Golly #1 Discussion and Spoilers

[HouseSolo]

All right, well the book seems to be about a character named Golly Munhollen who is a Carnival worker, and races in the carnival to make money. Essentially he's a red-neck type character with little to no future.

He ends up getting knocked out by another character and talked to by part of the Tri-force (ok not really, but a triangle calling itself an angel) and he's given some super-powers to battle off the apocalypse. Only thing is it's not really the apocalypse. It was called off because no one seemed to care enough do to it, he's just got to fight off the people who didn't get the memo.

First issue was actually pretty damn funny. I'm looking forward to more, and especially more of the satan character.

[Phil Hester]

Thanks, House! I hope others check it out. It's the kind of book that needs a loyal band of readers to flourish. I know it's a long shot, but we want to hang out at Image a long time- Walking Dead style.

[Schmakt]

I read the preview online... I didn't think it sucked, and I didn't think it was awesome either. But I was still kinda intrigued. The $3.50 price point was a turn-off too...

It was a light 2 weeks for me tho (last week: Jack of Fables; this week: Secret Invasion (boo!)), so I decided I'd give it a shot. I suppose I'm responding a little pre-maturely here, but Golly is the one book out of 4 (including that DD freebie) that I didn't make time to read during my lunch break today.

But that's a good thing. I always try to save the best for last, and the more I thought about the books in my hands, the more I figured that Golly had the best chance of making me smile. So I'll read it tonight after work. *fingers crossed* :)

[HouseSolo]

Ya, it was really good. I'm not sure why the Angel looks like part of the Tri-force. Maybe, Mr. Hester can answer that one.

The idea that the Angel can't tell the difference between a carny and a genius like Stephen Hawking makes me laugh to no end as well. I hadn't ever really thought of it the way he put it, haha.

Thanks, House! I hope others check it out. It's the kind of book that needs a loyal band of readers to flourish. I know it's a long shot, but we want to hang out at Image a long time- Walking Dead style.

I'd like to see that as well. I think the hardest part will be to get people to pick up that first issue. Once they do though I'm sure it will roll smoothly from there.

[6655321]

I hadn't read anything about this book at all, saw it at my shop, picked it up on a whim and thought it was freakin' amazing. Easily as good as any first issue I've ever read. My only worry about this book is it's the first monthly Image book I've picked up (I read Walking Dead in trade) since Gutsville and, well... while I thought Gutsville is a pretty good book I'm less than satisfied with its publication schedule. That and my memories of Image scheduling in the early 90's are the big reasons I don't really buy many Image books. It's not so much that I have a stick up my butt about things being on time but I've got my limits.... So, yeah.. I'm super psyched about this series, so much that after reading said first issue I called up everyone I know who reads comics and more or less demanded that they pick up this book as well.

[Schmakt]

I hadn't read anything about this book at all, saw it at my shop, picked it up on a whim and thought it was freakin' amazing. Easily as good as any first issue I've ever read. My only worry about this book is it's the first monthly Image book I've picked up (I read Walking Dead in trade) since Gutsville and, well... while I thought Gutsville is a pretty good book I'm less than satisfied with its publication schedule. That and my memories of Image scheduling in the early 90's are the big reasons I don't really buy many Image books. It's not so much that I have a stick up my butt about things being on time but I've got my limits.... So, yeah.. I'm super psyched about this series, so much that after reading said first issue I called up everyone I know who reads comics and more or less demanded that they pick up this book as well.

*poke*
pick up the first Proof TPB... you'll dig it. $8 including shipping from HeavyInk. :)


As for Golly...
I want to just say, "Awesome!" and be done with it.
But you hit one of my pet peeves.

Having the comic run straight to the front of the back cover was sweet... I definitely do not feel jipped out of my $3.50. It was pretty jarring when it ended tho... like going for a long bike ride and then sitting down to eat before cooling down. But still neat.

I felt it was a little slow introducing me to everyone and setting itself up, but I definitely can't say that I didn't get a feel for the characters. I kind of wish the "bad guy" ended up being a bit more subtle, but that's cool. :)

The art fit the story very well... (although I really hate this new slick paper the comics use these days...) The colors popped, and I wasn't ever distracted from the story by the art. At parts, the art jumped and I was like, "cool." But most of the time I felt like it serviced the story. (different pro's and con's, but that's still a good thing!)

