As you can tell from Marooned, I have a soft spot for all-ages comics. I think it’s great to have something kids and parents can both enjoy together, and I think there needs to be more quality stuff made for kids. That’s why I was happy to find Smash by Chris and Kyle Bolton.

That’s a tall order to fill, but I do think the first 12 episodes deliver. I had a lot of fun reading it, and I’m looking forward to see what comes next. Do yourself a favor and head over and check it out. You’ll enjoy it no matter what your age.

Shane Acker’s 9

So after waiting years to see this – and then missing it in theatres – I finally got to see it this week. From all accounts I had read the movie missed its mark and didn’t deliver on the promise of the short. That bummed me out but I had to see it.

I think unfortunately that the critics are mostly correct. Visually, the movie is pretty amazing and the studio did wonderful work in creating environments that are pretty cool. The characters look really good. But slick effects can’t be all you have.

I’ve read reviews where it was said that you can’t find a character to care about, there’s no humor and no real story. I think that is mostly true to a point. The problem is you aren’t given enough information early on to care about the main character, 9. And when his first acquaintance goes missing early on in the film, it’s too soon to have created a bond so you’re not sure what to feel. And with a supposed bond between characters 2 and 5, again we aren’t given enough to allow ourselves to become attached to them.

Even the vocal performances seemed a bit off and could have been pushed – and these are some find actors in the cast. I can only blame the new director and the script for that.

What’s bothersome is that the film held lots of promise. I want to care about them and their plight, and the situation they are in seems to be awful, but it just falls a bit short. And to me, the ending was really disappointing. I wasn’t sure how to feel and it seemed somewhat abrupt. We’re not sure what to think about what happens next.

I’m going to watch it one more time, my kids want to see it too, but I doubt my opinion will change much and that’s a real bummer.

Elephantmen by Richard Starkings – Image Comics

I don’t read much of mainstream comics at all – in fact pretty much nothing. But I actually found this comic via ComicCraft’s comic book lettering book, in which Hip Flask – a main character in the series – is featured. ComicCraft makes super high quality fonts for comic books.

Anyway, it looked pretty cool, and of course, it’s sci-fi goodness.

“2259: THEY ARE THE SURVIVORS of genetic engineering experiments and indoctrination by Doctor Kazushi Nikken and MAPPO, a sinister organization which sought to create suprahuman weapons of mass destruction.”

“They” being all sorts of animals, especially elephants. They’ve now been integrated into this future society where humans and unhumans live together – but not necessarily in harmony.

“FREED AND REHABILITATED by the United Nations Intelligence Taskforce, the ‘Unhumans’ now live amongst men. Legitimized by the ‘Elephantmen’ act, they are nevertheless denied the right to bear arms and must survive on their wits alone.”

I got in a bit late, and the series is now up to 23 – but it’s not too late to get started. You will love this series. Well written and drawn by a stable of pretty amazing artists, including Moritat (Justin Norman) and Marian Churchland (who’s issues have created a real buzz). The series has gotten rave critical reviews as well.

I’ve got a handful of issues, but it’s easier (and cheaper) to just grab the collection to catch up. I’ve got one coming now and can’t wait to get into it. You can get an eyeful and learn all about the series at their excellent website, as well as read a preview of the series.

One of the cool things about the series is how pro it is – awesome art, lettering and layout and just really fun designs. You don’t want to miss this series. Here’s a couple of covers to whet your appetite.