Max Ink’s Blink
- Posted by Johanna on January 15, 2008 at 10:36 pm
- Category: Minicomics
I’m a big Alex Robinson fan, and the minicomics of Max Ink have a similar feel. Blink is the title, and there are issues online to read.
Blink is a young woman who talks about life with friends in realistic-sounding interludes. The series reminds me of Kris Dresen’s Max & Lily in its interesting conversation. Whether solving crossword puzzles or pondering lost childhood, the linework’s great, capturing the expressions that make the interaction live. True conversation is more than just words, but also the pauses and gestures that go on between the participants.
The second issue, “Experiencing Creative Difficulties”, is a bit too self-referential, in that it turns out Blink’s an artist who can’t think of something to write about, so a friend proposes writing about being blocked. (Multi-level much? But then again, Robinson’s Box Office Poison co-starred a wannabe comic artist.) “Space to Breathe” is quieter, more reflective, with the friends sharing a starry sky and favorite quotations.
But my favorite is “Let It Be As It Is”, a reflection of John Lennon’s demise and what music can mean. I’d advise buying all of them, but they’re currently out of print. Shame. I’d like to be able to reread them whenever I want.
January 16, 2008 at 12:37 AM
Max is a good friend of mine. I like his comics too. If you visit his comicspace page, I believe you can purchase some.
http://www.comicspace.com/maxink/
January 16, 2008 at 4:44 AM
Slay is a friend of mine. He sent me a link to this post– thanks for the kind words, Johanna! I’d be happy to send you copies of the books for your rereading pleasure.
Oh, and the “Let It Be As It Is” is a FREE mini comic. I’d be happy to send you a dozen so that you can hand them out o people you think would enjoy them, too.
January 16, 2008 at 6:53 AM
Very kind of you, thanks! I’ll email.
January 16, 2008 at 1:03 PM
[...] my buddy Slay emails me this review by Comics Worth Reading’s very own Johanna Draper Carlson (who happens to be a member or Mr. [...]
January 16, 2008 at 3:23 PM
Good stuff.
You know while it is interesting to talk about how weird the comic industry is. This just reminded me why I like coming to the site more than any other. The looks at interesting comics that I more than likely would never had seen before.
Thanks for doing that!
January 16, 2008 at 6:29 PM
You’re welcome. It’s too easy just to run my mouth about the controversy du jour or slag books I expected to suck — I’m trying to shine a more positive light this year.
January 16, 2008 at 9:23 PM
Nice to know my work tips the scales in favor of light & goodness! Yay!
January 17, 2008 at 1:17 AM
I’m excited to check this out – plus, the Max’s of comics need to stick together :) Thanks for the recommendation, Johanna!
June 25, 2008 at 10:43 PM
[...] don’t want to get in the way of people doing the work they came for). I did keep bumping into Max Ink, [...]
August 29, 2008 at 7:44 AM
[...] combining judges’ and exhibitors’ votes. Based on the finalists shown, I’d choose Blink, because out of the two competitors I’ve read, I liked that better. I do wonder about the [...]
October 20, 2008 at 7:34 AM
[...] Blink is my favorite new minicomic, because I love the characters, and the mood behind it is so entertaining and yet calming. It’s like a refreshing adult beverage — relaxing, comfortable, and yet eye-opening in noticing the world from a new perspective. This collection contains short pieces that originally ran in a local free monthly. They’re really good. [...]
October 20, 2008 at 7:32 PM
[...] recently received books she likes or thinks are worth mentioning. Thankfully, she likes Blink: Blink is my favorite new minicomic, because I love the characters, and the mood behind it is so [...]