I feakin' LOVED the conversation with the angel... and the presentation of the angel. The idea of the "tasks..." and, wow, Golly is a badass. "Answer one question" indeed! Fantastic. :)

I also liked how we really have absolutely no idea what Golly's abilities are. So he sees a guy who's a big. But we have NO idea what he can do about it. Does he shoot fire out of his eyes, or have Jesse Custer's little power, or does he shit his pants? Very good cliff-hanger for a first issue!

I also liked the conversation about an earthworm. Brilliant.

All-in-all, I definitely liked reading this comic, and I'll be picking up the next issue or 2 as well. But I just got completely pulled out of the story as my eyes jumped back to make sure what I thought I read was, in fact, what I read...

What is the "Book of Revelations?"

I don't know why that annoys me so much, but it's a super-huge pet peeve of mine when people get that wrong. And I lose faith in the editor or proofreader or whoever should have caught that.

Then again, I'm totally willing to believe that they weren't talking about the typical "Bible" we know over here in America. Or that, you know, it's a comic, so maybe in their Bible...

Anyway.

Other than that, it was very good. I'm not ready to say great yet b/c I felt like the climax to the story came too late. But, like I said, definitely around for a couple of issues. *Thumbs Up* :):)

[HouseSolo]

I'm not sure I"m following you on the "Book of Revelations" complaint. Care to explain?

Oh, and I loved the scene about the earthworm, too. It was probably my favorite of the entire issue.

[Schmakt]

I'm not sure I"m following you on the "Book of Revelations" complaint. Care to explain?

Oh, and I loved the scene about the earthworm, too. It was probably my favorite of the entire issue.

ah, sorry.

'tis not plural...
"Revelation" :)

"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him..." Rev 1:1

[HouseSolo]

ah, sorry.

'tis not plural...
"Revelation" :)

"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him..." Rev 1:1


Ahh, I see. Well I certainly hope that's not enough to turn you off to the book forever, haha. It needs readers, and something that small doesn't stop it from kicking ass.

[6655321]

*poke*
pick up the first Proof TPB... you'll dig it. $8 including shipping from HeavyInk. :)


I'll put it on my to buy list, thanks! One thing though, how are you coming up with $3.50, are you including tax with the cover price? My issue was $2.99.

[HouseSolo]

Ya, I only paid 3 as well. Weird.

[Phil Hester]

ah, sorry.

'tis not plural...
"Revelation" :)

"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him..." Rev 1:1

Actually, the book is going to be chock full of malapropisms. My letterer is always carping at me for making up words in the book, but I'm aiming for the way a redneck (of which I'm probably one) would say things. In fact, I should start a contest to see who can find the most.

But to the issue at hand regarding Revelation(s)- it was a typo.

[Schmakt]

Well I'm definitely still planning on picking up the next issues, so it's not that big of a deal. Didn't mean to make that a big point of discussion... just one of those things that gets me, you know? Like nails on a chalkboard or women drivers.

*kidding* :)

I re-read the book again, and I'm really looking forward to more interaction b/t Golly and the angel. Man, some of that was priceless!

If #2 is better than this, it goes to the pull list...
if 2 and 3 both make me equally as happy... yeah.

Good work, Phil!

(it's ALWAYS a huge plus to see creators hanging around online and talking to people :))

EDIT: totally my bad on the price; I'm sorry for any confusion... I felt (and still feel!) like my weekly list absolutely had this listed as higher than normal. Now it's even better, seeing as how I was happy when I thought I dropped an extra 16%!

[Phil Hester]

Not to come of as a shill, but I definitely think the book gets better as we go. Mostly because the talented Brook Turner's art gets more accomplished every issue. Hope y'all stick around to see. Thanks for the kind words!

[Ben Akers]

I think I'll end up getting this one at some point soon.

I've been digging The Darkness and really digging Firebreather, so Golly should be worth giving a shot.

[Dragondragonfly]

I love Satan. I love religion with a twist. :smile:

[HouseSolo]

I think I'll end up getting this one at some point soon.

