tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809126056034906096.post3699467824461211025..comments2023-09-05T09:06:09.136-05:00Comments on Atop the Fourth Wall: Silent Hill: Dead/Alive #3 and 4Lewis Lovhaughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06724769374732321363noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809126056034906096.post-72952332444570286052013-09-20T20:55:32.366-05:002013-09-20T20:55:32.366-05:00LOL wats a silent hill? o well, make comic about i...LOL wats a silent hill? o well, make comic about it anyway.<br /><br />Not even you could save this comic from being boring, even in summation. Blargh. Your subplot here is great at least.<br /><br />If you want to make a horror-- thing-- based around a franchise built on psychological horror that is deep, takes its time to make you think, and is highly visual, it would stand to reason to follow suit with the theme; make it more visual and make the "twists" more surprising by taking it slow. Exposition and loudmouth pseudo-sexual gory dialogue doesn't make a horror experience consistent with the psychological approach of Silent Hill. In fact, in general, blatant exposition throughout the story doesn't only make it unsurprising and not scary, but it also feels inconsistent with the medium itself. This doesn't feel like a comic book, it feels more like a script for a horror-inspired crime noir comedy that takes place in the 90's.<br /><br />Yes, some of the Silent Hill games (including Silent Hill 2, viewed as the crowning achievement of the franchise) are pretty heavy with sexual overtones, but that's with good reason on a deep level involving the characters. This comic doesn't even approach a reasoning for anything that happens in spite of all the talk and the fact that the reasoning should be more symbolic and hushed. I think it's trying too hard to be "edgy," as opposed to simply pensive and "dark."<br /><br />Personally, I am kind of a sucker for some of the stylized artwork in these books (some of the time, sometimes it gets ugly); however, it doesn't fit Silent Hill, nor does it fit the type of mood the actual narrative of the story sets by itself. I honestly can't decide if this series is trying too hard or not trying hard enough. As a whole, the FLCL manga feels more like a scary psychological drama than this does, and that's just a coming of age story!<br /><br />Anyway, I'm getting pumped for this year's Halloween! Here's to maybe seeing something not as bland next to your story arc going down! ^_^ bDjiinnraehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09353434257407640406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809126056034906096.post-43889045616895509572012-05-26T14:23:35.765-05:002012-05-26T14:23:35.765-05:00I came here for the Bat Credit Card.I came here for the Bat Credit Card.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809126056034906096.post-27654674340673293502011-10-08T15:48:37.600-05:002011-10-08T15:48:37.600-05:00Amusingly, IDW Publishing had launcheda Duke Nukem...Amusingly, IDW Publishing had launcheda Duke Nukem comic written by Tom Waltz, the writer of Sinner's Reward and Past Life.<br /><br /> Jeremy.Jeremy A. Pattersonhttp://texascomics.weebly.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809126056034906096.post-86557283864149828872010-11-04T12:37:51.499-05:002010-11-04T12:37:51.499-05:00"Why is it that some punk reviewer, whose had..."Why is it that some punk reviewer, whose had little real interaction with Silent Hill series as a whole, and a staunch refusal to swear..."<br /><br />So he doesn't swear like a sailor, so what? It's called "class" (maybe you outta get some). <br /><br />It's part of the reason why I hold Linkara in such high esteem.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809126056034906096.post-82807966115440060312010-10-19T04:25:31.513-05:002010-10-19T04:25:31.513-05:00Oh wow, I remember you saying you'd been busy ...Oh wow, I remember you saying you'd been busy on twitter and I can see why! This episode looked like you and all the people who helped out put a lot of work into it!<br /><br />Vyce looks and sounds awesome.Kate Holdenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10239736467728498841noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809126056034906096.post-61556530733697273872010-10-18T23:04:11.445-05:002010-10-18T23:04:11.445-05:00No, Lenora, YOU are the Lauren!
