It’s been a great year for the creative team behind Madius Comics and, not content with the overwhelming success of their Griff Gristle Kickstarter, a sixth issue of Papercuts & Inkstains has been unleashed. It’s a special treat, a bumper issue so thick that staples cannot take it, presented in a gorgeous cover by Angela Sprecher that evokes the VHS movie casings of old.
Inside are four feature-length stories written by Jones and Sambrook, all tips of their hats to films and TV shows that they have found inspiring. The issue kicks off with the craziest coffee break ever, a cross between Indiana Jones and The Apprentice. Our hero is a new starter tasked with a crucial quest; on her way she encounters various obstacles, which must be defeated by using only the items she’s been able to take from the office. It’s a blast, superbly drawn by Angela Sprecher, and anyone with a quiet moment in the workplace may find themselves renaming their stationery.
Eton Mess introduces us to another action hero in the form of Mrs Petunia Morley of the Women’s Institute. She’s more than she seems and, when alien creatures start to cause chaos at a fete in her village, it’s up to her to save the day. Darren Stevens does a great job with the art, starting with a 1950’s look to everything before the madness descends. Fans of The Thing will love this, but it also deserves praise for the possibly the best use of an umbrella in comic book history.
Where’d Wendigo is a tale of a creature in the woods, which owes much to Predator. Ceri Harvey’s art evokes a manga feel, while the script is witty and warm as it pokes gentle fun at various genres. Profits of Doom completes this issue, and if you thought it couldn’t get any more bonkers, then you’re in for a surprise. Mike Smith’s art has gone from strength to strength, and this time there are guest artists who add to the otherworldly nature of it all as our heroes go inter-dimensional.
Griff Gristle was going to be a tough act to follow, and the team has done brilliantly here. Their enjoyment in creating both art and script is evident, and they’ve succeeded in introducing new characters that readers will want to see again. There’s more to come in 2017, and we’re teased with next issue’s theme of love, which we’re sure will be delightfully twisted.
PAPERCUTS AND INKSTAINS 6 / WRITERS: ROB JONES, MICHAEL SAMBROOK / ARTWORK: ANGELA SPRECHER, DARREN STEPHENS, CERI HARVEY, MIKE SMITH / PUBLISHER: MADIUS COMICS / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
