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Blankets by Craig Thompson Review
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2003 Top Shelf Productions Written and Illustrated by: Craig Thompson When reading an independent book which I intend to review, I try to refrain from further research until I’ve finished reading. This is partly down to the fact that most indie books don’t require me to swot up on 50 years of Marvel or DC…
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Death Falcon Zero vs. The Zombie Slug Lords Preview
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in Comic News“The Living Dead and the Deadly Living Clash on Charleston’s West Side.” I’ve come across an intriguing graphic novel entitled Death Falcon Zero vs. The Zombie Slug Lords, an enticing amalgam of those two sacred B-movie commodities; zombies and er… pro wrestling The book, in which a disgraced former masked wrestler battles the walking dead…
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Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 vol. 3: Wolves at the Gate TPB Review
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2008, Dark Horse Books Writer: Drew Goddard, Joss Whedon Pencils: Georges Jeanty Inks: Andy Owen Colours: Michelle Madsen Covers: Jon Foster Like the television show before it, Buffy’s season 8 was always going to take time to “get into”; but I can gladly say that Wolves at the Gate is the first volume so far…
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Watchmen Comic Movie May Miss March Release Date
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It’s a kick in the post-festive balls for comic lovers everywhere (except Alan Moore, who’s probably clapping his ring-heavy hands with joy) as numerous sources are reporting that the Watchmen legal copyright infringement fiasco is set to continue for the foreseeable future. As an everyman moron whose knowledge of legal procedure extends no further than…
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Controversial Categories – Why We Should All Read More Independent Comics
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in ColumnWe’ve all opted for the obvious option at some point in time, and stuck with what we’ve known. Most of us do it every day, in the smallest of ways. We’ve all ordered steak and chips from the menu when we know we really should have sampled something more exotic. We’ve all sat in a…
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Christmas Comics Gift Guide 2008
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in FeaturesWe’ve all suffered those moments when parents, spouses or creepy bearded men ask us for Christmas present suggestions, and struggled with but one. Well struggle no longer, with this concise graphic novel shopping guide. Rather than concentrate on Chrimbo themed books, I’m opting for the classics, personal choices and the odd surprise. No, this has…
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Graphic Novel Reviews – The Problem with Comic Book Critique
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in ColumnComic book and graphic novel criticism is rarely found outside of niche publications such as Wizard, or the many fan-driven sites that litter the web. Occasionally a mainstream newspaper will publish an article on the medium as a whole, or offer a retrospective on an under-appreciated author, usually Alan Moore; but for the most part…
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Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 vol. 2: No Future for You TPB Review
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2008, Dark Horse Books Script: Brian K. Vaughan, Joss Whedon Pencils: Georges Jeanty, Cliff Richard Inks: Andy Owens Covers: Jo Chen Though it was far superior to IDW’s Angel series After the Fall, the opening volume of Buffy Season 8, The Long Way Home, definitely lacked the fluid wit of its television successor. Joss Whedon’s…
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.