rhysnunnelly

[rhysnunnelly]

Summary:

Wylie Kogan is an aspiring artist, stumping for work in 1963 California. When a fawning fan letter grants him access to his cartoonist hero, the wealthy and celebrated Joseph Ahlstrom, he's quick to take advantage of a proffered portfolio review... but winds up learning more than he ever wanted to about Joe when he stumbles across some of his idol's illicit fetish art. His hasty, ill-considered theft of a drawing triggers a series of events he never planned on... most of which involve Joseph's imposing and resolute partner, Roya.

Yes, Roya Review:

Critiquing the moral aspects of an erotic graphic novel can be challenging, given the inherent gray morals that contribute to the genre's appeal. We've collectively acknowledged and embraced this aspect in adult-oriented works. However, in the case of "Yes, Roya," there's a distinct unease I find troubling.

One notable concern in "Yes, Roya" revolves around a significant power imbalance within the relationship's three participants. Wylie, being a fan of Joseph, the comic artist, faced a situation where agreeing to intimate involvement seemed almost inevitable when Joseph initiated it. Complicating matters further is the age difference, with Wylie lacking sexual experience and not even meeting the legal age for drinking. The dynamics within the relationship in the story raise concerns about the thin line between consensual interactions and potential abuse. While Roya and Joseph may not overtly engage in morally corrupt actions towards Wylie, the power imbalances and the questionable nature of Wylie's consent introduce a nuanced layer that prompts reflection on the potential harm within the narrative. A notable omission in "Yes, Roya" is the absence of conversations around consent, particularly in the context of Wylie's understanding of the intimate aspects of the relationship. The narrative fails to provide a clear explanation of what Wylie is consenting to, a crucial element, especially in femdom relationships with elements of BDSM. The lack of discussion and clarification is glaring, as Wylie seems conveniently comfortable with all actions without explicit communication or understanding.

While Wylie may express happiness in the story, the exploration of his youth and the potential implications of his age is noticeably absent in "Yes, Roya." This absence hinders my ability to fully appreciate the narrative. I acknowledge the complexity of critiquing adult content in this manner, given the inherent blurred lines and the nuanced nature of such material. Criticquing adult novels in this way is not fun.

[rhysnunnelly]

Summary:

From notorious kink writer Tina Horn, and featuring a diverse group of artists comes SFSX (SAFE SEX), an LGBTQ, feminist social thriller about sex, love, and torture. It's Sex Criminals in Gilead, Hustlers with a Sunstonetwist. In a draconian America where sexuality is strictly bureaucratized and policed, a group of queer sex workers keep the magic alive in an underground club called the Dirty Mind. Using their unique talents for bondage and seduction, they resolve to infiltrate the mysterious government Pleasure Center, free their incarcerated friends, and fight the power! - Amazon

SFSX Review:

"SFSX" kicks off with a bold start, featuring compelling art and a narrative that is initially clear and engaging. However, as the story progresses, it becomes a bit confusing and loses some of its initial vigor. The comic shines brightest when it leans into visual storytelling, showcasing its strength. Notably, the intimate and sensual sex scenes contribute significantly to the story without being distracting, adding a substantial layer of depth.

The call for increased representation in comics, exemplified by works like "SFSX," is crucial. It introduces characters with diverse body shapes and sexualities, breaking away from traditional norms. The inclusion of a male character with a penchant for BDSM is a refreshing departure from the usual comic narrative. However, the commendable effort is somewhat marred by a lack of clarity in the messages conveyed. For those well-versed in feminism, it's evident that the critique is directed at white feminism or anti-sex feminism. Unfortunately, without this background knowledge, one might misconstrue the comic's criticism as targeting feminism in general. That made me almost put the book down.

The script of "SFSX" raises questions about its effectiveness as a comic script. A substantial portion of the reading experience felt dominated by dialogue, and while the visual storytelling is impactful, there's a concern that without the accompanying dialogue, the comic's narrative might be challenging to grasp. Flipping through the pages, one could discern the presence of sex-related themes, but the overarching storyline might remain elusive without delving into the dialogue. It seems that the comic relies heavily on dialogue rather than achieving a seamless collaboration between visuals and text.

While I might recommend "SFSX" as a book or article, I have reservations about its effectiveness as a comic. The narrative lacks evolution from start to finish, with characters remaining static and no exploration of new areas within the purity center. The point-blank messaging, rather than evolving, is repetitively reiterated throughout the comic, raising concerns about its overall impact and engagement as a visual storytelling medium.

[rhysnunnelly]

I know Anya's Ghost is an old comic, but I have been looking back at the best YA comics, and this one came up. So, I decided to finally read it.

Summary:

Of all the things Anya expected to find at the bottom of an old well, a new friend was not one of them. Especially not a new friend who's been dead for a century. Falling down a well is bad enough, but Anya's normal life might actually be worse. She's embarrassed by her family, self-conscious about her body, and she's pretty much given up on fitting in at school. A new friend―even a ghost―is just what she needs.