And then Lenora w...No, Lenora, YOU are the Lauren!<br /><br />And then Lenora was a redhead.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02481158705114133549noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809126056034906096.post-59218842854957942342010-10-18T22:28:04.741-05:002010-10-18T22:28:04.741-05:00Nice use a NC cameo, at least something good came ...Nice use a NC cameo, at least something good came out of this garbage. (Not your awesome review mind u, I mean the terrible comic.)PockyMechhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07765160958566772485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809126056034906096.post-12788722925635002862010-10-18T15:55:46.658-05:002010-10-18T15:55:46.658-05:00I literally didn't think it was possible for a...I literally didn't think it was possible for a story to be this confusing. Guess I was wrong.<br /><br />Loved the use of the Shattered Memories songs in these videos BTW, that soundtrack is great.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809126056034906096.post-34059207226561175832010-10-17T10:44:54.239-05:002010-10-17T10:44:54.239-05:00Wow. It seems like the writers had no idea how to ...Wow. It seems like the writers had no idea how to proceed with this story and so just kept adding plot points in the hope that things would work out. There is no sense of pacing, scope or atmosphere, and the characters are pretty much interchangeable.<br /><br />As much as I dislike the interior artwork, the cover with the monsters playing pool is something I wouldn't mind having up on my wall.<br /><br />Also, great job on the Halloween stuff! So far I like it even more than last years. :)ScutigeraColeoptratahttp://www.lucidstillness.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809126056034906096.post-49332830157766676092010-10-14T23:43:33.740-05:002010-10-14T23:43:33.740-05:00Hey Lewis,
Late to the punch this week-I guess yo...Hey Lewis,<br /><br />Late to the punch this week-I guess you can say I caught this on "reruns" if you will.<br /><br />Anyway, really cool episode this week-I quite enjoyed it. Nice mix of dramatic pacing and tension for the framing story and great analysis for the review. I particularly liked your detailed discussion of what constitutes "scary" dialog appropriate to the horror genre. Perhaps coincidentally I followed this up by watching Doug Walker's latest Nostalgia Critic Top 11 about scary performances and you both seemed to touch on similar themes and arguments. Congratulations to the both of you for your thoughtful analysis: It always makes each new episode refreshing and thought provoking.<br /><br />I am looking forward to seeing how your most recent story ark resolves itself in the coming weeks-Each time you do one you seem to further hone and tweak your narrative construction, cinematography style and techniques and that just makes it more interesting to watch. Ever considered actually doing a straight high-concept drama series? You'd probably be good at it.<br /><br />See you in 7!WGP_Joshnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809126056034906096.post-16859406070571884102010-10-14T00:31:04.504-05:002010-10-14T00:31:04.504-05:00I have to say i really like that little speech you...I have to say i really like that little speech you gave with Jason and the Halloween guy. I can tell you really thought it out.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809126056034906096.post-53043056927346097672010-10-13T14:13:00.465-05:002010-10-13T14:13:00.465-05:00A. Who thought that this art was in any shape, for...A. Who thought that this art was in any shape, form or fashion suitable for a comic book? I would say that comics are not the right place for impressionism except that impressionism at least makes good use of COLORS!<br /><br />B. Where in the world are they? That definitely isn't Silent Hill. I don't care what anyone says, that definitely isn't Silent Hill.<br /><br />C. What did they do to the poor monsters? Pyramid Heads that do nothing to scare anyone? Nurses that do more speaking than twisted moving? Dogs (from who knows what game) that get tamed by his dog?Gyrehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11139372297929361578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809126056034906096.post-42128907385577562042010-10-13T12:56:12.635-05:002010-10-13T12:56:12.635-05:00Well, this review seems more story driven than com...Well, this review seems more story driven than comedy driven, not that that's a bad thing-The comedy is more a result of the storyarc rather than the comic itself, but it's all good. Keep up the good work, Linkara.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16993879525956073167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809126056034906096.post-3305744953906071412010-10-12T22:40:48.847-05:002010-10-12T22:40:48.847-05:00Ciencin's also written some dinosaur novellas ...Ciencin's also written some dinosaur novellas for kids about ten years ago - those little Dinotopia paperbacks and the Dinoverse series. "I Was A Teenage T. Rex" and so on.<br /><br />They tended to have some surreal humor, but there wasn't much pop culture reference. They don't hold up as well now, but I had a lot of fun with them back then, and they're not bad for kidlit.<br /><br />Not sure when he switched to horror comics, but clearly he should have stayed with dinosaurs.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809126056034906096.post-50537215990252454132010-10-12T20:37:05.038-05:002010-10-12T20:37:05.038-05:00I think that these Silent Hill videos are some of ...I think that these Silent Hill videos are some of the best I've watched from you. I've never read the comics or played the games--I really know nothing about Silent Hill at all--but your narration and commentary are great and manage to keep me in the loop, despite my knowing nothing about the franchise.<br /><br />And the unfolding plot is great! I was expecting that the next plot-relevant segment would be at or near the end of the video like they tend to be, so I was excited to be plunged straight in. Also enjoyed the plot repeatedly popping up throughout the rest of the video.<br /><br />Thanks for another great episode. :)Amethyst Asherynnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809126056034906096.post-13216361241744844502010-10-12T14:54:10.391-05:002010-10-12T14:54:10.391-05:00I gotta say, Linkara, I love your reviews.