I've been digging The Darkness and really digging Firebreather, so Golly should be worth giving a shot.

Ya, I'd definitely give it a read through. I like Firebreather, but give this a few more issues, and if I have to drop one of the it won't be looking good for Firebreather.

[Ben Akers]

I refuse to give up Firebreather....

I'll drop something else if I end up digging on Golly. Or maybe I'll just say that its okay because its only one new comic.

[Phil Hester]

I think I'll end up getting this one at some point soon.

I've been digging The Darkness and really digging Firebreather, so Golly should be worth giving a shot.


Thanks, Ben! I need every reader I can get.

[Phil Hester]

Ya, I'd definitely give it a read through. I like Firebreather, but give this a few more issues, and if I have to drop one of the it won't be looking good for Firebreather.

Hmmm. Maybe we should make them both bi-monthly and alternate months so you won't have to choose.

[Ben Akers]

I got a copy of #1 and promptly read it.

Good stuff. Makes me want to read more...

[6655321]

Any word on when issue #2 is coming out? Are we looking at another Gutsville in that regard?

[Phil Hester]

Any word on when issue #2 is coming out? Are we looking at another Gutsville in that regard?

I'm in the process of proofing #2, so I'm sure it will ship on time.

Our goal for this book is to do a hybrid monthly schedule. It will be monthly for the length of an arc, take a month off, then monthly for the arc again. So here's our 2008 going into 2009- Aug-Oct (1-3), Nov off, Dec-Jan (4-5), Feb off, Mar-Apr (6-7), May off, Jun-Aug (8-10), etc.

Brook's pretty detail oriented as an artist, so we're structuring our down time to maximize timely shipping. All that said, 1-4 is IN THE CAN and 5 is almost there, so we're in good shape.

Now what we need is folks buying the thing! #1 had very encouraging #'s, so thanks for taking the leap with us.

[NEONBEAR]

I just ordered it because it looks good, and Phil Hester is from Iowa.

[Schmakt]

I think that shipping schedule idea is GREAT.
Ideally that would help everyone involved with the creative process not get burned out... it would, hopefully, build anticipation for each new arc... maybe make it easier for "jumping on"...

and no one can get upset about a missing month when it's a scheduled missing month, and everyone knows about it ahead of time.

Yessir. I think that's a great idea.

EDIT: Although... I hope that doesn't necessarily preclude a self-contained story every now and then and also doesn't mean that the stories will be paced such that they fit the intended publishing schedule as opposed to the publication schedule being subservient to the storylines. :)

[Phil Hester]

I think that shipping schedule idea is GREAT.
Ideally that would help everyone involved with the creative process not get burned out... it would, hopefully, build anticipation for each new arc... maybe make it easier for "jumping on"...

and no one can get upset about a missing month when it's a scheduled missing month, and everyone knows about it ahead of time.

Yessir. I think that's a great idea.

EDIT: Although... I hope that doesn't necessarily preclude a self-contained story every now and then and also doesn't mean that the stories will be paced such that they fit the intended publishing schedule as opposed to the publication schedule being subservient to the storylines. :)


The schedule I displayed above reflects actual story arcs already in the pipeline, so we're in no danger of making the story fit the breaks. The breaks will fit the story... I hope! Thanks for the support!

[Ben Akers]

Excellent.

I can't wait for #2.

[Jonah Hardenbrook]

I loved this book! Matt at Cup of Kryptonite recommended this in his blog, and I picked it up. I love supporting the local talents, and this book was definitely worth it.
I am really looking forward to the next ish.

1-4 is IN THE CAN and 5 is almost there, so we're in good shape.

I was just going to ask about this. Thanks for the info.

[earl]

The guy with the Dio shirt on the cover caught my eye as maybe this is something a bit different, but the 'devil' in the first pages of the comic cracked me up and got me to pick up the comic. I liked it and I'm game to see where the next issue goes.

[JoshuaCee]

So, I'm a little late to the party, but I did get the issue, I did read it and I did love the bejesus out of it. Great story, great art, and I'm liking the monthly schedule (with the skip months penciled in, of course). I hope this one's around for a good long while. :)

[Ben Akers]

#2 is in stores this week.

Excellent.