Anya's Ghost Review: Or so she thinks. Spooky, sardonic, and secretly sincere, Anya's Ghost is a wonderfully entertaining debut graphic novel from author/artist Vera Brosgol. The initial element that drew my attention to "Anya's Ghost" was its cover. Despite its simplicity, the shapes within the illustration contribute to a pleasing flow. The cover avoids being overly busy or cluttered with numerous characters, allowing for a clear representation of the plot. The interior of "Anya's Ghost" is skillfully crafted, featuring easily readable panels, a notable accomplishment for a Young Adult (YA) artist. The style exudes a powerful appeal, effortlessly captivating the audience. Throughout the read, I never experienced confusion, and the characters felt both intriguing and relatable. I appreciate the nuanced portrayal of Anya, the main character." She isn't presented as a conventionally "likable" character, showcasing flaws like a degree of conceit and insecurity. Apart from standing up to bullies, she often aligns with them. Fortunately, as the narrative unfolds, her character undergoes significant growth, transforming into a better person. Yet, I found the rocky start to her journey quite engaging. One aspect of "Anya's Ghost" that didn't resonate with me is its early depiction of being somewhat fat-phobic. While it's understandable for a teenage girl to grapple with such issues, what stood out to me was the lack of correction or acknowledgment of Anya's behavior throughout the narrative. The story doesn't provide resolution to the fatphobia or image-related challenges. The absence of overweight main characters further reinforces the notion that being a fat young woman is portrayed negatively.

All in all, I recommend "Anya's Ghost" for young readers. It's a fun, interesting read.

[rhysnunnelly]

Vacant:

Vacant is a very old webcomic I did in 2012. It's no longer active, but you can read the comic here: https://www.amilova.com/en/comics-manga/10201/vacant/chapter-1/page-1.html

[rhysnunnelly]

So, oraculardream and I are tabling at SPX with Mike Luckas! We’re at table A10. I’m going to be selling VACANt volume 1, Issues 1-3, prints, and stickers. Come by and say ho when you have the chance!

[rhysnunnelly]

Hey, so you guys know by now that Michelle and I will be tabling this year at SPX with mikeluckas. I’m going to have a few things there. First, I am debuting VACANT volume 1. This is the first con I am going to be selling it at. If you want a copy drop by! Next I have stickers and posters to sell. I don’t think I am going to display all of them though? Mainly because of room. We’ll see. If you see me, say hi! Don’t be shy! I swear I won’t bite. If I do, it’s only because I am tired and hungry. Very hungry.

[rhysnunnelly]

Okay so here is the promo poster for the small con I was invited to be a featured guest to. You can read more about it here: http://nutleypubliclibrary.org/youthservices/comicanime-con-2014/

You now no longer need to register and it’s free! So please come if you’re in the area.

[rhysnunnelly]

VACANT Bits #22

vacantcomic did its thing at spx. here’s a podcast about how it all went down.

hosts: oraculardream and imaginetheending

[rhysnunnelly]

So SPX is coming to up in a few weeks. Michelle and I will be there. Obviously I will be promoting VACANT, and she will be promoting her work. 

I will be selling Issue 1-3 along with posters. Orphan the sticker will also be there along with postcards and such. So come by and say hi. 

[rhysnunnelly]

So next weekend, April 6th, is MoCCa which means it’s about time we told everyone where we will be tabling. Michelle Nunnelly and I will be at D117. Issue 1-3 of VACANT will be there along with posters and other doodads. So come over and say hi!!

[rhysnunnelly]

The new postcards came in today and they look great! I am really excited. These will be available at MoCCa this year. 

[rhysnunnelly]

Okay, so NYCC is coming up in a week, and I figure it was about time to kind of give everyone the run down.  I will be tabling there with a few of my friends including Megan Brennan and Jason Grossman. We will be at booth 2245. 

I will have Issue1-3, The Prologue, and my prints. The prints will include Uncharted 2 fan art, Tali fan art, Vapor, Obsessed, Knee Deep, Boss’n Hayze, and Aex in his winter costume. Crimson Sheets will hopefully be there if things go as planned. If it is, it’s limited edition. I will probably only be printing 10-20 of them total. Also, it’s only showcased at big cons, since I can never get them on the table otherwise. 

Some products are low in stock. If you want Sickness (Tali fan art) or Issue 2 of VACANT, try and come as soon as you can. Reason why I say this is because a lot of people come the second (or in this case the third) day and are disappointed when they can’t buy what they want. I probably won’t print any more of Sickness, so get it while you can. 

Anyway, I think that’s it. Hope I see you guys there! I am going to reblog this in case right before the con starts. 

[rhysnunnelly]

This is the table Michelle and I are going to be at during SPX. B12. Make sure to swing by and say hi next weekend on the 15th!

[rhysnunnelly]

VACANT issue 2 and 3 came in today! They came out so good! Couldn’t be happier. A couple pages came out dark, but overall, it looks wonderful. 

Big thanks to the Kickstarter backers again.  These will also be sold at SPX, MICE, and NYCC. 

[rhysnunnelly]

Well HELLO there.

 Some people wanted to see the banner, so i decided to take a photo. It turned out a little too small, so I have to figure out a better way of attaching it to the bottom.

EDIT:

My room looks very holy. I walk into the room. Music starts playing with oooos and aawws and harp strings.

Hayze: Heather, I am here to inform you that you are dead! I’m sorry, but we must go.