Bradley Walton
Via Internet
Congratulations, Black Mist #2 is
very good. I especially like the strong emphasis on character. This is an ambitious,
complex, and philosophical story.
Mike’s art is fantastic. I’m so impressed with the guy. I ran
across a copy of Dr. Faustus recently, and I thought his art in that was something,
but this is actually better.
And thanks for the extra few pages. For $2.95, I expect 24 pages of
story and art. When I spend $2.95 and get less than that, I get kind of irritated, unless
the comic was EXTREMELY good. But it’s great to get more, especially in something
that was a good read to begin with.
Paul Dale Roberts
Peoples’ Comic Book Newsletter Reviewer, Comic Book Net Electronic Magazine
Black Mist #2 shows that issue #1 wasn’t
a fluke. Another outstanding story that laid me out on the floor! How frightening as this
lowest of scum, the drug dealer, is confronted by Lonnie. Sure, I was yelling out some
hoorays, but Lonnie’s appearance from the shadows, was darn right scary! This is one
woman I wouldn’t want to get on her bad side. The interactions at Raven, Inc. flowed
like a well-made movie. I sat back and took it all in. Dale is sort of a "stand
offish" kind of guy as he hits his books and rather not socialize with too many
people. Dale is a man with vast knowledge and is very beneficial to the team. I was
surprised to see that he was studying on porpoise communication to add to his collection
of languages. I see he stops at nothing. Dr. Doolittle watch out! He probably knows every
American Indian language, too. Adam seeks out the bottom line and cuts to the chase.
Someone like this, is not a time waster. Another part of this story that saddened me was
seeing Adam breaking down. He tries to keep his emotions in check, but this time things
got too overwhelming for him. Now to Raven. Raven doesn’t let anything go past him
and is staying on top of things with Lonnie’s missing body.
The mentioning of the 1914 helmet that housed a powerful entity was
interesting, but things got even more interesting as the Cult of Thugee was mentioned.
Yes, I heard of them, but didn’t know all the facts. I knew they were assassins from
India, but didn’t realize they were actually a cult. 2 million sacrifices to Kali is
incredible. It’s hard to believe that something like this could occur. Just like when
I went to see the movie "Killing Fields", it was hard for me to fathom that
something like this could actually happen, but it did. This story really shows the dark
side of humanity.
Just as fascinating was the origin of Christian Allan. His otherworldly
power led to his torturous demise. A death by burning. How tragic. Lonnie is really going
through a mental ordeal as she seeks to know herself and what she has become. She is
horrified as she deals with the knife wielder. She can’t help but question her
motives as this is a traumatic experience she is going through. I, too, agree that Raven,
Inc. is the parallel of X-Files, but, another organization that they remind me of is the
O.S.I.R. (Office of Scientific Investigation and Research). A real organization that
studies the paranormal and is depicted on the TV show called "Psi-Factor".
And just when I thought I saw everything in this story, then the Black
Mist comes from Lonnie’s body and the biblical term… "seek and ye shall
find" will take the readers on a roller coaster ride that will leave goosebumps down
our backs!! Mega-outstanding and the artwork was gorgeous like ever, too!
Paul Hagwood
Via Internet
I have been noticing your comic for a few
months now and I have been impressed. I am also interested to see where your company will
go with some of these titles. I really enjoyed Black Mist! I will keep following
this title as long as I can keep finding it.
The main way to keep being able to find Black Mist and all the
other Caliber Core titles, Paul, is to ask your retailer to order them in advance. As you
know, most retailers nowadays have a pull system where their customers pre-order the
titles they’d like to read. The disadvantage of this system, though, is that a lot of
retailers only order what their customers order so you may never actually see a title out
on the racks, even though it did ship and they did receive copies. And if you still
can’t find the Caliber titles you’re looking for, feel free to call our toll
free number as we generally have most of our titles still in stock and at cover price, or
you could join our monthly Caliber Book Club. There are a lot of options, talk to your
retailer first and then if that doesn’t work, give us a call and we’d be more
than happy to help.
Paul Dale Roberts
I’m mad as hell and not going to take it
anymore! Hey, hey, hey…just kidding…I was trying to get your attention. Before I
even talk about Black Mist #1, I want to make some comments on the new and upcoming
Caliber Core Universe. I LOVE IT! Yes, yes, yes! Go for it! That will be so fascinating
seeing a connection, that goes from Saint Germaine to the Ripper Legacy and
so on. The adventure is just starting and I want to be there for the action, drama and
suspense that only Caliber can dish out! Whoever thought of the Caliber Core Universe is
bordering on genius and brilliance! All I can say is…it’s about time! Now to
Black Mist. The cover: Outstanding, a real eyecatcher and Kali is seductive and alluring.
I understand how Adam feels about funerals. I feel the same way. I feel like I’m
forced to do certain things at funerals and I don’t like it. Adam and I must be on
the same wavelength. I’m still flabbergasted that the Red Diaries led right
into this new series, the power of the Caliber Core Universe is an earth trembler. The mix
of history (Marilyn Monroe) to fiction (like Van Helsing or Kali)…mind-blowing! The
death of Dr. Lonnie Talbot is a big mystery that captivates the imagination of the reader.
