It’s the day after Christmas and I am sitting here in my very hot room(two heaters) getting ready to reread and write about the anthologies I’ve received this year. Because I have fourteen different collections to go through I will be splitting them into two lists of seven. Some of these anthologies came out this year; others were released many years ago. The genre and connecting themes are all over the place from hair to horror to Irish mythology! But I’ve typed enough of this intro and this sugar is starting to kick in so let’s get started!
Roseblood Manor #2
Roseblood Manor #2 is a collection of horror stories centered on an ever-changing building. The theme and location for this installment is an insane asylum and it features three stories that may make you queasy. Sometimes the horror here is straightforward, other times it is more otherworldly. There is plenty of blood and gore with palpable terror and characters who find themselves in unfortunate situations. The art is usually much brighter than the story which is a juxtaposition that makes everything much more creepy.
“Which story was your favorite?”
The New Hire and Smooth Walls.
“Which story had your favorite art?”
The New Hire and Depraved.
“How many stories are there?”
Four, The framing story is 13 pages long while the others are 7-8 pages in length.
“All those stories, can I get one quote?”
“Is everything still smooth today?”
“Crazy for trying?”
And crazy for crying.
Physical Link: https://badbugmedia.com/product/roseblood-manor-2-ignacio-noe/
Kickstarter Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/williamtener/roseblood-manor-2-a-horror-anthology-series/description
Hairology
Hairology is a collection of stories about hair and how people embrace it, from styles that build self-worth to colors that showcase their identity. Some of these tales are simply life stories with art while others bring us to fantasy lands and give us a lesson we can take home. While all of these stories have a feel-good or wholesome ending some of them get deep and may tug at your heartstrings. There is nothing gory or bloody here. The art is extremely varied from the cartoonish to the seriously stylized.
“Which story was your favorite?”
I Was a Teenage Werewolf, Conditioned, Silent Suffering, Hair Wars.
“Which story had your favorite art?”
Gordian Cuts, Conditioned, The Night of the Wasps.
“How many stories are there?”
Twelve stories ranging from 3-6 pages; most of them are either four or six.
“All those stories, can I get one quote?”
“And the monetary cost for upkeep…will be astounding.”
“What hairstyle are you rocking?”
My hairline took a step back so now I’m bald.
Physical Link: https://lifelinecomics.com/products/hairology-1-ringo-nominated-anthology
Kickstarter Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/comicuno/hairology-a-celebration-of-all-hair-types/description
Switchblade Stories Super Special #1
Switchblade Stories Super Special #1 is a set of stories that place in the world of Switchblade Stories, with some of them having some relevance to the already established plot. These tales are sexy, gritty, and violent with plenty of blood and some death. The primary vibe is 1950-60’s lesbian gang life with all the roughness and danger that entails. Happy endings are relative and rare in this comic book. The art is pulpy and made to seem aged with crinkles and stains on the page; this makes it feel like you grabbed this comic out of your grandmother’s attic. There are even some pinups and small stories scattered throughout.
“Which story was your favorite?”
Her Name On You, The Promise, Wild Honey, The Sweetheart.
“Which story had your favorite art?”
Her Name On You.
“How many stories are there?”
Eight stories 4-5 pages long.
“All those stories, can I get one quote?”
“What do you mean? That was a lousy shot.”
“Do you even own a switchblade?”
Nah just a pocketknife.
Kickstarter Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/managementproject/switchblade-stories-super-special-1/description
Punkdroid
Punkdroid is a collection of stories involving robots and other advanced technology. While the genre might differ the theme is usually dystopian with people feeling the ramifications of too much automation. Some of these tales take place in our modern world, others in the far off future, and more than a few of these are very cyberpunk. The plots can be unsettling with some of them having conclusions that serve as a lesson to us now. There is some blood and death but not really any gore. The art usually matches the story so if it looks bleak and dreary you’d better strap in.
“Which story was your favorite?”
SS Shield 43, The Hawking Project, Hunger, What A Wonderful World.
“Which story had your favorite art?”
Neon Princess X.
“How many stories are there?”
Thirteen, ranging from 6-10 pages.
“All those stories, can I get one quote?”
“Getting caught doing the things I like to do…”
“Is Star Wars dystopian?”
That depends on where you are in the galaxy.
Kickstarter Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/christiandouglas/punkdroid/description
Roseblood Manor #3
Roseblood Manor #3 is yet another installment in this lengthy series that blends an overarching story with an anthology. This time around the story begins in the Roseblood Saloon which is in an eerie Western town full of strange people. There are themes of justice and revenge here with some very gruesome and bloody moments throughout. The violence here is common for both the Western and horror genres with more than a few unsettling moments. There is some sex and nudity. The art here is all-around very detailed and it might curl your toes.
“Which story was your favorite?”
The framing story and the first story.
“Which story had your favorite art?”
The first story.
“How many stories are there?”
Four including the framing story, ranging from 8-12 pages.
“All those stories, can I get one quote?”
“How long we been doin this and you still don’t trust me?”
“Did your mom let you grow up to be a cowboy?”
She did not.
Purchase Link: https://badbugmedia.com/product/roseblood-manor-3-zheanhmeart/
Kickstarter Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/williamtener/roseblood-manor-3-a-horror-anthology-comic-series/description
Gritt Grimstone: Tales From a Far Out Future
Gritt Grimstone: Tales From a Far Out Future is a set of stories taking place in a world with space travel, aliens, and advanced technology. The framing device for this story is an old Gritt Grimstone recounting moments in his life to a young boy. This science fiction collection seems to be inspired by shows like Star Trek with a dreadful combination of humor and terror. This story is in black-and-white so the art is very detailed.
“Which story was your favorite?”
My Way Or The Space Way and My Way Out
“Which story had your favorite art?”
1,2,3…3, 2, 1 and My Way Out.
“How many stories are there?”
5 including the framing story and they range from 6-10 pages.
“All those stories, can I get one quote?”
“Gee, this old guy has lost his marbles…”
“Favorite Star Trek movie?”
I’ve only seen the first one of the Chris Pine joints, I prefer Star Wars.
Purchase Link: https://www.drivethrucomics.com/product/425354/Gritt-Grimstone-Tales-From-A-Far-Out-Future
Kickstarter Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/snowyworks/gritt-grimstone-tales-from-a-far-out-future/description
Turning Roads
Turning Roads contains stories based on Irish folklore from fairies to leprechauns. The theme of each individual story varies greatly from romance to horror to cautionary tales. We have wholesome and heartwarming yarns right next to unfortunate situations brought on by hubris. Though a few of them use the same legends the overall range myths is pretty wide. There are all types of art here from the serious to the kind that makes your eyes smile.
“Which story was your favorite?”
Dusk and Dreaded Night, Mythic Miners, and The Púca and the Leprechaun.
“Which story had your favorite art?”
The Selkie and The Banshee(Two different stories).
“How many stories are there?”
Eighteen, all four pages long.
“All those stories, can I get one quote?”
“Now tell me Ferne, was it worth it? Was he worth it?”
“You gonna go to Ireland?”
Maybe in the future.
Physical Link: https://limitbreak.gumroad.com/l/ccIzuX?layout=profile
Digital Link: https://limitbreak.gumroad.com/l/BGKzR?layout=profile
Kickstarter Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/paulcarroll/turning-roads-an-irish-folklore-comic-anthology/description
If you want to read Part 2, click here: Crowdfund Comic Anthologies I’ve Read in 2023 Part 2
