Review: Train 8: The Zombie Express #2 by Graphic Policy

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October 21, 2018 by pharoahmiles

Train 8: The Zombie Express #2 (of 3)

“Nowhere To Run” was one of my favorite songs from Motown. I would hear the song in my parents’ house growing up ever so often and instantly get transported to another time and place. The voices of Martha and the Vandellas made that song soar and I can even hear it now. It brings back happy memories. It wasn’t until I saw the song play in a certain video that it gave me perspective.

It was used in NWA’s “100 Miles and Runnin,” and in that context was used to illustrate what the group was trying to convey. Since then, I wished that it was used more in horror movies. The irony of the lyrics combined with the situation would make for a perfect scene. In the second issue of Train 8: The Zombie Express, the unaffected passengers must find a way both survive and save humanity.

We catch up with the passengers as the train passes through the Idaho mountains and as Conductor Johnson looks for any life beyond the passenger cab he inhabits. As Tyler and the last of the unaffected passengers make their way through the train, they find the carnage left by those who are infected. We also find out that greater powers have their hands in what is going on and they try their best to contain the virus. By issue’s end, the remaining passengers find an empty cab and temporary refuge while one of them is trapped in a cabin full of primordials.

Overall, a nail biter of an issue which leaves you on the edge of your seat. The story by the creative team is action packed, well told, and smart. The art by the creative team complements the story well. Altogether, an exciting issue that sets up what looks to more than satisfy fans.

Story: Marysol Levant, Brian Phillipson, David Stephan
Art: Alex Cormack, Ashley Cormack
Story: 9.6 Art: 9.3 Overall: 9.6 Recommendation: Buy

Weed Magic No.3

Coming to comic book stores April 20, 2019...

Weed Magic No.3

Forbes: Weed Magic Lights Up New York Comic Con

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Weed Magic Lights Up New York Comic Con

Sara Brittany Somerset Contributor Vices

I cover marijuana, global affairs and the intersection of the two.

Weed Magic Comic BookAlex Cormack

Comic-Con is in full swing at the Jacob K. Javitz convention center in New York City. Thousands of cosplayers and collectors alike are delightedly consuming a new comic book series called Weed Magic.

To be blunt, not since Kevin Smith's cult classic Bluntman and Chronic published by Oni Press in 2001, has there been another comic book about the unique superpowers unleashed by a mystical, magical super strain of cannabis before. Independent producer and publisher of original comic books and graphic novels Bliss on Tap, will surely resonate with tokers, with their latest illustrated creation.

Weed Magic is a fun tale of two best buds looking for kush on the most celebrated day of the year for recreational marijuana users globally — 4/20.

However, when these two best friends in need of a buzz wait too long to purchase herb, they subsequently discover the all the dispensaries in the city are sold out! They must decide what price they are truly willing to pay for a bag of magical trees.

Written by Brian Phillipson and Jordan Lichtman with art by Alex Cormack, Weed Magic debuted at Comic-Con for the cheeky, suggested retail price of $4.20.

When asked at his booth, if he feels his subject manner is inappropriately exposed to children, Phillipson points to the booth across from his, displaying a life-size depiction of a half-naked woman and says, "not any more than that." 

“We have been life-long comic book fans and it was a joint decision to write a comic that weed [sic] like to see in stores,” said Jordan Lichtman, who daylights as assistant general counsel for a Hollywood studio.

Green Market Report: Weed Magic is The Only Cannabis Comic Book at NYCC

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New York Comic Con features only the hottest pop culture characters. With cannabis becoming legalized in over 30 states, one would think that there would be more cannabis references in comic books. However, it remains a taboo to have cannabis in a comic book.

Some people may think that comic books are only for kids and thus, cannabis shouldn’t be featured. But there are numerous adult level comics that feature scantily clad women and most of the attendees at NYCC are adults, so it really isn’t just for children.

Weed Magicis published by Bliss on Tap publishing. The company President Brian Phillipson said he had been kicking around the idea for years and always assumed someone else would do it, but they never did. “Stoners like reading comic books, but they had no heros and no books for them,” he said. So he decided to break the taboo and publish his own.

The story is as follow: It’s 4/20 and two lovable stoners – Moe and his best friend Bunny – find themselves (and the whole city) completely dry.
When local vagabond My$tic gifts the boys a strange and exotic strain of cannabis (along with a cryptic warning), Moe and Bunny soon discover that this “magic” weed provides potent yet fleeting super-human powers of body and mind.
The love child of “Pineapple Express” and “The Greatest American Hero,” Weed Magic will delight the sober and stoned alike.  Red Eyes.  Full Bong.  Can’t Lose.

