hero.
This is not a children’s comic book. This story is drama with some adult themes and adult language.
This is not a light and easy read. This narrative has to be read several times to fully grasp the themes and nature. I re-read this book five times before I felt confident to review it.
I enjoyed this comic book. The art was beautiful and vibrant. The story was strong and well written. This was an enjoyable comic that even this “mask and tights guy” can appreciate.
I recommend this issue for any adults who enjoy independent stories. It is worth the read and re-read.
Grade: B+
