To Hell and BRACKISH...
Or, Swamp People of the Outer Banks
I’m going to start doing more reviews for fellow indiecomics creators and crowdfunding campaigns. Especially cuz I get to read the books early, LOL. So, sit back, grab a drink, and let me walk you through why you should — or should not — give this book a look and back it
Brackish #1 - Forbidden Love in the Florida Swamps
From the heart of the Florida Everglades emerges a romantic tragedy blending mystery, drama, and violence.
Full disclosure: I was already a Backer (and fan of Jonathan’s) before I was asked to review the book.
That said. I read the book. And I’m still a Backer. There. That’s your TLDR version… 😎
BRACKISH can be described as Romeo & Juliet meets The Hatfields & McCoys meets The Outer Banks in the swamp. Okay, that’s an oversimplification, but that’s my pitch. I love it. They should use it and pay me.
The official press release reads:
Deep in the heart of the southern swamplands of Florida, a gripping tale is about to surface from the murky waters below. Jonathan Hedrick, acclaimed comic book creator and writer of hit comics such as The Recount, Quicksand, and Dream Master, is set to unleash Brackish upon the comic book community, a riveting narrative that will break the truce between two feuding families and stain the swamp once more with the blood of generations. The comic promises to reawaken buried secrets, open old scars, and inflict fresh wounds as violence erupts in the brackish waters.
Before I get into the review and rating, I’m obligated to note that I, too, have a Kickstarter campaign running: American Yakuza.
MMA Champ Xavier Watanabe has to travel to Japan when his business partner is killed. He uncovers a plot of backstabbing and debauchery that he might wish he left alone.
BACK IT HERE: http://kck.st/3UoEw0Z
Hedrick wastes no time getting us into the characters and setup. He deftly drops us into the action with some boneheaded, redneck, hillbilly swamp teens being 4$$h0les to their brother and treating him like gatorbait. Gatorbait1 is a stubborn lil $h!+ so he probably deserves it, but there’s more to him than we can see in this initial dialogue. What we do see is that he’s not like his family — he has a strong mind and caring heart. We’ll see more of the latter in a page or two (but no spoilers — suck it).
Today is Jodie’s2 birthday. She’s the hot, rich girl. She stole Daddy’s yacht to go party with her Elon Musk-like d!ckhe3d friends. I mean, it is her birthday. Hell, I’d steal it on my birthday too, or your birthday — any excuse to steal a yacht and set off fireworks…
Events take place that bring these two together - Romeo Hatfield and Juliet McCoy (I should use those names some day…). But, what happens next?
Well, for a book that I really enjoyed it was over too soon and now I really want these a-holes to hurry up & fund, close the campaign early, ship me my shit, and then start the prelaunch for Issue #2 because I’m ready for it!
Parental Warning: If you’re reading my post, you’re probably reading words too grown up for you, so don’t read this book either, and stop reading my posts, Jimmy. Otherwise, you’re fine. Minor language, underage drinking, yacht-stealing, illegal fireworks, attempted murder, and a near-death experience or two.
That’s a lot of fun to pack into 24 pages.
Recommendation & Rating
I 100% recommend this book. Please go back it and show support for this really fun indiecomic debut. I really want to see where Hedrick & co. take this story and I’d love to see more of Riccardo’s, Ichsan’s, and Joel’s art!
🌰🌰🌰🌰 (4 out of 5 nuts)
His real name is Remi, but I’ll refer to him as Gatorbait throughout this post.
Her real name actually is Jodie. She’s too cute to give her a shitty nickname.
So glad you liked it, Charlie! And really cool of you to write this up in your newsletter! Thank you, sir!