[Phil Hester]

If your retailer fails to have a copy on hand, please don't hesitate to ask him or her to order it. It makes a difference, especially to a smaller book like ours. Thanks!

[Schmakt]

If your retailer fails to have a copy on hand, please don't hesitate to ask him or her to order it. It makes a difference, especially to a smaller book like ours. Thanks!

*thumbs up!*
I do hope I get to the store on time tomorrow as I didn't get around to adding it to my pull list yet. I'm looking forward to liking #2 better than #1 so that I can happily add this to my list. (as I drop shitty She-Hulk and X-Factor...)

[Jonah Hardenbrook]

This was a big week in comics for me, picking up numerous different titles. Golly #2 was the best comic I read this week. Golly is a perfect blend of creepiness, and humor with an eccentric cast that is a breath of fresh air from the cookie cutter super-hero types we are inundated with on a weekly basis. Utterly original and clever.

Favorite line, "I wouldn't Sh*t you, boy, you're my favorite turd."

[HouseSolo]

If your retailer fails to have a copy on hand, please don't hesitate to ask him or her to order it. It makes a difference, especially to a smaller book like ours. Thanks!

Ya, it's on my pull and he forgot it, but he's ordering a few now, so no worries.

[HouseSolo]

Ended up just picking it up at another nearby store. Absolutely excellent. Not exactly the powers I was expecting him to have, but still very cool. Nice touch with beer can being PBR too, haha.

[Phil Hester]

Thanks, guys. I feel like each issue gets progressively better. Hope you stick around long enough to agree.

[HouseSolo]

Thanks, guys. I feel like each issue gets progressively better. Hope you stick around long enough to agree.

So long as it keeps getting put out I'll keep reading. I'm not sure how well it has to do to survive.

[michaeljsmith]

I bought issues #1 and #2 this week just based on a hunch. It was already a huge comic week for me (9 books) but I thought Phil Hester deserves the respect of checking the book out. I am a fan of Firebreather and some of his earlier work (poor Ant-Man :mad:).

Regardless I didn't get to read these issues until this weekend and I absolutely loved them. This book is amazingly original and I am always a sucker for the heaven/hell dynamic. The characters are great and the concept of the story is so much fun.

I really hope this book does go on TWD style (let's just get it out on a timely basis please - 8 months in and we still haven't seen Firebreather #3) . I am buying this book from here on out :biggrin:

[Schmakt]

Congrats to you, Phil... Golly #2 was sold out at my LCS by 5:30 on Wednesday. While I was there looking for it I heard one other person ask for it at the counter, and the person next to me bemoan the fact that it was sold out.

I asked for it to be special-ordered... *fingers crossed*!

[Phil Hester]

Congrats to you, Phil... Golly #2 was sold out at my LCS by 5:30 on Wednesday. While I was there looking for it I heard one other person ask for it at the counter, and the person next to me bemoan the fact that it was sold out.

I asked for it to be special-ordered... *fingers crossed*!

Awesome... kinda. Problem is #2 sold about 60% of #1's numbers, which is normal, but if 100% of the people who bought #1 want #2, almost half of them are going to go hungry. We overprinted, so a diligent retailer will be able to get #2 to you, but please, please, please hound them. If we can survive the dreaded #3 dip (early numbers say we will), there's a chance we could be on the Walking Dead trajectory. Not pulling the same kind of numbers, but gradually adding readers as we go. Fingers crossed!

[Jonah Hardenbrook]

This is a great book, and I really want to not just see it continue, but do well. I have been touting this book to everyone to pick up.

Phil, are you going to have copies of both 1 and 2 on hand at Fallcon this weekend? I will be there as well, and will be sure to send folks in your direction.

[Phil Hester]

This is a great book, and I really want to not just see it continue, but do well. I have been touting this book to everyone to pick up.

Phil, are you going to have copies of both 1 and 2 on hand at Fallcon this weekend? I will be there as well, and will be sure to send folks in your direction.

Thanks, Jonah, I will. I'll see if any con retailers are selling first and send people their way, but I'll definitely have some there.

