There are MANY words to describe the stories that unfold within Awakening Comics 1999 Volume I, but they are not necessarily fit to read in this forum. However, it must be undertaken, so why not start from the beginning.

     Awakening Comics 1999 Volume 1 features several stories by aspiring comic author and illustrator Steve Peters. Peters either co-authored/illustrated most of the the stories featured in this mini-anthology. The anthology begins with Peters' own personal journey with his insecurities about his ability to create comics and his potential to garner fans for his work. The manifestation of these feelings translated into the anchor tale of the Anthology, Third Eye. In short, Third Eye is a poorly adapted mixture of Native American and Far Eastern philosophies combined with the artistic stylings of horror comics of the Golden Age.

     Please understand the preceding description is much kinder and easier on the brain than having to labor through this particular story. Upon opening the comic's cover page, readers are greeted by their narrator-a butler with a weird accent, and bat wings on his head. But what is further disturbing are the animal beings that represent the various emotions Peters' has bottled up inside of him. These creatures including a beagle like dog that smokes (similar to Brian from The Family Guy), and a hamster dressed in a super hero outfit that help fight off Peters' fears, which take the form of the Grim Reaper. But lest not forget the female C3PO-like android (Didn't they do that in Spaceballs?), flying elephant, and a man that appears to be dressed like an Aztec shaman, who are on a separate journey for Peters in another dimension. The incoherent story concludes with Peters proclaiming, "Who cares if nobody buys it? This is how I sort out my existence…I have to make comics even if I'm the only one reading 'em!"

     Now, of course, this is very noble, very avant-garde, but not when you ask people to pay $3.50 an issue, set up a website to sell your comics, and receive a grant from the prestigious Xeric Foundation to create a comic book! Apparently YOU DO CARE! And consumers deserve the best of the best for their hard earned money!

     The remainder of the comics featured is joint ventures basically with other artists equally dissatisfied with the current comics system. And while I am not a big fan of the overly corporate controlled media, which does its best to suppress forward thinkers (creators and fans alike), I do admit, that the products being produced by the major comic studios (6 times out of 10) provide the public with what they want, quality work! Heck, even if the stories have been rehashed so many times and in many dimensions and you find it hard to believe that Superman is still alive, those stories were still worth parting with your hard earned money. This unintelligible anthology is not!

     Awakening Comics is just another fan boy wish. I wish more indie comic producers would hire impendent editors or even an honest family friend to help them develop their stories. Comics are not just about the art; the story is the key component to success!

     Send your comments and or questions about this article to JenniferJ@ybfree.com.

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