"Kick Drum Comix" Review!

 

Talk about a mind rape! At first, I felt bombarded by the sheer amount of information pounding at my eyes, but once I adjusted, "Kick Drum Comix" by Jim Mahfood (with the assistance of other artists) was highly enjoyable. 

 The first section of the comic, "Death of the Popmaster" (colored by Justin Stewart) follows the life and career of...well...the Popmaster. He's one sick puppy, that's for sure. When confronted with a contract (most music artists would REJOICE at this!), the Popmaster murders the man offering it and presents the man's skull to the next producer. Suggesting that they drink on the deal (which gives him all creative control, no strings attached), the Popmaster gives his new agent a cup containing the old agent's blood. GROSS! This is just foreshadowing of the violence that is to come. As time goes by, the Popmaster's daughter (Sharky) becomes well known in the underground music industry. The Popmaster isn't having it. He sends gangs and gangs of people after Sharky's posse and even goes so far as to posion the water supply in her second studio and bomb her first recording studio. In the end, the Popmaster is killed. The second part of the comic, called Coltrane's Reed (colored by Anne Masse), follows the struggle of "B" to find a job (under pressure from his girlfriend, Kandice). He heads out for the day and ends up in a diner where a friend, Tina, informs him that her grandmother is giving away some things. After a skate break ("B" is a skater looking for a sponsor), the pair head over to the grandmother's house where "B" is presented with the famous musician Coltrane's saxophone reed. It was given to the elderly woman's late husband by Coltrane himself and the woman informs "B" that the reed will bring him good luck. After a scuffle at the skate part, "B" sells his skateboard and uses the money to buy a saxophone.

So...on to the awesome. 

Creativity of Writing: 5/5 The stories are highly unique. I love how personal each one is. You really get to know the characters' personalities and struggles. Culture is a big part of the comic. That, to me, is something else that makes it so refreshing. Gang violence between father and daughter? A magical saxophone reed that brings good luck? Crazy! Although the dialogue is written in slang, the comic is easy to read and comprehend. The layout is interesting and who-said-what is very obvious. 

Creativity of Art: 5/5 Without a doubt! The use of color is OUTSTANDING! At first, it's a bit overwhelming (as I said before), but it's easy to adjust to. I think the main thing is that you've probably never seen anything like this before and it's something new for your eyes to take in. Lines are bold, black, and contrast with the areas of color. The characters and shapes are drawn in a jagged, jerky style. This is another element that makes the comic unique. It looks completely finished and put together, but it doesn't look polished. The style definitely works with the urban-esque settings.  

Overall Casual Read Rating: 5/5 I really like it. It's interesting, refreshing, and new (new as in different). The stories are suspenseful but not so much that they can't be enjoyed casually. Each page is like a famous pop-art piece. The art definitely gives you a lot to analyze as you tie it into the story.

Note to the Creator(s): Freaking awesome! I've gotta look you up at a convention someday and get myself drawn or something! Seriously! I hope that there's much, much more to come!