It’s a new year here at IHOGeek, and I suppose for the rest of the world. A time for resolutions and reflection on the year past. I know lots of people like discovering new things as a part of their resolutions so here are some things I think you should discover as a part of this brand new 2013. If you are like me, over a month into the new year and I am already letting some things slide. Something I have been fairly consistent on is finding new and interesting web comics that I hope people will find as exciting as I do. Some are new, some are old, but all are geeky in their own way!
Questionable Content – Weird, Sentient Robots, Relationships, Music, Coffee of Doom!…There isn’t much I can say that hasn’t already been said about Jeph Jaques comic in the last 10 years. The story revolves around Martin, a 20 something indie rock lover. His roommate Faye, and all the people that come and go from their lives. While the comic could be described as a relationship or “slice of life” comic, there are so many other themes that Jeph explores that entertains while teaching. Subjects such as gender identity, futurism, transhumanism, artificial intelligence, and sexuality have all been explored in a mature fashion. The art has changed over the years as Jeph perfected his style and continues to improve on awesomeness. I don’t know how to properly convey my love for this comic, so go read it.
Darwin Carmichael is Going to Hell – Karma, Adventure, Gods, Demons, Supernatural beings! I love picking out key words! Seriously though, Darwin Carmichael is Going to Hell is one of those comics that seems to exist solely to surprise me. Sophie Goldstein’s art is complemented by the muted color pallet that colorist Jenn Jordan provides, they share writing responsibilities for a comic that is simultaneously whimsical and provocative. It’s about Hipsters, Angels, and Demi Gods and how they all exist in New York City. The apocalypse is now and Darwin Carmichael is going to hell.
Yellow Peril – Video Games, Exotic Fusion Cuisine, Art, Alt Entertainment! If you haven’t read Yellow Peril you are missing out on a story about crazy creative cuisine, graphic design, shedding the corporate yolk, and Gay Porn! Well, okay, Yellow Peril isn’t just about those things but author and artist Jamie Noguchi combines all these ingredients and many more into a generous helping of fun and insanity. You might recognize Jamie’s art from another web comic he did a short run on, Erfworld. But there is no link to that comic because that is a discussion for another time. Do yourself a favor, do Jamie a favor, go read Yellow Peril, right now!
Snow By Night – Steam Punk, Alternate World French History, Supernatural adventures, Thieves! Snow by Night is my guilty pleasure on this list, not that it is a bad comic. But I have a soft spot in my heart for period fantasy, which is what this comic does spectacularly. Eric Menge and Brittany Michel, give us a world filled with life and color. Where a pair of enterprising thieves, Blaise and Jassart are trying to make their way in life in a city filled with as many twists and turns as an old thriller. Snow by Night updates twice a week with an “almanac” entry for the third part of the week. The almanac entries are my favorite part, they grow the world by leaps and bounds. It gives even more life to something that is already amazing.
The Abbadon – I don’t know I just love it so much! The Abbadon is a mind blowing and boggling trip through…well…death…life…purgatory? I’m going to be honest I have loads of theories about The Abbadon and what author/artist Koren Shadmi is trying to accomplish. But nothing I do or say could properly convey my obsession with this Graphic Novel, which is what in my mind it truly is. Soft lines and muted colors convey the “in between” world that the main character Ter exists in. What’s that song say? “You can check in but you’ll never leave?” The Abbadon will grab hold of you and won’t let go until Koren finishes his last story of this Apartment complex and all of it’s insanity.
Samuel Smith
Staff Writer
@insomniawalking