I was asked to review a new and independent comic book series set during the American Revolutionary War period called "Pistolfist". The author, JS Earls, sent along some information:

BLACKFIVE,

My name is J.S. Earls and, first and foremost, I am incredibly thankful for all our soldiers who truly lay their life on the line for their loved ones and millions of other Americans they'll never meet and -- honestly -- I'm ashamed of the way we carelessly abuse our freedoms and/or play political games with their lives. They deserve a LOT more honor and a lot LESS criticism.

That said, I am also a professional Writer and one of my more recent projects is a comic-book set in the American Revolutionary War. It is essentially the saga of a masked, runaway slave (fictional brother of Boston Massacre martyr Crispus Attucks - "the first to defy, the first to die") whose struggle changes from wanting revenge against the Redcoats to fighting for freedom with the Colonists.

The other stars are Benjamin Franklin, his daughter Sally, his loyalist son William, his friend/double-agent spy Edward Bancroft, founding fathers Richard Stockton and Benjamin Rush, the infamous Benedict Arnold, as well as Ethan Allen, the Green Mountain Boys and many, many more...

Since I know next to nothing about comics (although I know that "Joe" loves his comics), I asked an expert about Pistolfist. Below is the take of an Active Duty soldier and OIF vet, "Sapper", on Pistolfist. Hope you enjoy it.

Blackfive

B5,

I read the first 3 issues of the comic and here are my thoughts...

First, as an avid comic book fan for over 20 years, I do have a tendency to favor independent comic creators. As you already know it takes a lot of effort and money to get something actually published. So here goes:

Pros:

1. The quality of the final project: This book was proffesionally done. It looks as good as any mainstream Marvel or DC.
2. The cover artist is phenominal. His art is on par with any major publisher and he can draw photo realistic. I'm impressed. The covers alone are enough to draw you in. Here's his website:

http://www.artpusher.net/comics.htm

3. Interior art: The interior art is very clean, and in many ways draws inspiration from many of the popular contemporary artists. He is a mix of John Cassaday, Frank Quietly, and to some degree post Spider-Man Todd McFarlane. Very popular style.
4. Historical accuracy: I really appreaciate that he is incorporating real history into the story. And I really like the fact and fiction page at the end. If a kid reads this, it might get him interested in American history...which we can all appreciate. Cool touch.
5. Plot: The plot is well paced and leaves you with daring enough cliff-hangers. I actually read the next two issues because I wanted to find out what happened. WOWIO only lets me download 3 books a day, so I have to wait until tomorrow to read issue 4.
6. Character design: Cool character costume. I like the mask, and I like the concept of the archaic cyborg with almost crude mechanical parts. Visually very cool.

Cons:

1. Story development: I tend to prefer character driven stories. This is definitely plot driven. Everything happens due to fate and preconceived plot twists.
2. There is a disconnect between the story and the interior art. The story is a dark classic science fiction ala HG Wells, but the art is modern art driven comics that we often see published by Top Cow. The art is good, but I think it doesn't match. I think the interior cover artist would be a better pick.
3. Dialogue: The attempt at the historical vernacular comes off as very cheesy. "Trollop"...enough said. Maybe some Nathaniel Hawthorne is in order to discover how people really spoke in the 18th century.
4. Ben Franklin: He looks like a disgusting blob. I get that he is fat, but does he really need to look like Jabba the Hut?

Overall, very impressive effort by both writer and artist. I think Soldiers looking for a quick, entertaining read would like it. Cool story, good art. I wouldn't be surprised if either the artist and writer eventually get picked up by a bigger publishing company such as Top Cow or even the DC imprint of Wildstorm.

I sent it to a couple of Soldiers to get their opinions. I'll let you know what they think.

Respectfully,

Sapper

So, you can now order Pistolfist this month for it's first release on July 4th. Here's the trailer (great sound, too) and at the end is the info to order (you can order from your local store, too):

Bill Ardolino of the Long War Journal is still taking a first hand look at the elements of progress in Iraq. This photo essay has him patrolling one of Baghdad's biggest markets w/ the Sons of Iraq.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Justin Sherman, assigned to the "Saberhawks" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light 47 is hoisted back into an SH-60B Seahawk during an air power demonstration by ships and aircraft assigned to Abraham Lincoln Strike Group. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and Carrier Strike Group 9 are on a scheduled seven-month deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. Date Taken: April 22nd, 2008. Location: PACIFIC OCEAN, Photographer: Petty Officer 3rd Class James Evans, Navy Visual News Service.