I’ve followed Antarctic’s progression over the years and I
am constantly amazed how it is ahead of the curve when it comes to publishing
comic books.
For example: Zombies-Antarctic did them first, American
Manga: ditto, exclusive creators: likewise-the list goes on and on.
It says a lot about a company and its founding father when
top tier talent stay loyal to it over the years. Granted some have done additional work for
the ‘Big 2’ but they still stay loyal to Antarctic and turn out some the best
independent creator owned properties in the business.
While Ben Dunn is the proprietor of Antarctic Press he is
also a talented artist and writer.
Paper Dreams: The Collected Art of Ben Dunn is a small square
bound, paperback book containing not only Ben’s Antarctic work but a plethora
of other projects and non-Antarctic comic book characters as envisioned by Ben.
It’s a remarkable collection of art from a true industry
professional.
One of Antarctic Press’s longtime artists is Ron
Espinosa. Known for his incredible
detailed drawings, Ron is a true workhorse turning out story after story in all
genres. He continually amazes me with
his talent. Is there nothing he cannot
draw and draw well?
Gorgeous women? No problem.
Complex machinery? Piece of cake. Grand
vistas and towering architecture? A walk
in the park.
Recently Rod turned out four #1 issues all of them related
to Steampunk.
Steampunk Halloween finds the shipwrecked crew of a royal
ship on a deserted island. After a
run-in with its mutinous crew the surviving officers and royalty discover, to
their dismay, that it’s not just the mutineers they need to worry about-can
someone say the undead!?
Steampunk Red Riding Hood turns the fairy tale on its ear as
Granny is transformed into a werewolf hunting techno-head, Red Riding Hood her
Steampunk enhanced warrior and the wolves into Werewolf gangs that bully and
blackmail the human population.
Eventually the two opposing sides unite against a common
foe.
Steampunk Cinderella offers a new twist on happy ever after
where Cinderella has a talent for technology, the Fairy God Mother is replaced
by the ghost of her father and while she winds up not getting the prince she
wanted she still gets the ‘royal’ treatment.
Steampunk Corsairs finds the amorous female crew of a Victorian
submarine plundering the treasure of the Spanish armada and stealing a valuable
map to the mystical land of Europa. Look
for a lot of chills, spills, thrills and frills of the scantily clad Corsairs.
All of Rod Espinosa’s titles are pure delights to read and
look over again and again. Is it any
wonder he has been nominated for an Eisner Award?
Victorian Secret Girls of Steampunk Masquerade 2013 showcases
the beautiful art of longtime Antarctic collaborator Brian Denham. If you like looking at Victorian Steampunk
beauties then this is the book for you and check out the Airship Enterprise.
