Shuck the Sulfurstar

(Rick Smith, 2005)
™ and ©2005 Rick Smith

Shuck the Sulfurstar is an experiment gone off-kilter, and the series tells the story of the demon who has left Hell behind in search of a more peaceful existence. The facet of this series that stands out is the language. Rick Smith’s attempt to portray the dialect and lingo of the various beings—human and demon—in his story make reading it a chore. Can you understand what’s being said? Most of the time. Is it easy to understand what’s being said? Sometimes, but not often enough. While I appreciate the challenge of portraying dialects and admire the author for taking on this considerable task, doing so to this extent takes the joy out of the reading.

That said, the story is amusing and the art is effective in its simplicity. Translation: Other than the dialogue, it’s enjoyable. For those who greatly enjoy reading dialect, then you can add another star to the review rating for Shuck #2.

A more pleasant dose of bizarreness is found in a back cover short feature titled “Sawlogs,” also by Smith. No funky dialects here: just him explaining a dream he had as a youth. This issue’s episode, “Squirrel Bait,” is weird, as dreams can be, and something many people can relate to.

— Ray Sidman

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#1

July, 2003
Cover Price: $2.95
1 copy available for $5.00

Rick Smith