I enjoyed the scene shifts from Philadelphia to New Orleans. When seeing those cigarette
butts, I got kind of queasy. You know why? Because, right now I’m trying to quit
smoking and that picture definitely helped. Couldn’t believe how an overfilled
ashtray could look so gross. I guess it helps when you have a talented artist, like Mike
Perkins who can draw details incredibly! From an ashtray to the beauty and the physique of
Kali. Good work Mike!
Things started really moving as Amy and Adam took that late night visit
to see Lonnie. Then bam…Lonnie’s body is gone! It’s bad enough that New
Orleans has Voodoo, but now Durga Puja? Those were some strange forbidding rites. Then to
see the beheading was terrifying. I once did a college Socialogy project in which I did
some investigating of cults and I actually visited the Hare Krishnas, talked with some
Peoples’ Temple cult members, Church of Scientology and even the Church of Satan and
was sickened to see some of the rites these cult members perform and their brainwashing
techniques. I got an A on this book report. Seeing the Durga Puja in this story, brought
back some of those horrid memories. James Pruett writes this story as if he actually
experienced the Durga Puja himself! Amazing! Very well researched writer. Those were some
hard core cops in Philadelphia that reminded me of the cops on Hillstreet Blues. It was
fun watching them interact. The way they teased Billy Campbell was just plain mean. But,
then of course again, cops need to get their frustrations out and teasing and joking
around is the best way to do it. To see Kali come to life was way spooky and things got
spookier as the chanting took place. Now that Kali lives, is she good or evil? I do
believe that Durga Puja will give Voodoo a run for their money. A standing ovation for a
very well told story and the high quality artwork that makes this comic book the best!
David Ross
The more Caliber I read, the more Caliber I read.
James Pruett always does great stuff, but this stands alone. This is a very cool story,
that shifts from supporting characters to the main character and back without losing your
attention. I have lots of questions to ask, but I’ll just wait to see if what I think
is going to occur happens. Plus, if you answered my questions (like you would) it would
ruin the discovery process.
Some of Mike Perkins’ shots need to be turned into posters. It is
nice to see comics where artwork is a part of the story and not the only thing in the
book. I really enjoyed the Kali frame series, especially the "eye opening
sequence".
Caliber Core; like I said, I read more and more Caliber.
If you’re reading this and you’re not a part of the Caliber
Book Club. I would suggest you check it out. A variety of great stuff for cheap.
Gdurgadas
I happened upon your new title just by chance, browsing the racks of my
favorite downtown Albany sci-fi/fantasy/comics store. I have to confess that I’ve not
paid much notice to your run of titles, having returned to comic book reading at the ripe
old age of fifty, and being a little overwhelmed by the profusion of publishers, indie,
and otherwise. When I glanced through the pages of Black Mist number one, I just had to
pick it up when I saw the inclusion of Kali Ma in the storyline. I grabbed it and paid the
Goth-salesgirl, saving it to read for today, since Tuesday is, along with Saturday, is one
of the days sacred to Mother Kali. You see, I happen to be a Hindu. No, don’t worry.
This isn’t necessarily a letter of complaint. In fact, I enjoyed the comic greatly,
but am curious, James and company: how do you know so much about the Bengali based
ritualism around Kali-Durge? I won’t complain about the issue of apparent human
sacrifice because it was a fact of past worship in this cult (and animal sacrifice remains
the practice still in Calcutta). I just have a question or concern that some of your
readers will somehow think that this represents ALL Hindu ritualism. I wouldn’t want
to see that ruin what could be an excellent series. I’ll just have to reserve my
judgment on this and hope your series will clarify this issue. Otherwise, an excellent
first issue.
Bradley Walton
I picked up your new Black Mist today. I’m so very tempted
to just write "I really like the logo" and conclude my letter there, but it
would be too cruel a joke. Besides, you may not even remember that conversation we had at
Heroes Con…geez, how long ago was it…three and a half years?…and miss the
joke completely.
Anyway, the logo is really nice. And the Jordan Raskin cover is quite
striking. If this was a poster, I might buy it. The new cover design for Caliber Core with
the red bar on the left side of the cover is a bit too reminiscent of Vertigo, I think,
but I still like it.
About all I knew going in to this was that there was a female Black
Mist this time around. And of course I was familiar with the original series, which, I
swear, I liked. So I open up the comic expecting to get Black Mist, and instead, I get
Raven Chronicles. That’s not necessarily a bad thing…I liked Raven Chronicles
and I would have bought this if it had a Raven Chronicles logo on it…just a jolt. We
get to the Black Mist stuff later in the issue. To your credit, you get things off to a
great start with some crisp, snappy dialogue. The first few pages are, in my opinion, the
best writing you’ve done to date.
Mike’s art is wonderful. I particularly like his inks. I wish I
could ink like that…not all the time, just for an occasional change of style.
I don’t have much of an opinion of the book at this point. This is
all pretty much set-up. Nothing here feels like it should be judged on the merits of this
one issue…it’ll fly or die based on what you do with it in the upcoming issues,
but think your writing skills are up to the job.
