Cross Bronxin'

There's been a lot of negativity in the comic blogosphere recently. Usually I have that Wed-new comic day feel when I click on comic blogs or read smart and fun comments on my own, but not the last month or so. All I can control is my work here, and I'll keep trying to endorse new blogs through the Comic Blog Legion, indie creators I meet at my own con or others, and reviews of the big-name stuff. Hope we haven't "lost that lovin' feelin".



Cross Bronx 1
Michael Avon Oeming and Ivan Brandon, writers
Oeming, art

Mike Oeming is the local-guy done good. He's from central Jersey, and raves for Red Sonja and Powers have elevated him. He's also an artist-writer, one of the few that can bring sharp dialogue or a gritty police procedural page.

I've been enjoying the free POWERS daily: Who Killed Retro Girl?. Great way to dip into the series and see Mike and Bendis partner for a superhero murder mystery. It's also the seasoned detective Walker and rookie Deena that lead to a great pairing.

So Cross Bronx is Oeming's latest effort. Rafael is a homicide detective, dealing with a brutal multiple homicide crime scene, and the difficulties of being a normal person.
"After hours of looking at photos of what the city does to a little dancing girl...I have to go home and try to be a person. Someone's husband."
The use of different panels, color, dialogue-- the world-weariness and resolve show through on the face of Raphael. Brandon's NYC Mech style is injected into the work also.

An added bonus to get Cross Bronx is the Rejection Letters in the back. Omeing publishes many of his letters, in hopes of encouraging others to have Patience. Knowing Oeming from 2 midjersey con's- success hasn't spoiled him yet (ah, Rick Springfield) and he absolutely believes in up and coming creators and small cons [yes!].