[michaeljsmith]

Awesome... kinda. Problem is #2 sold about 60% of #1's numbers, which is normal, but if 100% of the people who bought #1 want #2, almost half of them are going to go hungry. We overprinted, so a diligent retailer will be able to get #2 to you, but please, please, please hound them. If we can survive the dreaded #3 dip (early numbers say we will), there's a chance we could be on the Walking Dead trajectory. Not pulling the same kind of numbers, but gradually adding readers as we go. Fingers crossed!

I have been talking it up to anyone who listens. I really was pushing it to the readers of other Image books (Proof, TWD, and Spawn) because I think you are on to something special here.

Then again you know me - I am just a suck-up :biggrin:

[JoshuaCee]

So, the image of Golly carrying around a Pabst can and talking to it is probably one of the greatest things I've ever seen in a comic book. I really, really like this book.

And Phil, I have a feeling this book will find a steady audience. It's just too damn enjoyable not to.

[michaeljsmith]

So, the image of Golly carrying around a Pabst can and talking to it is probably one of the greatest things I've ever seen in a comic book. I really, really like this book.

And Phil, I have a feeling this book will find a steady audience. It's just too damn enjoyable not to.

Let's make sure to talk it up and insure that it finds a HUGE audience :evilsmile:

[Schmakt]

I got it :)


and here we go...
I feel like kind of an ass... but here's what I think...
And I say it only b/c I think this can be a great book. :)

The transition from last issue to this one was good... I don't think too many people who missed the first issue probably picked up the 2nd, but I thought it was good both for new readers and people familiar with what's happened thus far.

The discovery of Nob in the beer can? Sweet. And it fit the story... not weird and forced or anything like these things sometimes can be. Nice! And this was my favorite part of the book, for sure. So far, the strongest part of each issue, I think, has been the dialogues. First with Golly and the white triangle and now with Golly and the beer can. I want to see more of that! Lots of fun :)

The continuation of this scene into the poker scene worked too... the whole how-do-I-get-my-friends-to-believe-this-crazy-thing worked too. Seems like that would be hard to pull off, and this worked. *thumbs up* again!

Then the whole setup of what-is-my-mission-and-what-is-my-purpose kind of thing... and especially the reverend's back story... that all worked... but I kind of found myself drifting off a little every now and then. Part of that is the way the characters talk... the southern redneck kind of thing... I dunno... it's hard for me to get over. That's what I grew up around, and I'm biased tho. Maybe I'm biased about this too, but gray words on a black background? No, please.

I really liked the way the search for the water went down. The conversation with the manager... good stuff...

The end felt... I dunno... strange... I didn't really like the final splash page at all, and I felt like it left me kind of flat. Although I am glad that it wasn't as easy as getting the water and pouring it on the pig. :) I already pre-ordered #3 tho , and I'm excited to see it... but I'm not dying to see it like I am with Proof or... well... with Proof. :D

Overall... 6... or probably 7... out of 10, I think.
Good job :)

[Phil Hester]

Schmakt- I'll take it. It's hard for me to parse the issues, because it's all one big story to me. I read one review that felt like there was too much exposition and then another that felt like the exposition was the most enjoyable part.

Golly won't be for everybody, but I appreciate anyone giving it a fair shake. #3 is more action packed, if that whets your whistle.

[michaeljsmith]

Schmakt- I'll take it. It's hard for me to parse the issues, because it's all one big story to me. I read one review that felt like there was too much exposition and then another that felt like the exposition was the most enjoyable part.

Golly won't be for everybody, but I appreciate anyone giving it a fair shake. #3 is more action packed, if that whets your whistle.

I think the positive here is that he is picking up #3 and that makes me smile. Rankings are subjective. One man's 6 is another man's 9 and they both loved the books. If the gray on black (which did suck) and the southern dialect were the big issues you did good.

I actually respect Schmak's opinion most of the time but even smart guys like him can be DEAD WRONG, like he is now. Golly! is great and will only get better.

[JoshuaCee]

The southern accents are the best part! Just reading the dialogue with those voices in my head cracks my sh*t up. :biggrin:

[michaeljsmith]

The southern accents are the best part! Just reading the dialogue with those voices in my head cracks my sh*t up. :biggrin:

You really want to laugh, read them outloud :biggrin:

[JoshuaCee]

You really want to laugh, read them outloud :biggrin:

My ladyfriend might begin to wonder...