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Free Realms PC Review
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Free Realms offers a great deal of minigames and social facilities, whether or not you choose to reach for your wallet.
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The Last Resort #1 Comic Book Review
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IDW Writer: Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray Art: Giancarlo Caracuzzo It can’t be easy plotting the first issue of a new comic book series. No matter how experienced the writer is, introducing over a dozen characters and nailing the overall themes and essence of the series, all while essentially telling the reader “this is what you…
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Ars Memoria Book One: The Art of Memory Review
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Prudentius Publishing Art and Story by: Menton J. Matthews III Years after witnessing his brother’s abduction by a pale stranger as a child, Augustus Lubert Das has been searching ever since. While mourning the recent loss of his mother, his is approached by a stranger who claims to know his brother’s whereabouts. Following her instructions…
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Greek Street #1 Comic Book Review
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Vertigo Writer: Peter Milligan Art: Davide Gianfelice Colours: Patricia Mulvihill DC are continuing to sell the first issues of their latest Vertigo titles for just one dollar, which means there’s really no excuse not to try Peter Milligan’s Greek Street, a gritty soap set in London’s Soho in which the characters are destined to play…
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Utopia: Dark Avengers #7 Comic Review
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Marvel Writer: Matt Fraction Pencils: Luke Ross Inks: Rick Maygar, Mark Pennington, Luke Ross Colours: Rain Beredo Matt Fraction takes the reins from Brian Bendis for several issues, as the Dark Avengers are sucked into the Utopia crossover, and the abrupt shift in tone is jarring to say the least. The perceptible atrophy of Osborn’s…
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Batman Reborn: Batman #688 Comic Review
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DC Writer: Judd Winick Pencils: Mark Bagley Inks: Rob Hunter Colours: Ian Hannin Whereas last month’s issue of Batman saw Dick Grayson accept his role as Wayne’s successor, this month we see Gotham’s underworld react to the new, media-friendly Dark Knight; more specifically Penguin and Two-Face, the later of whom isn’t convinced by the Bat-impostor.…
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Tales of Monkey Island Chapter 1: ‘Launch of the Screaming Narwhal’ PC Review
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Guybrush Threepwood’s return maintains the series’ trademark humour and charm, but ‘Launch of the Screaming Narwhal’ feels like more like a teaser than an episode in its own right.
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The King of Fighters ‘98 Ultimate Match Xbox Live Review
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Look beyond this game’s ugly visuals and you’ll find its fighting spirit is still strong after ten years. Back in 1998, superhuman pugilism was a far more pixelated affair. Punch-ups would require that opponents face each other along a straight line, while parallax scrolling was a positively jaw-dropping spectacle. Back then there was also no…
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.