Spinner Rack Comics 2012
Written by Tom Stillwell
Illustrated by Jim Terry
Coloured by Rachelle Rosenberg
Lettered by Jason Arthur
We found out the real cause of the Great Chicago Fire. Joe took Terry to the sewer city of the homeless Lower Chicago and was introduced to Irv the Troll. Joe and his Keepers prepared to embark on a mission to rescue children from the clutches of a Troll Horde. Meanwhile, we found out just what kind of “work” the trolls have been doing to the gang the Czars.
This has been one heck of an entertaining story. Many major cities throughout the world have long forgotten underground cities. Through wars or natural disasters cities have been built up on top of previous ones or underground railway projects stopped, never completed or whatnot have left places for those disenfranchised with society to live, grow and be their own society. This one here has another purpose as well, they serve to protect the city from the Trolls. Those creatures who come from another dimension/world and seek to feed upon our citizens. It’s wildly unique and original and Tom’s writing so far has been engaging, fascinating and very well done.
I like the opening for this issue, as Terry pester’s Joe about his first troll kill, Joe remembers back to that time. It’s always interesting isn’t it to think that the older generations don’t understand modern times or ways. Dismissing their experiences or beliefs as being old fashioned or superstition as a way to justify your beliefs having drifted from those of your people. I said earlier Tom’s writing was impressive and seeing thinking what I do it’s not hard to see why his stories are so impactful. Still his first troll kill changed his life forever and maybe one day we’ll get a closer look at that.
So while the trolls have the children and we have an inkling of an idea what their purpose will serve what we do learn this issue was great. There are more to these trolls than simply eating humans and establishing a stronghold to rule this world. Okay more depth to the “bad guys” who only want to thrive and survive on this world. I can get behind that, plus their actions really do make for a great cause and effect for their destruction and why we need protectors.
It seems with each issue I read Jim’s interiors just get better and better. His eye for how the story needs to flow through pages and panels is great. The use of backgrounds, facial expressions, angles and perspective are all on point. The people have their own unique individual look making them easy to identify and the Trolls yeah they have that nasty fearsome visage to them that makes them great villains.
Self-published books like this are the reason I love going to conventions. I meet the creators, get their books and see the level of passion and commitment that you don’t get from the biggest companies. Not to mention the story is just so darn compelling! So find them at conventions or through Comixology or even these at Spinnerrackcomics.com and discover the other side of great storytelling.