Back in February I plugged my friend Steve’s comic book. Unfortunately, the publisher went under after the first issue hit the shelves.
If you missed the first issue, don’t fret. Athena Voltaire is back and with Ape Entertainment which has a great slogan, “Two opposable thumbs up!” Catchy. Once again, the great people at Dragon’s Lair have recommended the title. When I was there yesterday to pick up my usual stuff (a story for another day), I immediately called Steve to let him know DL gave their approval and his book was proudly displayed at the checkout counter. That’s prime retail real estate he’s sharing with the latest issue of Justice helmed by the famous Alex Ross (artist who paints the DC heroes) and something authored by Grant Morrison (one of the two key writers behind the creation of DC’s Vertigo line). How awesome. Shortly after his birthday, I think Steve is on his way to bigger and better things.
What’s it about again? It’s the Pulp adventures of a Athena Voltaire who is part Shadow, part Indiana Jones and a tad of AEon Flux. Since she has to fight the Nazis, let’s throw in a sprinkle of Hellboy too! It still has those great endorsements from legitimate peers and an Wil Eisner nomination, The Oscars® of comics but with credibility, I don’t recall a Marisa Tomei-equivalent winning a key award. Anyway, if you’ve seen the last first issue, half the material is repeated yet the other half is new, continuing the story while setting up the second issue which will happen.
I will also do this on behalf of my friend of 15 years. Should you buy this comic and I actually know you [(ikely, if you’re reading this site) but you hate it, I will refund your money or trade you something equivalent for it.
Meanwhile, check it out and let Steve know what you think. There’s probably a way to contact him directly or indirectly through Ape Entertainment.