Hey all,

I was thinking this week about Viper Comics. I mean, you hear ‘DC’ and you think Superman, Batman. When you say ‘Marvel’ you instantly have images of Spider-Man and the X-Men dance through your head. Even Image has a little mainstream presence with publications of the Luna Brother’s work on Girls and Ultra. When you say ‘Viper Comics’ to Mr. Joe Everyman, chances are they’ll raise an eyebrow and ask for an explanation, which is too bad since Viper has an excellent array of titles. I thought I’d spotlight a few of the ones that, for me at least, stand out.

The comic that introduced me to Viper in the first place is still, in my opinion, one of their better titles. Daisy Kutter details the exploits of a reformed train robber asked to do one last job by a mysterious employer. Armed with a massive shotgun and nerves of steel, there isn’t much that can stop Daisy, robot assassins and powered armor included. The unique setting of wild west and science fiction meshes well with the witty dialogue and excellent action sequences making this comic one of the greats. Check it out this great one-shot story collected nicely in the TPB “The Last Train”. Author Kazu Kibuishi

Ever heard of the show Lost? Oh you have? I guess it’s popular. The reason I bring it up is that Lost’s writer Javier Grillo-Marxuach is the mastermind behind the strangest spy fiction you’ll ever read. The wit and absurdity of The Middleman follows the title character and his newest sidekick, Wendy, as they combat “threats extra-, infra- and juxta terrestrial”. Anything is fair game for the duo; be it aliens, mutants or Mexican Wrestlers (I kid you not). Art by Les McClaine.

Some of Viper’s newer titles are also some their most intriguing. The Lost Books of Eve details the adventures of the world’s first woman as she travels about a fantastic earth in search of Adam who has gone missing. The Underworld Rail Road tells the tales of souls sent wrongly to hell, and the supernatural safehouses that help them make their escape to freedom. Long time running Dead@17, A Dummies Guide to Danger, and Villians are now entrenched standbys and all excellent titles. All in all, Viper is a great publisher for Parable, offering titles with great art and, more importantly, original ideas.

Lastly, I noticed this a couple weeks ago and thought I’d add it as well. Over at Kameleo.com, there are some new free online classes an comic design. Sometimes its good to take a refresher of the basics. Check that out here.

Until next time.