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The Sisters’ Luck Graphic Novel Review
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2010, Slave Labor Graphics Story, Art: Shari Chankhamma Some buggers get all the luck, eh? Or at least they do in The Sisters’ Luck, a graphic novel by Thai artist Shari Chankhamma (The Clarence Principle) in which luck is a visible energy that individuals unconsciously exchange and attract. Enter twin sisters Umbra and Untumbra, who…
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ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction DVD Review
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Released 18th October 2010 by Optimum Home Entertainment Director: Kevin Hamedani Cast: Janette Armand, Doug Fahl and Cooper Hopkins Script: Kevin Hamedani, Ramon Isao It’s probably best not to settle down to a film titled Zombies of Mass Destruction expecting Citizen Kane. Or even George A. Romero, for that matter. But this admirably earnest little…
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Skullkickers #1 Comic Book Review
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$2.99, Image Story: Jim Zubkavich Art: Edwin Huang, Misty Coats, Chris Stevens (cover) I’ve always felt that the swords and sorcery genre (if anyone still calls it that) benefits from a healthy dose of humour. It’s the reason why Army of Darkness, with its tongue planted firmly in cheek, is still entertaining as ever, while…
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The Brothers Bloom DVD Review
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2009, Optimum Home Entertainment Director: Rian Johnson Cast: Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel Weisz, Robbie Coltrane, Rinko Kikuchi Script: Rian Johnson You have to admire writer/director Rian Johnson’s propensity for overreaching. His first movie, Brick, was a high school murder mystery which channelled the noir sensibilities of Hammett and Chandler, and even if its askew…
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A Friendly Game Graphic Novel Review
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2010, Slave Labor Graphics Story: Joe Pimienta, Lindsay Hornsbys Script, Inks: Lindsay Hornsby Pencils: Joe Pimienta As anyone who suffered a speech impediment, thick spectacles, tentacles-for-arms or any other physical distinction at school will attest, children can be evil little bastards. But few are as demented as A Friendly Game’s central rascals Todd and Kevin,…
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Sean Dietrich’s Catalepsy Comic Review
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2007, 215 Ink Written and Illustrated by: Sean Dietrich From the skewed mind of Sean Dietrich (Industriacide, Fervor) comes Catalepsy, a short but sweet tale of aeroplanes, alcoholism and afterlife. To divulge much of its plot, or indeed compare it to Adrian Lyne’s classic 90s psychological thriller with which it share its central concept, would…
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Ron Roach’s 900-page Epic ‘Armageddon Quest’ Needs YOU!
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in Comic NewsKilling the Grizzly, a new literary agency specialising in graphic novels, is currently embarking on a personal mission to get Ron Roach’s 900-page epic Armageddon Quest published. For those unfamiliar with the comic (as I was), Armageddon Quest has taken Roach nearly 20 years to complete. The black and white graphic novel, which “chronicles the…
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Morning Glories #1 Comic Book Review
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$3.99, Image Story: Nick Spencer Art: Joe Eisner Colours: Alex Sollazzo Nick Spencer’s hit new series Morning Glories is further proof that everybody loves good mystery. While the series (presumably) borrows elements from Susperia, The Faculty and a thousand other high school dramas, Spencer (Existence 2.0, Forgetless) has smartly abstained from revealing precisely what his…
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.