Cracking open a new anthology always brings me joy. Reading it might change all that but the first time I open that PDF(usually) I am at peace. I said that I was going to update my anthology list throughout the year and here I am trying and failing to do so. I’ve also had to wait until June to even wrangle up the ideal minimum of five issues for this article! Please enjoy reading this list about these anthologies that I’ve read!
Tales of the Frog Knight #1
Tales of the Frog Knight is a sort of anthological comic about a frog who is a knight and it takes place in a medieval setting with many different anthropomorphic animals like foxes and owls. I was debating whether or not to put this here or review it proper but seeing as how there are six stories with varied themes I felt it would fit better on this list. Some of these tales are heartwarming but most are violent which stands out more against the cartoonish art. The art here reminds me of what you’d find in children’s books which makes every scene have a bit more impact. There is blood and lightly gory moments.
“Which story was your favorite?”
Ashes and Silence.
“Which story had your favorite art?”
They all have the same art and it is delightful to look at.
“How many stories are there?”
Six, all of them are five pages long except for one that is seven.
“All those stories, can I get one quote?”
“You are unfit to wear the crest!”
“Did this make you cry?”
No, but I thought about it.
Kickstarter Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/armandbodnar/tales-of-the-frog-knight-issue-1/description
Tales From Kerra Prime
Tales From Kerra Prime is an anthology of stories that take place on our Earth, which has altered people, aliens, and many random wormholes. The United States in this world is fractured due to conflict and looks much different with it being a post-apocalyptic environment east of the Mississippi River called the Dead East. The stories here tend to be violent with themes of revolt, struggle, and hope. There is some heavy gore, blood, death, and gruesome attacks. The art varies heavily but it tends to have a modern style with a good dose of grit. I bought this comic from the creator Bryan SilverbaX at the Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo 2024.
“Which story was your favorite?”
Time Heals All Wounds.
“Which story had your favorite art?”
Edge of the Dead East.
“How many stories are there?”
Nineteen, all five pages long except for three that are six pages long.
“All those stories, can I get one quote?”
“Honestly they could learn a thing or two from me.”
“Could you survive on Kerra Prime?”
If I don’t have useful superpowers the answer is no.
Kickstarter Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/silverbax/tales-from-kerra-prime-volume-1/description
Unboxing Link: https://youtu.be/AF7Ws_ItIgk
Archetypes #1
Archetypes #1 is a magazine that was made for those who create or aspire to. The comics are here to entertain but the articles will help you with your writing, media kits, and give you tips on creating a character for a TTRPG! There is even an interview with Oneshi Press! The comics are all supernatural but showcase in different ways from the eerie to the clear-as-day. They can get bloody with some gore and feature a decent amount of violence. The art goes from modern to a smoother and sharper retro look with all these comics having distinct color palettes.
“Which story was your favorite?”
The article entitled “Writing Tools #1” and the comic “Beneath the Lighthouse”.
“Which story had your favorite art?”
Ace Falcon.
“How many stories are there?”
Four articles that are two pages each, three full comics that are either five or eight pages long and a two page preview of another comic.
“All those stories, can I get one quote?”
“I came here hunting vampires, friend.”
“Was this magazine helpful at all?”
I will definitely be putting some of those writing tips to use.
Kickstarter Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/joeygalvez1984/archetypes-1-an-independent-geek-culture-magazine/description
Unboxing Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKX_rabZO9A
Boxes Volume 1
Boxes Volume 1 is a magazine with a couple articles and a bunch of comics. The subject matter here leans towards being thought-provoking and introspective. We have metaphorical stories, informative tales, and abstract narratives. There is some violence here but for the most part it is off-screen. Blood is shown and there is light gore. The art here is overall cartoonish and is split between being multi-colored or not.
“Which story was your favorite?”
The article “The Golden Age Girls” and the comic The Travels of Captain Ishmael, all four parts.
“Which story had your favorite art?”
Overflowing.
“How many stories are there?”
Two four-page articles and fourteen comics, ranging from 2-8 pages each.
“All those stories, can I get one quote?”
“Now, let’s discuss why that’s a terrible idea.”
“Do you know your way around boxes?”
I’ve moved a lot so I’m basically an expert.
Physical Link: https://thirdbearpress.com/shop/p/boxes-1-summer-2023
Digital Link: https://thirdbearpress.com/pdfs/p/boxes-comic-magazine-01-summer-2023-pdf
Kickstarter Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thirdbearpress/boxes-1/description
Don’t Push The Red Button
Don’t Push The Red Button is an anthology based on the premise introduced in the short story “Button, Button” by Richard Matheson. The premise is that if you push this button you will make x amount of money, but someone will die at random. Some of these stories take this on straightforward while others put their own spin on it. There is a decent amount of violence here with blood and gore with some gruesome moments. There is also some nudity. The art here varies heavily with a majority modern styles and black-and-white coloring with splashes of red.
“Which story was your favorite?”
The Ex-Wives of Marshall Tanner and For Whom the Button Presses.
“Which story had your favorite art?”
A Professional Opinion.
“How many stories are there?”
Eleven, ranging from 6-9 pages, with most being eight.
“All those stories, can I get one quote?”
“You’re not the first, nor the last one to receive this offer. You’ll come around eventually.”
“Would you push the button?”
Probably not. What I lack in money I make up for in morals.
Kickstarter Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/geekcollective/dont-push-the-red-button-a-100-page-anthology/description
If you want to read Part 2, click here: https://thepointofclicking.com/crowdfund-comic-anthologies-ive-read-in-2024-part-2/
