Hotwire Comics # 3

The third volume of this comics anthology is a whirl-a-gig of vivid color, giddy fun, black angst, and hauntingly disturbing images, including work by more than 20 artists, including David Sandlin, Tim Lane, and Onsmith. The volume brings together carefully crafted stories with eye-searing artwork, packed with scatological humor, violence, and disquieting sexual acts, including one by a pedophiliac clown. Editor Head's own “Candyland Clinic” is a standout, a pastel-colored critique of the culture of Prozac. R. Sikoryak contributes a memorable abridged Hamlet starring Dennis the Menace, while Mary Fleener reminisces about buying her first gun. Interspersed with the narrative comics are visual works, including a wild full-color, full-page spread by Steven Cerio, David Paleo's eerie “Feral Spheres” and Mark Dean Veca's “Popeyeconography,” which could forever change how readers look at Olive Oyl, Brutus, and the gang. Hotwire Comics 3 is not for the faint of heart, but those who love underground comics or want an introduction to that world as it stands today, will embrace the volume. (Feb.)