Book Review: The Bald Avengers – Author Eric Schock

THE BALD AVENGERS (COMIC)
Writer: Eric Schock
Artist: Eric Schock
Release Date: April 2010
Publisher: Evil Robo Productions
Publication Date: 2010
Format: Full Color – 70 pages
Price: $20.00

“What price would you pay to reclaim your soul? Bob was like everybody else, until he lost something… his soul. He’s murdered or destroyed anything or anyone who stands in the way of him regaining his soul. There’s just one little problem, his soul is trapped in his childhood Teddy Bear. Searching for his bear is all he can do to keep himself from falling into the dark void as he slowly loses his mind. His only link to humanity is his brother, who believes he’s crazy.The police are after Bob and the media have dubbed him THE BALD AVENGER. Follow the adventures through the streets of Dobson City, where living is harder than dying. All he wants is his Teddy Bear. ‘DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE, YOUR SOUL MAY DEPEND ON IT.’”

Artwork: 4.0 out of 5
This is a good looking comic for two reasons. First I love Eric’s style. I really am a sucker for the hard edge look (Ramos, Rodriguez, Madureira) that is shown in this collection. I hope you all know what I mean by that. It’s just a fun look that, to me, will always work. Second I love how you can see progression. From the start of the trade you can actually witness Schock getting better. Characters gain more depth, panels become more fluid in transition. Just overall this is a nice looking book, with some cool character sketches and roughs collected at the end.

Story: 3.0 out of 5
So how does the story hold up? I don’t think it was able to live up to the artwork. I liked how it started. Very amusing idea, with some great action thrown in, but what I wonder about is that to many doors may have been opened. Now before you think that is a bad thing, let me throw in that each chapter is in the 8 page realm, so it can easily all play out over time. The dialogue is funny and like I mentioned the idea is odd but easily entertaining. I just hope that in future chapters of the story we will see the pieces come together a little better.

Dying Breath: 3.5 out of 5
What would you get if The Punisher had lost his teddy bear instead of his family? You’d get the Bald Avenger of course! This is by no means a one and done book. There is more to come and I am looking forward to it. While this is more a crime/mystery style story, I suggest you check out the nice little zombie story thrown in here. Some sections I think could be better but overall I really enjoyed what I read. This is a good collection of art, story and extras that might be up your alley if you are looking for something new to check out. I mean come on, wouldn’t you do all of this for your teddy bear?

If you would like to know more about or purchase a copy of The Bald Avenger: Hard Times please go to http://www.evilrobo.com/