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The Guild #1 (of 3) Comic Book Review
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Dark Horse, $3.50 Story: Felicia Day Art: Jim Rugg The Guild is one of those cult online shows that I’ve read nothing but praise for, yet despite my best attempts have so far struggled to “get”. Part of this may be down to my newly realised aversion to MMORPGs, but also the fact that outside…
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Punisher MAX vol. 6: Barracuda TPB Review
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Marvel, 2006 Story: Garth Ennis Art: Goran Parlov Colours: Giulia Brusco One consequence of Frank Castle’s hardline approach to vigilantism is that his enemies rarely get the opportunity to stage comebacks; usually because he’s deposited several dozen bullets in their skulls. While Garth Ennis may have introduced the Marvel Universe to the mountain of moronic…
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Hope Larson’s Mercury Graphic Novel Review
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Mercury is an ambitious narrative of two coming-of-age tales, tied by blood but separated by time.
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Fan Pens Song for Green Lantern Movie
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Of all the upcoming/announced/rumoured superhero movies, Green Lantern has the potential to offer something truly unique. But most of us are content to speculate exactly how Ryan Reynold’s computer-generated costume will work and whether Guy Gardner, Kilowog et al will make appearances, independent musician and comic fan Gary Mitchell is pushing to contribute to the…
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Free Comic Book Day: Free Comics Every 20 Minutes at HeavyInk
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in Comic NewsWahey, today is Free Comic Book Day. Or at least it is if you live in North America; though many comic stores in the UK and around the world do also participate. So take it upon yourself to journey onwards to your nearest comic book store and demand a freebee. But for those who aren’t…
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Fool’s Gold Graphic Novel Project Is Far From Worthless
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in Comic NewsLast February I wrote a feature/review on Fool’s Gold, a graphic novel project from the pupils of the Dearne High Specialist Humanities College in Rotherham. The book was a lot of fun, and I felt it did a great job of both introducing the comic medium into schools and getting teenagers to think beyond the…
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Comic Book Creators Announced For London MCM Expo May 2010
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in Comic NewsThe London MCM Expo has just announced a number of comic book creators that will be attending the Comic Village region of its 29-30th May 2010 show. From the press release: Stars returning to Excel this May include Ben Templesmith, Svetlana Chmakova, Jamie McKelvie and Kieron Gillen, while we’ll also be seeing a host of…
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Indie Comic Spotlight: Lost in the Woods
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Paper Street Comics Story: Gentry Smith, Stan Wedeking Art: Daniel Wichinson (finishes, covers by Gentry Smith) Horror titles may constitute a large percentage of all indie and small press comics currently being published, but the medium is rarely used to nearly as good effect as its cinematic counterpart. Sure, horror comics can be gruesome, graphic,…
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.