This weekend we’re beginning a new feature looking at essential indie comics in our Best of ComiXology Submit. We begin by looking at Jason Coffee’s Warhawks #1, Deluge #1-3 from J.D. Oliva, Barkane #1 from Terry McCarthy and The Package by Blake Elliott.

Jason Coffee’s Warhawks #1 (Warhawks Comics)

Jason Coffee’s last wish was to have his voice heard, and as we learnt in our interview with Doug Cohen his friends got together and decided to turn one of his science fiction screenplays into a digital comic. This they have done and Jason Coffee’s Warhawks is now available via ComiXology Submit. Warhawks is a good old fashioned superhero team book, reminiscent of the Avengers, Justice League or even 80s G.I. Joe. This first issue follows the traditional ‘new recruit’ story with the debut of new team member Arsenal, however the major difference between this and other similar stories is that Arsenal is a gigantic clunky looking robot (a bit like a boxy prototype for Robocop’s ED 209) and inside the armour is the brain of Timothy Pendragon, the son of Warhawks resident scientist who has helped his son leave behind his disease ravaged body and become a hero. This first issue sees Arsenal deal with joining the team as well as his feelings for a fellow team member, while the rest of the Warhawks do battle with the evil Maelstrom who include a familiar face from the teams past. If you’re a fan of this kind of book then Todd and Wade Carney’s adaptation of Jason’s screenplay is full of superhero action and bravado and is backed up ably by Joel Gomez who does a solid job of bringing the characters to life in a fun first issue from a very noble project
You can purchase Jason Coffee’s Warhawks #1 from ComiXology for £1.99/$2.99 here

Deluge #1-3 (Infinity Comics)

We’ve been following the journey of J.D. Oliva’s Deluge comic for a couple of years here on the site now and so we’re delighted to finally get to read the story to conclusion thanks to ComiXology Submit. J.D’s story is set in a post-Katrina New Orleans and sees an undercover FBI agent attempting to out run crooked cops while also attempting to do it in a city which is underwater. It’s a really interesting take on the classic ‘undercover cop on the run’ story with the flooded backdrop focusing much of the action of the rooftops rather than the streets of New Orleans. The story is  fleshed out with flashbacks so we learn more about Agent Jarrett Roberts and his alter ego Jamal King, as well as finding out more about the crooked cops who chase him down. Inevitably things go sour and the blood begins to flow and then it is over, all too quickly. With only 3 issues available the story is short, but sweet, and one which we would have loved to see continue for a bit longer as it was a strong idea which was brilliantly realised by writer Oliva with help from artist Richard P. Clark.
You can purchase Deluge #1-3 for £0.69/$0.99 per issue from ComiXology here 

Barkane #1 (Terry McCarthy LLC)

In a prison cell in Ancient Greece 3 prisoners await their fate – a woman, a drunk and a sea captain. As the lightning splits the sky, a ballista bolt crashes through the prison walls and the 3 prisoners make their escape, evading the pursuing guards and surviving a cliff top tumble. The drunk is revealed to be Barkane, a great warrior who has rescued the sea captain to help him on his quest to defeat the King of Carthage, Alexander The Great. Writer Terry McCarthy has a lot of fun creating a modern style action epic set in ancient Greece. The look and feel of Barkane is very contemporary, while the subject matter is rooted in ancient history, and makes for an exciting and action packed first instalment. Not worried about too much exposition in this one, McCarthy goes straight for the action and as such Barkane feels more like a modern buddy movie than another 300 style swords and sandals wannabe. With slick artwork from Deveomedia, Barkane is available as a standalone app as well as a ComiXology edition and so works brilliantly on smartphone and tablets screens.
Barkane #1 is available from ComiXology for £0.69/$0.99

PICK OF THE WEEK

The Package (Blake & Zirritt)

The Package is a good old fashioned, down and dirty, south of the border, crime drama which sees hitman Fred Cuttler sent on a mission to recover an elusive ‘package’ only to get caught up in the revenge plot of a mysterious woman called Paz. As the pair hunt down gang lord Rafi Vega (who killed Paz’s father) she blackmails Fred into taking part with the threat of a bomb sewn into his chest. As you can no doubt guess, Blake Elliot’s script pulls no punches  rachetting the action and excitement up to breaking point with blood, guts, guns and sex by the bucket load. Evoking everything from Breaking Bad and Machete to Scarface and Butch Cassidy it has the air of a 70s exploitation movie or a straight to DVD action movie. Artist Alexis Zirritt gives the whole book a very rough and ready feel with his loose style and thick brushstrokes that gives the book a very chaotic feel – especially when the guns start firing and the blood starts flying – and although it won’t be to everyone’s taste, if you fancy a book with a trashy violent edge and plenty of balls, then The Package is perfect for you. With it’s chaotic climax which sees Fred and Paz apply gothic face paint that makes them look like refuges from a Misfits concert, it gives the book a really strong visual climax and also allows for a truly stunning cover. This is no PG-13 book, this is an NC-17 bloodbath and we loved it!
Download The Package from ComiXology for £1.99/$2.99