Czepta - The Prophet Rides Again product reviews

Bringing together some interesting themes - mind over matter aka the Quantum Observer Effect, parallel dimensions, ascendancy - and mysticism from a number of cultures including Polynesian, Asian, Middle Eastern and European... and artwork styles to match... this is a gumbo of potential for this Kiwi young man.

Set in New Zealand, Auckland in particular, this story has some very interesting overtones, and I have to laugh at the reversals of counter-culture. While those who wear their pants around, or below, their butts with their underwear showing think of themselves as the heroes of revolution and rebellion, in this story it's the 'evil' Masters who wear baggies, hoodies, shades and bling, with their boxers on display. I quite liked that switch-around, personally.

I can't speak much to the story in the one issue thus far released - Issue Zero - because like most multi-part stories this is just the basic intro, with little more to it than character intro and plot root development. However, if this is any indication of how the story is going to go, it's a good start and presented with some very professional artwork.

Ed has some great experience in story-boarding - the natural precursor to Comics and Graphic Novels - so I am not at all surprised by the very high calibre of his artwork. However, that means how well this is received will be determined purely on plot. I certainly hope it continues along the same, or higher, standard as it started because that will lead to bigger and better things for Chronic Shock - Ed's working label.

Overall, this is a very impressive start, with some great secondary merchandise already in production. Getting the name further out there is going to be vital, especially as this could grow into something very big.