History
There have been stoner comics in the past. The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers came out at the end of the 1960’s. It was created by Gilbert Sheldon and the characters were based on hippies from Sa Francisco. It spawned famous catchphrases like, “Dope will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no dope.”—Freewheelin’ Franklin.
Director Kevin Smith issued a short-lived comic called Bluntman and Chronic published by Oni Press in Oregon. According to Wikipedia, “In the first issue, after encountering several comic book references, Jay and Silent Bob win the lottery and decide to become superheroes. After Bob handles most of the gadget work, the two don the names Bluntman and Chronic.” The comic was featured in the film Chasing Amy.

See you in New York? We'll be at booth 1730!

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‘Train 8: The Zombie Express #2’ - Comic Book Review by Fanbase Press

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Written by  Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief

Cover of Zombie Express #2

Last month, publisher Bliss on Tap continued its high-speed zombie comic book series with the release of Train 8: The Zombie Express #2, picking up right where it left off on a rollercoaster ride of terror.  As part of a three-issue series, the second installment maintained a palpable tension throughout, leaving readers worried as to when a flesh-eating walker might appear from around the next corner.

For those who may have missed the first issue, Train 8 is a series written by David Stephan and Marysol Levant and with artwork by Alex Cormack.  Following a virus outbreak on the well-known Train 8 (which travels the rail line from Seattle to Chicago), the passengers and crew have quickly dwindled in numbers due to those affected by the virus . . . and their subsequent hunger for flesh.  To make matters worse, the train is speeding out of control with no one at its helm, putting the remaining survivors on board with little hope for salvation.  With little-to-no information as to what is happening to their fellow passengers or whether help is on the way, the survivors band together in Issue #2 in an attempt to stop the train and escape the slaughter.

As with the first issue, writers Stephan and Levant maintained a commendable level of tension and suspense throughout the story which is no easy feat in the sequential art medium.  In other visual mediums like film and TV, external effects like music cues and lighting changes can greatly benefit the storyteller in increasing the anxiety of viewers as to what may happen next.  In the case of Train 8, I have been consistently in awe of the creators' ability to ratchet up the stakes in each subsequent panel, unsure of what may occur (to the benefit or detriment of the characters). Likewise, artist Cormack's portrayal of the beleaguered passengers, fraught with peril, shines through his dark and dreary palette that equally symbolizes their chances of survival. 

If there is any minor quibble, it is simply this:  With the full awareness that this property is being developed into a full-length motion picture, some of the captions listed within the text read more like stage directions from a screenplay rather than essential text that would assist the reader.  While the text did not detract from the story nor the tension of the action, it was perhaps unnecessary in the grander scheme of things.

This reviewer is very much looking forward to the third and final issue of the Train 8: The Zombie Express saga!  Be sure to pick up your copies of Issues #1 and #2 at your local comic book store.


Creative Team: David Stephan (writer), Marysol Levant (writer), Brian Phillipson (additional writing), Alex Cormack (artist/colorist), Ashley Cormack (colorist), Alex Murillo (letterer)
Publisher: Bliss on Tap Publishing
Click here to purchase.

The Little Book of Puppet Sutra

Just some NSFW Puppet Sutra for your Friday afternoon. Here are samples from the book we helped out on for The Happytime Murders movie.  Get your very own copy at the InkHole pop-up in Hollywood this weekend! #blissontap #happytimemurders #puppetsutra #makecomics #comics #stxentertainment

Uglydolls - 2018 San Diego Comic Con Exclusive by Bliss on Tap

San Diego Comic Con - Bliss on Tap booth 5533

It's that time of year again (already)!  If you're down in San Diego for the Con, swing by our booth #5533 in the Independent Press Pavilion (red carpet area) and check out all the latest comics.

Train 8: The Zombie Express issue 2 is now available to order at your local comic book store

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TRAIN 8: THE ZOMBIE EXPRESS ISSUE #2

 

MAY181462

(W) Brian Phillipson, David Stephan, Marysol Levant (A/CA) Alex Cormack

Train 8 speeds through the wilds of northern Idaho, barreling through its scheduled stops. Confused and panicked, a group of surviving passengers have barricaded themselves into the last Observation Car. Unable to contact the Engine cab, the Train Conductor plans to lead a volunteer group to the front of the Train. If they can stop the Train, they will survive this nightmare ...or so they think.

In Shops: Jul 04, 2018

SRP: $4.99