I love...I gotta say, Linkara, I love your reviews.<br /><br />I love these ones as well but there is one thing about them (not a bad thing):<br /><br />You're scarring me (._.)<br /><br />But I'm crazy enough already so it won'tydonty do anyti harm :p<br /><br />Sincerely: KeveakKeveaknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809126056034906096.post-46966925041733117592010-10-12T14:45:52.699-05:002010-10-12T14:45:52.699-05:00Wow that comic stunk. Surely the writer for those ...Wow that comic stunk. Surely the writer for those horrible comics obviously does not know anything about how to make something in the horror genre, "HORROR".<br /><br />Actually I prefer your continuing horror story in the beginning of your videos over those Silent Hill comics, which can easily be put next to piles of pixelated pumice, and there would be no difference.<br /><br />MalixDexideMalixDexidehttp://uglybirdmania.deviantart.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809126056034906096.post-49675085145968342052010-10-12T12:31:16.753-05:002010-10-12T12:31:16.753-05:00Haven't commented in a long while (my deepest ...Haven't commented in a long while (my deepest apologies), but I just caught up last night and I'm gonna say, your two recent reviews are giving me nightmares.....like the comic SHOULD but fails to do. <br /><br />Really, I thought 'Dying Inside' was the worst we could get, but I could follow it a bit (even if I had to fill in some of the holes). This, I can't even BEGIN to figure out what's going on, even with your narration. <br /><br />Hoping what's left of your sanity survives the fifth issue; I have my doubts, though.RBYDarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10986785993225481763noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809126056034906096.post-9819644168453765572010-10-12T12:22:44.555-05:002010-10-12T12:22:44.555-05:00Your videos are very entertaining, but the blockin...Your videos are very entertaining, but the blocking often yanks me out of the mood you are filming like a 2 page, horizontal spread.<br /><br />For example, the Mecha-Linkara conversation at the beginning was pulling me deeper into Linkara's growing insanity and paranoia until Linkara leaps out of his seat... across the room, to the right, or to the left? I am not sure. <br /><br />If Linkara leaves the screen to the left, he should enter the next screen on the right. This flow of action feels more natural than leaving and entering on the same side of the screen. <br /><br />I cannot wait for next week's resolution to this year's Silent Hill story arc!hyosungnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809126056034906096.post-33170015361629743632010-10-12T12:18:22.046-05:002010-10-12T12:18:22.046-05:00Hm, funny thing. I looked up the author and realiz...Hm, funny thing. I looked up the author and realized I read some of his young adult books, and that they were pretty good.<br /><br />Of course, they weren't horror, they were books instead of comics, and the guy works for hire, so it may be he's just not good at horror and/or comics and they keep using him just because he's able to meet deadlines and isn't expensive, and he keeps taking the offers because he likes being paid?ZeroSDnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809126056034906096.post-18410784413661603332010-10-12T10:09:27.808-05:002010-10-12T10:09:27.808-05:00I will admit, I smiled when I saw the dog piss on ...I will admit, I smiled when I saw the dog piss on L-woman.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809126056034906096.post-35915127218510922622010-10-12T07:35:02.771-05:002010-10-12T07:35:02.771-05:00Wow, I'm impressed it took them until Sinner&#...Wow, I'm impressed it took them until Sinner's Reward to ditch Ciencin from that book.<br /><br />He didn't know much about Transformers when he wrote a tie-in novel for Dreamwave's first miniseries (two issues of which you reviewed last month)... but I'll let the Transformers Wiki fill you in on that:<br />http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Keepers_Trilogy#Fan_Reaction<br />"Scott Ciencin (writer of the first book and part of the second, though uncredited) left many readers cold with a mix of sex, gore (Her severed spine jutted from her torso, and entrails uncoiled and slowly snaked out from her body, slippery and eager to stretch out and relax.) and faux-edgy pop culture references. In addition, Ciencin's actual knowledge of Transformers was visibly limited, consisting of what appeared to be hasty perusals of some sources - his description of Bumblebee, for instance, was clearly derived from a cursory glance at his Marvel Transformers Universe profile, presenting him to be blue and yellow (a result of the limited colour palette of the comics), rather than the correct black and yellow. Energon is described as a silvery-gold liquid (before the Energon series depicted it as such), and presented as the power source of the Matrix."<br /><br />So... yeah. Ciencin doesn't research jive, and gets job writing tie-in material nonetheless.<br />What a world we live in.Julznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809126056034906096.post-62999871537770738992010-10-12T06:29:30.621-05:002010-10-12T06:29:30.621-05:00I don't really understand your confusion about...I don't really understand your confusion about Christabella <br /><br />She was a little girl with latent magical abilities who died and became a ghost and ascended into a demon, then became mortal again while her latent powers finally manifested. <br /><br />Simple as that <br />(once you can comprehend the back-story of Samuel Haight, nothing can confuse you)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809126056034906096.post-53898724166955100182010-10-12T05:29:30.652-05:002010-10-12T05:29:30.652-05:00Great review. Nice little rant in the middle there...Great review. Nice little rant in the middle there. Why is it that some punk reviewer, whose had little real interaction with Silent Hill series as a whole, and a staunch refusal to swear*, has a better understanding of Silent Hill and the type of horror it's meant to evoke than the jackass who GOT THE RIGHTS FROM KONAMI TO MAKE A SILENT HILL COMIC?!? Kind of sad when you think about it.<br /><br /><br />*Nothing personal Link, you know I love you, just putting things into perspective.Tsumetaihttp://thatguywiththeglasses.com/forums/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=36061noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809126056034906096.post-91890633870070944992010-10-12T04:52:45.784-05:002010-10-12T04:52:45.784-05:00BEAR WILL LIVE (we hope?)
And the plot thickens o...BEAR WILL LIVE (we hope?)<br /><br />And the plot thickens on the storyline, who is the 'her', and why are the halucinations getting more insulting and accusitory?<br /><br />Too bad October is only four Tuesdays long...ckatmylahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11086599208849051740noreply@blogger.com