Review of Future Sci-Fi Tales #1 and #2

Indie Comic Series: Future Sci-Fi Tales

Reviewed by Lyndon Perry (affiliate links)

Future Sci-Fi Tales #1 (Oct 2018) from SnowyWorks (snowyworks.com) is the first of seven comic books (I believe) in this series created by Drew D. Lenhart. They feature collections of brief and entertaining comics and short stories. Most of the issues are available to read for free online (globalcomix.com) or download from Google Play or Amazon. (I've read the digital versions, btw.)

There are 5 quick reads in this first issue (black and white interior, 32 pages), all written by Lenhart. I found them engaging, a bit minimalist but often thought-provoking and quirky at the same time. The first comic is about mutant rodents called "Crizens" (10 pages with a page of background on the alien rat). Takes place in the year 2138, dystopic setting, angry farmer named Tenny, the screaching rats finally get on his nerves. The solution seems obvious, but Tenny's wife has a different plan. The art by Louie Escauriaga is a little frenetic but fits the vibe of the story. The 6-page sequel, "Tenny's Revenge," puts the final - but unexpected - nail in the coffin. Fun little 2-parter.

The next comic is a cute 5-page family drama with a nice twist. Escauriaga's sketches aren't as dystopic in this story but they still convey an energy that is compelling. Following this is a flash fiction piece (7 pages) without art called "Calzer's Clock" - a mantel clock whose hands should never be wound backwards! The ending is expected and slightly gimmicky, but flash fiction often relies on the gotcha finish. Enjoyable tale.

The last comic is just 3 pages called "Slowbot" (art by Lee Milewski) about an interstellar ship with 400 passengers and systems run completely by computers. I'm not sure if I got the point other than it took a long time to reboot. Still, intriguing. Overall, some fun sci-fi scenarios, super quick read, easy to digest, and entertaining. 4 stars. I'll definitely read the others in the series. (Review originally published on Goodreads.)

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Future Sci-Fi Tales #2 (April 2019) published by Drew D. Lenhart of SnowyWorks.com is a 40-page comic book with 3 comics and a short story by Lenhart that features an accompanying color illustration by Mike Cody. Unlike the first issue, the comics here are not written by Lenhart, but they are all well done. Quick and entertaining reads - like illustrated flash fiction.

The first entry is a 12-page comic titled "Clint Darius Homecoming," (I think Darius should have a possessive apostrophe) written and co-created by Jason Aaron Wong, and drawn and co-created by Francisco Paronzini; colored by Sandra Molina Juan and lettered by Dead Robot. Clint Darius is a space traveler stuck on an alien world. He needs to collect three magic artifacts from three royal princesses in various kingdoms to unlock the portal to return to earth. The story is well done, and the artwork is vivid and detailed. I had to read it twice, though, to understand the transitions and the surprising ending. Probably not the creators’ fault. I just miss things!

The second tale is an 8-page black and white comic written by Petri Hänninen, art by Andrea Meneghin. This is a horror story about an astro-scientist gone mad years after saving a marooned astronaut, marrying her and having a child. The child, all grown up, seeks answers to his father’s illness. The additional characters on the last two pages confused me so I had to read this story again to get the ‘ah ha’ ending. Overall, the plot was solid, and the line art was clean and expressive, if at times appropriately aggressive.

The third adventure is the short story by Drew D. Lenhart, “Crizen’s Journey,” which harkens back to Issue 1’s first comic about mutant alien rodents. These animals come from the planet Trappist 4. It’s a cool backstory about space explorer Jonathan Crizen and his ill-fated decision to bring back to Earth some living specimens – eventually named crizens – from his journey.

Wrapping up Issue 2 is a 6-page comic, “Clockwork Blues,” with art and story by L J Phillips. A nicely done minimalist, dystopic tale about human nature with bold, blocky, black and white drawings. It’s a kind of ‘enforcer’ story with a noir finish. The whole comic book was entertaining and I enjoyed the variety of stories and art styles in this short anthology.

Most of the flash fiction-like offerings in these first two issues of Future Sci-Fi Tales had surprise endings, which is often the case in such short works – and in most cases, the storytelling strategy did its job. 4.5 stars, for me. (I read the digital version.) Recommended series for those who enjoy sci-fi, space opera, dystopian, and far-future adventures. Most can be read online for free as well. (Review originally appeared on Goodreads.)