VaVaVaVoom!

VaVaVaVoom! #3
Created, Written & Edited by Paul Monsky
Illustrated by just about everyone
Published by Palisades Press

I already reviewed the first two issues of this series here: http://nilskidoo.blogspot.com/2009/01/vavavavoom.html
And I must say this is a fun book. Monsky knows how to package a good comic. The premise of VaVaVaVoom! (love that title) is essentially an anthology of multiple genres and serialized tales, all of which have a healthy, tongue in cheek dosage of cheesecake. Nothing pornographic, just some harmless softcore appreciation for that which makes this strange life worth living, and enjoying. However, this is by no means a mere pinup book. Monsky obviously works closely with his artists, choosing ones with the right strengths and then fully playing into those same strengths with stories of heroines willfully capable of conquering any and all challenges thrown their way. While the characters may be on the supple and savory side, they are very much empowered.

The first tale is "Monsters!", illustrated by Jeff Austin. Lieutenant Ann Li finds herself in the role of sole survivor on a spacecraft where a vampiric entity is desperate to strike a bargain with her. Despite diminishing supplies and a hopeless situation, she does not give in. Then she crashes on a hostile and very unterrestrial planet and things get really interesting. Austin channels some Dave Stevens here, and boy is he a natural for science fiction!

In "Predator and Prey", illustrated by Rob Jones and Robert Beachler, Alina Aguilar survives the jungles of South America only to be chased by a lion. A lion? Maybe a pet of the local drug czar? What has our favorite adventuring Botanist gotten herself into? This is more experimental work from what I've seen of Jones' stuff before. He is playing with shapes and forms and simplicity, and it looks quite nice, maybe a bit like an uncluttered but less idealized Chaykin.

Ed Coutts draws what's possibly my favorite story in the book, "It's Only Smoke And Mirrors", featuring secretary turned private eye Jenn Delora in the wrap up to her time travel yarn. Stolen away into yesteryear by a crooked stage magician, Jenn fends off pirates before landing in the not too distant future. And she learns that sometimes, closure is absolutely worth waiting for. Very detailed renderings from Coutts, who also painted the cover for the iss, and he must have worked from some photo reference, as this lady hero is in fact styled after a living, breathing person.

"Taryn" is a tale of barbarian fantasy, with the title character risking everything to battle a cruel wizard over the murder of her friend. Atula Siriwardane turns in another stark, black and white effort that at times looks like a cleaner John Buscema style. Why is this guy's name not on more books?

And the last story, "Land Of The Giants", Lieutenant Ann Li returns...sort of, as she has been subjected to a tear in the fabric of space-time, thereby launching a series of versions of herself into a plethora of divergent realities. The art from Bill Marimon is a mix of styles, from sketchy lines for the figures themselves to possibly computer-generated backdrops for the spaceship and alien scenery. I don't really know how he drew it, but the end result is great, carrying an EC Comics mood rather well. Actually, I'd say that this is even better than his work for DC way back when.

Sound like a crazy mix? Missing from this issue was the pulpish Ace, but then certain adpieces in the book hint allusively to possible spinoff books in times to come for a number of the characters thus far introduced. I hope so, as there are so many wonderful precepts implored in VaVaVaVoom! and so many great artistic voices, that I'd like to see more breathing room all around. But don't get me wrong though- I do love anthologies, especially when done right.
And this one most assuredly is.

http://vavavavoomonline.com