About

My name is Svengali, I have been a comic reader since I was a kid, although not an avid collector until later into my adult life. I thought I would start a blog to share my thoughts on the comics I read, as I read them, as well as other things comic related, like movies, cons, the industry, etc.. As an artist who works in written, digital, photographic and sketch/paint mediums, I thought I would share my own views on various aspects of the books. Sharing what works for me about the stories and the art, what doesn't work for me and what others might or might not enjoy about the works I read.

An important note of mention here; I am not a critic, but rather a reviewer/observer. So what is the difference between a critic and a reviewer? A critic is someone that passes severe judgment; censure; faultfinding about a topic. That is not my intent here. My intent is to share my thoughts and opinions about the comic books I read and the things I view and experience in the comic universe; the good and the bad; the ugly and the beautiful. So with that said, if I believe something is an absolute bomb, I won't hesitate to say so. But on the other end of the spectrum, if I believe something is a simply flawless, I won't hesitate to state that either.

And here's the disclaimer... As with all opinions, they are like armpits; everyone has a couple and the usually stink.

Most people won't agree with the opinions I share here and that's fine by me; I am always open to debate and having my mind changed so start a dialog with me if you think I am way off base.

My favorite literary character is the Incredible Hulk. Yes, that is in all literature I have read, which isn't all encompassing I will admit, but also isn't a small amount. I have identified with the Hulk persona since my early childhood, with the television show. The Hulk character is simple for the most part. He simply wants to be left alone and when that doesn't happen, he seeks to find that peace. Of course shit gets messed up in the process. But that is the way of peace, isn't it? If you want peace, prepare for war. Is that all too difficult to relate to? For me it isn't.

My favorite genre of storytelling is horror, which the Hulk really isn't a part of, but I have always been a fan of horror since watching movies like Carrie, The Shining, Piranha, The Incredible Melting Man, Phantasm and so many others starting at the wise old age of six years old from the backseat of my parents car at the drive-in in the 70s. I was scared out of my mind then, and to this day I am saddened that no modern movie or book has been able to bring that sense of absolute terror to me that I experienced then. But I continue in my pursuit of finding it.

My favorite art style is minimalist, which isn't usually used in horror or comics... go figure.

So with that said, enjoy the reviews, commentary and the rants that I will likely go on from time to time.