Secrets lie beneath the surface as we delve into four captivating comics that explore the complexity of hidden truths. Join these intriguing characters on their journeys as they navigate the delicate balance between revealing and concealing their deepest secrets. From thrilling adventures to intimate personal struggles, the comics for today's Fresh Friday Features delve into the human experience of secrecy, inviting readers to unravel the mysteries that unfold within their vivid pages.
This week, ArtCrumbs picked four titles that they feel deserve more reads! In our line-up this week, we've got one comic from each category to give you a varied list of must-reads for your weekend!
- Comic - Malice + Magic: Malice fights demonic monsters with the magic that runs through her family in order to turn back the sands of time.
- Graphic Novel - The Color Guard: A humiliated flag girl and a mysterious spirit from a flag. The secrets of these colors will come out more vivid than ever for all to see.
- Manga - BETTER HUMAN: In a world consumed by an entity called 'Zordik', but who is this
- Webcomic - Black Sonata: Mikhail Lim seems to be a perfect guy on the surface, but a secret hobby would leave those around him shocked and horrified.
Malice + Magic, 37 pages - Published by Story Mode Press, (cc/ @Story-Mode-Press)
Demons have taken over and a single girl stands alone trying to undo the hell she unleashed on earth. Malice fights demonic monsters with the magic that runs through her family in order to turn back the sands of time and undo her mistake.
Story and Art by Story Mode Press
Comments from @ArtCrumbs:
A truly action packed story, it's a beautiful blend of traditional comics and manga. Big swords, demons, underground cities and magic, it's all here!
Malice has lived alone since she was a young child. We are introduced to her, sitting on a rooftop overlooking the city, singing a little song. Suddenly, a horde of demons appear, and it's obvious that Malice is no ordinary woman. She makes quick work of them and seems to have something mysterious and unusual attached to her arm.
In the chaos, she meets Jaime, a human. The first human in a long time, Malice isn't sure what to make of her and attacks her! I'm not going to spoil it any further, but afterwards, we get a lot more information on what's happened within this world's timeline. It's some nice world building and gives us a glance into the history of Malice. Before the end, things get messy and you won't regret it!
The art is wonderful and has a messy-ye-refined quality. I loved the dynamic quality of the art and the lettering was generally done well. Some of it was a bit small to read, but overall this was a thrilling read! Great work from the team at @Story-Mode-Press.
The Color Guard, 114 pages - Published by Plastic Sword Press, (cc/ @PlasticSwordPress)
A humiliated flag girl must conquer her shame and carry her banner high to defeat a mysterious evil
Story and Art by Plastic Sword Press
Comments from @ArtCrumbs:
A wonderfully bright graphic novel with an interesting take on what it means to be in the color guard. Having been in Marching band myself, though as a piccolo player, I can respect the pride and energy it takes to stand up for your colors and your team! Alyssa is excited to join her High school Color guard, however she's met with a lackluster reaction from her classmates, team, and her coach. She seems to lose the pep in her step, and honestly, who wouldn't after a rough first day?
In the lockers, Alyssa is able to browse through the different flags of her school's history and finds a fascinating tiger flag, picking it as her guard of choice. After her friend, Jarrod, doesn't seem to understand her choice in extra curricular activities, she heads off into the woods and meets her flag! Yes, meets her flag! This is no ordinary color guard as these flags have lives of their own and there's some evil out there! Alyssa has to fight and stand her ground as strange creatures start attacking in the name of a rival flag, and she has to figure out who is holding it.
I won't divulge more, but Any with experience in Marching band, cheering, color guard, or any sort of team spirit organization would enjoy this graphic novel. The colors are bright and vivid, justified for the story. The energy is overflowing and I really enjoyed reading this. Thank you @PlasticSwordPress for sharing this with us!
BETTER HUMAN, 32 pages - Published by KazzooMan, (cc/ @KazzooMan)
In a world consumed by an entity called 'Zordik'. Kerius fights his way to uncover the truth behind it.
Story and Art by KazzooMan
Comments from @ArtCrumbs:
We're one chapter into Better Human and the danger is already well apparent. Strange flying creatures, portals, giant swords, and rapid fire archery?? It's a wild ride in the first chapter and it seems like it's only going to get crazier. There's still a lot of mystery about what's exactly going on with this mysterious "Zordik" but it can't be good! Chell is a scientist out to find answers, and after seeing Kerius fight against one of these evil being, she wants to recruit him. What could be in store for Kerius? We'll have to see in the next update!
Dynamic art, humor, battle choreography, the next one's gotta be good! Great work @KazzooMan!
Black Sonata, 114 pages - Published by Ainz Artz, (cc/ @ainz-artz789)
In other people’s eyes, Mikhail Lim seems to be a perfect guy. But, what they don’t know Is that he has a sick, twisted hobby....
Story and Art by Ainz Artz
Comments from @ArtCrumbs:
I've had this webcomic recommended to me numerous times and I'm happy to see it finally on GlobalComix! I knew it was one that I needed to read it, and I can see why! If you like dark stories with murderous intent, this is for you. If you like titles like Death Note and Dexter, you'll love this too!
Mikhail Lim looks well put together: kind, a good teacher, talented musician. However, under that flawless facade, lies a monster. Perhaps he's an artist through and through, but it's a grim creative hobby. With the investigators coming around the school, he'll have to be careful.
I've only read the first 3 episodes, but I'm very excited to read more over the weekend. As someone who played many instruments in my band days, about 7 of them, I can definitely relate to our lead here... just without the violent monster stuff. Definitely not that part. I can see what all the excitement is about, so be sure to check it out! There are lots of updates already, and it's well worth binging. Thanks @ainz-artz789 for uploading and sharing your work.
That's all for now, but we'll have another set of Fresh Friday reading recommendations next week. If you're looking for more recommendations, make sure to opt-in for our weekly reading list email! You can find that in your User Profile Notification settings. You can also browse through our Featured Comics news section!
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