Misfits #5 Now Available!

The folks behind The Higher Universe Comics recently branched out into into film-making, which caused me to think that perhaps they were moving away from their comic book projects.

Evidently that's not the case judging from the notice of a new release from that I received from HU by way of Drivethru Comics. The (mis)adventures of the Misfits continue in the fifth issue of the series, available now. Solicitation below.

The Misfits fail miserably trying to capture a super-criminal in the street. 

Later, after finding rival hero Captain Uniteus in a compromising situation, the Misfits expose him in the media. Everything will be fine, as long as Uniteus doesn't come looking for revenge. 

Demonman, meanwhile, is still putting on the charade that he's wealthy in order to impress his girlfriend. But the deception is wearing thin. 

Grindcore and Telex are partying together quite often. On this particular night, at a hero house-party, they get high on mushrooms. It doesn't end well.

The Athenian (and Target Destroyed Comics) Arrives!

I first found out about Nick O'Gorman's The Athenian in May from his deviantart page.  The stated plan at the time was to release it as a webcomic in September and, wouldn't you know it, here it is!

The old gods are returning and a new hero rises! The premier issue of The Athenian introduces the new hero of our age. When the goddess Athena selects a museum curator in contemporary Ottawa as her new champion for justice, the haphazard forces of evil and chaos are in for a fight! But The Athenian will soon realize that ancient forces won't be resigned to simply rest on their laurels. 

Written, illustrated and created by Nicholas O'Gorman 

Dialogue written with Aaron Coons.

The above solicitation is copied from the Target Destroyed Comics website where a digital version of the first issue is available for download. Plans are underway for a print version at some point as well but in the meantime check in with Target Destroyed every Tuesday and Thursday to follow The Athenian's adventures.

Incidentally, if Nick's name seems familiar, it may be from his heavy involvement with the The Misfits book from Higher Universe. Of the four issues of that title available to this point, O'Gorman handled art duties for issues 2-4, and letters and covers for all four.  All four books are available electronically from Higher Universe's website and the first three were added to comixology earlier this year.

The Misfits

MISFITS is the story of a ragtag, disorganized superhero team trying to get its act together. This is proving to be difficult when they spend more time at the bar than they do fighting crime.

Things get even worse for the Misfits when their most powerful member, Demonman, leaves the team to pursue a "regular life."

In this issue Demonman's new job interferes with his first date with a girl he's had a crush on for a long time. He also has problems with his landlord regarding his rent.

Oh yeah - and the Misfits battle a drug-addicted gorilla.

Misfits was produced by an international team of comic book creators.

Writer/Creator Brandon Rhiness and fellow Misfits creator Adam Storoschuk live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

www.thehigheruniverse.com

I don't know what caused me to check for Can-Con when I first spotted the cover for Misfits #1 online.  Perhaps it was the inclusion of beer as a key story aspect that tipped me off to the possibility. ;-)

Reading the book, I'm reminded of the tagline for the movie Shaun of the Dead: "A Romantic Comedy.  With Zombies".  Though it contains its fair share of action, Misfits is primarily a "slice of life" type of book.  With superheroes.  And a zombie, come to think of it.

The story takes place in New Edmonton City (what happened to the original Edmonton??) shortly after Demonman has left the Misfits.  The creator biographies include a mention that the book was originally called "Demonman" and he is without a doubt the primary character. 

This first issue very capably does what it should; set the stage.  We now know what constitutes a standard day for Demonman and The Misfists and what challenges they face in reaching their respective goals.

Demonman tries to get a job, he tries to get the girl, but the aspect of his former team trying to get by without him is interesting as well.  Their difficulties are exacerbated by a local "Super Team" that is far more marketable to the general public than a gathering of beer drinkers and potheads like the Misfits.

Scripts for future issues of the series, and other projects by Higher Universe, are available on their website.  Among those other projects is a seven-part (at least to this point) series about a Misfit member named Grindcore and a solo issue about the previously-mentioned zombie character, and annoying mirror-enthusiast neighbour to Demonman, Elvis Brewer.

But first, the second issue of Misfits should be available sometime in the next few weeks  Here is the solicitation for that book.

The Misfits move into their new home and headquarters and it looks like the place might need some repairs.

A telepath from another planet joins the team and goes on a double date with Demonman.  Things do not go as planned.

The introduction of Telex coming in Misfits #2.

Hey, doesn't that guy look familiar..? ;-)