Panthea Obscura

TheAuthor · Site Admin Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Posts: 698

A local comic.

I told Mike Luoma, writer of "Panthea Obscura" and local radio host, that I would post a review of his comic series here in my forum and on my blog. In hopes of being mentioned on the radio (hint hint), I've decided to follow through while I have the time.

"Panthea Obscura" is the story of ye old gods who decided "y'know what? I think it's about time we got some attention like the old days" and thus, do so. However, knowingly, once they become public again, they also release the restriction on a horrible evil that is bent on destroying mankind (I suppose that's his way of getting mortal attention, I know it would get mine). Now, between tv show appearances and miraculous duties, they have to stop him before he destroys everything.

The gods names are rarely mentioned, but you get the idea of who is who. Abbreviated names and clues lead you down the right path. Also, the guy with white hair boinking all the women and shooting lightning from various extremities doesn't hurt with the hinting.

Mike has not yet released his fourth and final book so I can't speak of exactly what happens. I typically don't give away an ending anyway. I should also mention that this comic is drawn and colored by Juan Carlos Quattordio. I will be perfectly honest about this, and feel free to plant a "hypocrite" flag on me, but I don't really care for the art. It's probably a lot to do with the coloring. It feels like way too many Photoshop filters were used and "subtle shading/highlighting" aren't an option. I like the lineart (from the sketches in the back of the book), but "lensflare", as it's been stated everywhere in the internet-iverse, is not the answer to everything.

I will be picking up the last issue of this series as soon as it is out. Issue 3 featured some, I should say, "paternity issues" that I need some closure about. I hope also to get some actual names of these deities, especially D, who appears to be a water god. Any guesses? Take your pick. You've only got about a million to choose from (not counting the pantheon of three million Hindu gods).

You can order and learn more about Mike and JC's series at their website: www.glowinthedarkradio.com

(Yes, I did start buying this series out of jealous curiosity, so sue me...)