Category Archives: reviews
Tastes like… another review!
Our thanks to Jason Franks for his review of issue 2 of Róisín Dubh at Tastes Like Comics.
Here’s an amuse-bouche:
Róisín Dubh is something rare: a comic based on myth and legend that remains true to the period in which it is set. It’s refreshing to see a heroine who is both tough and vulnerable, presented without the standard hyper-sexualization we have come to expect from today’s comics and films. McHugh and Byrne have produced a terrific book that doesn’t pander, doesn’t sugarcoat, and retains its capacity to surprise. Seek it out; it’s well worth your time.
Second Review of Two
Thanks to Emmet O’Cuana for his thoughtful, thorough review of issue two of Róisín Dubh on Comicbooked.com.
Here’s a snippet:
The funeral scene itself is the unquestioned highlight of the issue. Artist Stephen Byrne beautifully captures the isolation of the grieving Róisín, staring upward into the sky at free-flying birds while the hands of well-wishers grope at her, depicted in a series of inset panels. She is earthbound, trapped by her sadness, and even the supernatural Fainche is unable to give her any solace, admitting that it has no idea what waits after death. This is all powerfully delivered by the team of writer and artist.
First review of 2
The first review of Róisín Dubh, issue 2 has gone online.
It’s written by David O’Leary and can be read on ICN or Comicbuzz.
Here’s a taster of what he says:
Another great issue from Ireland’s leading publisher of indy comics. It really hits all the right notes visually and with its involved, layered story.
The Comic Cast Review of issue 1
Liam Geraghty and Craig O Connor, the men behind the Irish podcast The Comic Cast, gave issue 1 of Róisín Dubh a glowing review in their latest edition.
Thanks guys!
ICN
After the Squarebound event in Dublin recently Irish artist Tommie Kelly realised that the Irish comic book scene could use a central resource, especially to aid networking about comic book events in Ireland, and in a splurge of activity created a terrific site called Irish Comic News.
It describes itself as “…a website dedicated to the Irish comic Scene. It contains interviews, a forum, event guides, tutorials and all news related to the Irish Comic Scene.” Tommie is being helped in his efforts by Patrick Brown, Hilary Lawler and Gar Shanley, with contributions from David O’Leary.
For the past week ICN has been sending a standard questionnaire to Irish comic book creators and posting their responses online. You can read Robert Curely’s answers and my answers on the site.
As well as this David O’Leary has kindly written a review of issue 1 of Róisín Dubh. Here’s a sampler:
The story is utterly enticing. If this is any indication of what is planned in the overall picture, then we are well placed. I love the period that the book is set in. I love the characters traits and how the time influences the thinking of them, particularly Roisin’s father. I love the attention to the little details that McHugh brings forth. This could be the beginning of something special. Keep your eyes peeled.
The art is also just as noteworthy. The black and white art is exactly what the tone of the story demands of it. There are some cool images in the book, one being the image of the Neamh-Mharibh’s position in the mound after being buried. Something about that panel was visually very catching. The clothes and time specific items must have took a bit of research and the look of the book looks as detailed as the story does. Also, the cover by Stephen Byrne is beautiful in its simplicity.
Róisín Dubh - The Comic 