Roadhouse Sons: Dangerous Gambles
 |
| Roadhouse Sons: Dangerous Gambles, Vol. 1, Pt. 1 |
Welcome back
boppers!! It is my absolute pleasure to present to you all an array of
accolades for this Vigilant Geek’s current favorite independent graphic novel,
my NUMBER ONE indie pick from Boston Comic Con 2014 and current front-runner
for the inaugural “Vigilant Geek Awards: Best Indie Comic Book of 2014,” Roadhouse Sons: Dangerous Gambles. This
brilliant fusion of rock n' roll and espionage is the brainchild of former
professional wrestler and current road manager for the rock band Studebaker
Hawk, (the inspiration behind Roadhouse
Sons), J. H. Sanderson. Based on Sanderson's novel Dangerous
Gambles, Book One of the seven-part series he has been penning about
the Roadhouse Sons, this phenomenal contribution to the graphic novel medium completely
blew me out of the water. With artwork that far surpasses most mainstream
illustration, and an in-depth plot with amazing character development, it
became an immediate addiction to follow the band members through their
dangerous spy caper of murder and corruption.
 |
| Bassist Rich Webster, art by Allison Barrows and Romas Kukalis |
Now,
let’s take a moment to acknowledge the marvelous artwork I just mentioned. Allison
Barrows did an amazing job converting Sanderson’s first novel to the graphic
novel form. Not only can this talented woman be credited with the initial
layout of the graphic novel, but also much of the illustrations. Along with Ms.
Barrows, industry veteran Romas Kukalis was on the creative roster just to
ensure the finest quality artwork imaginable; and it shows! Additionally, readers will have Ms. Alexandra Kukalis to thank for her wonderful work as digital assistant and colorist. Being a renowned New England artist in the oil medium, as well as an extraordinary theatrical makeup artist, she was the go-to lady for all coloring within the publication. I must rave about the coloring of this book as well because it was extremely visually appealing, which made putting the graphic novel down that much harder! It is quite clear that Ms. Kukalis's talent in other media transferred beautifully to the graphic novel arena, and I hope to see more of her work A.S.A.P. All in all, the attention to
detail put into each panel is simply awesome. I really enjoy detailed,
realistic artwork like what these two have showcased in this graphic novel.
It’s the kind of artwork that makes readers feel like a “fly-on-the-wall,”
within the story.
As if the art alone weren’t enough of a reason to read this series, Roadhouse Sons: Dangerous Gambles has one of the most intricate, distinctive and exciting plots I have seen in any independent graphic novel. Have you ever wondered what would have happened if the Cold War went HOT?? Sanderson and friends paint a vivid portrait of what that alternative reality might have been like. In a society where basically every desirable commodity is rationed by the government, (ie. meat, coffee, booze, gasoline etc.), there is little in regards to escapism except to go see live bands play at dingy dive bars. Enter: the Roadhouse Sons, the next big rock and roll sensation, complete with full backing by the U.S. government! How did this happen? In the sneakiest manner possible, the F.B.I. forces the band into a compromising situation in which they must agree to be government operatives!
 |
| Art by Allison Barrows and Romas Kukalis |
As if the art alone weren’t enough of a reason to read this series, Roadhouse Sons: Dangerous Gambles has one of the most intricate, distinctive and exciting plots I have seen in any independent graphic novel. Have you ever wondered what would have happened if the Cold War went HOT?? Sanderson and friends paint a vivid portrait of what that alternative reality might have been like. In a society where basically every desirable commodity is rationed by the government, (ie. meat, coffee, booze, gasoline etc.), there is little in regards to escapism except to go see live bands play at dingy dive bars. Enter: the Roadhouse Sons, the next big rock and roll sensation, complete with full backing by the U.S. government! How did this happen? In the sneakiest manner possible, the F.B.I. forces the band into a compromising situation in which they must agree to be government operatives!
Numerous
trying occurrences during the band’s government employment, such as multiple
poisonings by mysterious suspects, run-ins with a family of communist black
marketeers and an international, geopolitical conspiracy so huge, it might have
been the cause of the Cold War becoming World War III, each band member has
their own intuitions, mental fortitude and will power tested to the max! Pretty
faces lead to the darkest of places, no one is who they seem and blood runs
cold as a result. By the end of Dangerous
Gambles, it is apparent that the band members really have no one to trust;
and that makes for great "edge-of-the-seat" reading!
 |
| As the band gains more fame, they also run into more trouble! Art by Allison Barrows and Romas Kukalis |
Besides
the outstanding artwork and intriguing plot, a third factor that makes this
literary gem a “MUST READ” is the incredible character development throughout
the story. Each band member has a unique look and personality. For instance, the
band’s drummer, Evan Dixon, is also the band’s manager, a family man and the
most level-headed member of the group. Clyde Poulin on the other hand, the
band’s rhythm guitarist and token “pretty boy,” is much more of a risk-taking
loose cannon than anything else. Personalities like this, combined with the
bravery and leadership skills of front man Cameron Walsh, the rugged abrasiveness
of the band’s roadie brawler Doug Courtland and the stoic, introverted nature
of bassist Rich Webster, produces an extremely interesting melting pot of
characters; and that’s just the band! The FBI agents the band are cooperating
with, (Dwyer, McIntyre, D'Lorenzo and Lamont), all have their traits and quirks
as well. The more these characters are forced to interact with one another, the
stronger the character development becomes, and this does not let up for the
duration of the volume!
 |
| Cameron Walsh, Roadhouse Sons "frontman" |
 |
| Clyde Poulin, Roadhouse Sons rhythm guitarist and token "pretty boy." |
 |
| Doug Courtland, Roadhouse Sons "roadie" and resident brawler
With
these key literary and artistic elements in consideration, there is no wonder
why J. H. Sanderson’s Roadhouse Sons:
Dangerous Gambles won “Best Indie Comic of Boston Comic Con 2014.” Sanderson,
Barrows, Romas and the rest of the “Roadhouse Productions” creative and
production teams have clearly mastered the art of graphic novel storytelling by
incorporating top shelf artwork, amazing character development and the most
intricate and gripping plot I have witnessed in years. If you’re a fan of indie
comics, the graphic novel medium as a whole, fantastic artwork or even classic
rock n’ roll, this publication is without a doubt a “MUST READ” for you!!
|
**A special thanks to Roadhouse
producer Mia Moravis for her diligent coordination with me throughout the past few months.
J. H. Sanderson: Creator
Allison Barrows: Writer /
Layouts / Illustration
Romas: Artist / Cover Art
Alexandra Kukalis: Digital
Assistant
Mia Moravis: Producer
PUBLISHED BY: COMPACT
*** To obtain your copies of Roadhouse Sons: Dangerous Gambles, visit the official website @ www.roadhousesons.com
No comments:
Post a Comment