Way back in October I attended RetroGameCon in Syracuse, NY. While I am not a big video gamer, I was thrilled to see some local comic creators set up between all the Nintendo and PlayStation games. One of which is local comic writer Mike Gibson who was so passionate about his work, I had to buy two. With the background set, let’s take a look at I Brought a Gorilla to a Gunfight and Crown of Bones. 

Crown of Bones is a sexy burlesque horror that is one of the most absurd yet most fun comics I’ve read in awhile. Mike writes the comic off a story concept from Eerie Rottica with art by Riley McFarlane. Six undead Queens (a word that must be capitalized) rule the Creature Realm but when a long defeated enemy returns it is up to all six to form the only weapon that can destroy it. 

This is absolutely a mature reader’s title, in the most immature way. For those of you who love the sophomoric and sapphic adventures of Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy this is the comic for you without any corporate oversight. If RuPaul and Elvira met and multiplied it would be this comic. Bright over the top colors and an unserious tone even in the most deadly, or undeadly, of circumstances assure that this comic won’t be a drag. 

Next, the most honest title since Snakes on a Plane – I Brought a Gorilla to a Gunfight. Which is exactly what happens in this comic. This time Mike is joined by Matt Flint on art and I now have multiple pieces of Matt’s art on my walls with I’m sure more to come. Penny Westfield is a bounty hunter in the old west and, no spoilers because it’s in the title, she’s paired up with a big gorilla named Moke. Did you know you wanted to see Jinny Hex team up with Gorilla Grodd? Neither did I but I’m glad Mike thought of the idea. Penny comes across so bad ass and as in control as someone with a giant primate should. That is, until the end of her mission when the readers becomes aware of her inner doubt and now her character becomes as well rounded as Matt’s art. 

Mike was a blast to talk to and an inspiration for a fledging writer such as myself. I would love for more issues of these two books but I plan on picking up The Amazing Shakes this weekend at Syracuse CollectorCon. Be sure to check out Mike’s podcast, The Multiverse Report as well.