After turning the last page of the first issue of Sean Von Gorman’s “Sock It To Me Comics,†two things are abundantly clear.
Von Gorman is funny and knows his pop culture.
Stringing several small stories together, in addition to several hoax-ads in between, Von Gorman’s work will remind many of a younger, less-polished, but still charming and entertaining version of Eric Powell, the evil mastermind behind Sci-Fi/Noir/Comedy hits from Dark Horse Comics, “The Goon†and “Chimichanga.â€
Unlike Powell however, Von Gorman’s protagonist isn’t a muscle-bound tough guy or a bearded little girl.
Instead, it’s a man and his sock-puppet roommate.
And his name is Sock.
What could have easily been mundane and repetitive is instead hilarious and witty. Channeling the themes of great ‘80s sitcoms, with hints of “Futurama,” “Star Wars” and the depths of Von Gorman’s mind, Sock’s antics hit the mark for anyone looking for the type of comic that doesn’t need super heroes to be entertaining.
That doesn’t mean that Sock sees himself as a nobody though. His origin story, or what he believes his origin story to be, sets the scene for the shenanigans that take place through out the course of the comic.
It is also here where Von Gorman makes himself a credible storyteller. Even in the jokingly way this individual story is told, he proves to the reader that he’s a huge fan of the medium and someone who wants their attention. After this story, Von Gorman shows the reader he’s just like them and as a result, he steals their laughter. Luckily for them, he gives it back after every speech bubble and turn of the page.
Visually, while done in modest pencils, the look of the comic is fun and unique. Even though clearly influenced by modern comic art, Von Gorman is anything but a knock-off. With several full-page pieces in between the solidly structured smaller boxes, the flow of the art does an entertaining job supporting the writing, taking the reader everywhere from heaven to Sock’s bedroom in just 24 pages.
While the question remains to how much better the comic could have looked had it been in color, the fact that they are in black and white isn’t a hindrance.
Overall, with an abundance of charisma and plenty of laughs to be had, Von Gorman’s indy comic has serious staying power.
You can pick up Gorman’s comic by searching for it @ http://www.indyplanet.com/store/
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