Comic Book Review: King! from Blacklist Studios

The Blot’s favorite thing about the new era of social media we’re currently living in is the ability to meet and talk with creators I would never have had access to before. One such creator is Thomas Hall of Blacklist Studios. His indie comic books King! and Robot 13 are really fun reads that take me back to the early days of Hellboy. Not only does the King fight zombies, vampires and other creatures of the night, but Daniel Bradford’s artwork is very reminiscent of Mike Mignola. Just look at all these beautiful dark black lines and muted colors. Take my word for it, fans of Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. will really enjoy this book!

While the art drew me in, it was the characterization of the King that kept me turning the pages. Hall and Bradford’s take on a certain rock n roll legend is definitely unique to say the least. The King is 1 part DC’s Lobo, 2 parts Bruce Campbell with just a splash of Mickey Rourke from The Wrestler. I can’t help hearing Bruce Campbell’s voice every time the King says “baby” or something King-like, especially when he’s staring at the mug of a big ugly zombie.

Between the King’s “Rock” and “Roll” brass knuckles to his former career as a lucha libre wrestler, this music legend has done it all. But before he goes into that good night there’s one last mission the King has to complete…it’s taking care of business time, baby! To find out more about the King’s battle against the undead pick up King! issue numbers 1 and 2 in stores now or at MyComicShop.com!

Official Description: Get set for a "hunka' hunka' burnin' fun" as King! does what he does best: kill monsters! The former pro wrestler-turned-bounty hunter bears more than a striking resemblance to a certain "King of Rock 'n Roll." All he wants is a whole day of nuthin'. All he gets is a talkin' heart in the mail... and the tale the heart tells is nothing short of epic! Can King simultaneously save the local Blubber Tubber Burger joint from an undead infestation and satisfy his hunger for a peanut butter banana burrito with bacon?

Johnny Cupcakes x Harry Potter Big Kid T-Shirt “Hungry Harry”

Here’s that Johnny Cupcakes summer movie tie-in t-shirt The Blot’s been waiting for!!! It’s not super hero themed like I had hoped, but it does make sense to pay homage to the Boy who Lived as the final Harry Potter film (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2) is about to hit theaters. The “Hungry Harry” t-shirt features JC’s mascot Big Kid re-imagined as Harry Potter with his owl Hedwig and trusty wand made of holly.

The Harry Potter Inspired Johnny Cupcakes t-shirt “Hungry Harry” is currently on sale at the JC online store for $35.99. The shirt is available in both men’s and women’s styles, sizes S-XL.

Rene Condon 8 Inch Dunny Concept Artwork by Triclops Studio

As I said earlier today, The Blot has a strict “no leaking” policy. But when something has already been leaked by a third party, it seems a shame not to share it here. So check out one of Kidrobot’s worst kept secrets, the new Rene Condon 8” Dunny by Triclops Studio!

We originally saw this design in a t-shirt released by Kidrobot months ago, and I have to say it’s a really strange practice to be releasing new figures as t-shirts before the actual figures have even been announced. This has been a pretty standard practice for KR since at least the Dunny Black & White Series and I have to wonder why they wouldn’t just go ahead and announce the toy’s release if they’re going to spoil it themselves with a t-shirt. More details to come once they are officially announced by Kidrobot!

Zombie Robber 8" Dunny Concept Artwork by MAD

The Blot has a strict “no leaking” policy, but when something has already been leaked by a third party it seems a shame not to share it here. To that extent, check out this beautiful new 8” Dunny by MAD and Kidrobot! His soon to be released Zombie Robber 8” Dunny will include a flashlight, bag of loot, and a stolen diamond hidden under his ski cap. More details to come once the figure is officially announced, but I for one can’t wait to see this Zombie Dunny head in 8 inch form!