Anomaly (Brass Ring)

(Brass Ring, 2000)
™ and ©2000 Brass Ring Productions

Anomaly is a quarterly showcase anthology featuring unknown, unproven talent. As far as titles like these go, this one is typical. There are a couple of stories that show some promise, but the remainder are easily forgotten.

At eight pages apiece, though, at least the less-worthy stories are over quickly. But Caleb Gerard’s opening story, “Champion,” is one of the better attempts, with a surprising look at what super-heroes might daydream about. Daniel Wickline’s “Lapse,” which closes the book, actually puts a clever spin on a character who can travel into the future, an increasing rarity in time-travel stories.

The interior stories, though, range from clichéd and amateurish to downright boring. Many of the writers’ styles are so derivative that the reader wonders if they’ve ever read anything other than comic books. The artists fare a little better; Richard Garcia (“Artifacts”) and Fabian Chow (“The Fire Brand”) turn in the best material and show strong potential.

The low price and decent bookend stories just barely make this a worthwhile venture. Those seeking to experiment with new talent would be better off looking at materials from publishers with more discriminating editors.

— Jim Johnson

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Anomaly (Brass Ring) #3

Cover Price: $2.50
1 copy available for $9.99