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Haunt #1 Comic Book Review
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Image Writer: Robert Kirkman Pencils: Ryan Ottley, Greg Capullo (layouts) Inks: Todd McFarlane Colours: FCO Plascencia When Grant Morrison described his early creation Zenith as a reaction to torment superheroes, he could easily have been implicating Haunt, a new series from Images that is utterly joyless, humourless and devoid of that sense of magic and…
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The Field on the Edge of the Woods Book 1 Review
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www.filmsandcomics.com Story: Mike “Frick” Weber Art: Loran Skinkis, Gary Morgan An ineffectual everyman finding himself sucked into a fantasy world is hardly a new concept, but it’s always been an effective one, allowing us to see foreign worlds from a relatable perspective. Volume one of The Field on the Edge of the Woods puts a…
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Tales of Monkey Island Chapter 3: ‘Lair of the Leviathan’ Review
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The third episode in Telltale’s Monkey Island revival delivers more lovingly crafted Threepwood antics, even if the plot takes a back seat this time round.
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Indie Comics Spotlight: BICS 2009
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in ColumnI came, I saw, I lugged my own weight home in comic books. As ever, the British International Comic Show in Birmingham was an eye opener. It’s difficult to conceive of any other storytelling medium that would receive such an intimate display of affection. From the established talent that not only offered signings but were…
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Tales of Monkey Island Chapter 2: ‘The Siege of Spinner Cay’ PC Review
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Chapter 2 of Threepwood’s episodic exploits is more expansive and more satisfying than the first, even if it ultimately feels like the second dish in a prolonged five course meal.
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Ninja Captains Wii Review
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When Nintendo first debuted the Wii’s innovative technology at E3, the internet swiftly burgeoned with articles and forum contributions speculating on ways in which the novel Wiimote and nunchuk controller could reinvent how we played everything from platform games to first-person shooters. Some fantasised a Jedi simulator complete with motion-sensitive lightsaber duals, while others anticipated…
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Irredeemable #6 Comic Book Review
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Boom! Studios Writer: Mark Waid Art: Peter Krause Irredeemable is a strange series. It’s easily one of the best titles currently on the shelves, and yet it’s difficult to get overly excited about. Mark Waid’s persistent flashbacks do stall the action on a monthly basis – I seem to whiz through each issue in less…
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Hearts of Iron III PC Review
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The latest instalment in this grand strategy series will please wargame enthusiasts… but alienate pretty much everyone else.
Shelf Abuse
Storytelling, comic books and self-publishing
To better focus my efforts, Bothersome Books, my wee publishing imprint and home to my novel and short stories, has merged with Shelf Abuse. Expect several new releases this year.
Shelf Abuse: Sporadically Singing the Unsung Since 2006
Welcome to Shelf Abuse, the blog of British writer, web/graphic designer and occasional illustrator Carl Doherty.
What started out in 2006 as a blog about comics, gradually leaning more towards self-published and creator-owned works, has slowly transitioned into a home for my own self-published efforts, and a place to share my opinions on art, literature, cinema, storytelling, publishing, design, animal rights, depression… and yes, still comics. You’ll also find the occasional guest article amidst my mercifully brief rants.
Current Site Status
Due to an increasingly dense schedule, I’m no longer officially accepting review submissions. Hopefully this will eventually change, but not looking likely any time soon.
However, my love for indie comics hasn’t diminished in the slightest. Please do feel free to follow me on social media, add me to your mailing list or inform me of your new book. I can’t always reply, but I always appreciate hearing about new books.