Comic Review: Cyrus Perkins and the Haunted Taxi Cab #1 & #2 by Dave Dwonch from Action Lab Entertainment

Cyrus Perkins and the Haunted Taxi Cab #1

Writer/Letterer/Colorist: Dave Dwonch
Artist/Tones: Anna Lencioni
Publisher: Action Lab Entertainment
Price: $3.99
Release Date: 10/28/15
Format: Mini-Series; Print/Digital
After a young boy dies in his taxi cab, Cyrus Perkins must solve the boy’s murder… or be haunted by the spirit trapped in his car! Double Jumpers creator and co-writer of the hit all-ages series Vamplets teams with rising star Anna Lencioni to deliver a supernatural crime noir with a hero like no other: Cyrus Perkins!

Cyrus Perkins and the Haunted Taxi Cab #2
Writer/Letterer/Colorist: Dave Dwonch
Artist/Tones: Anna Lencioni
Action Lab Entertainment
Price: $3.99
Release Date: 11/25/15
Format: Mini-Series; Print/Digital

After the tragic events of last issue, Cyrus Perkins has gone from aimless Taxi Cab Driver to amateur Detective. Teaming with Michael, the ghost boy trapped in his car, Cyrus speeds into mystery, danger, and a conspiracy too twisted for words!
32 pgs./ Teen/ FC $3.99 (reg.)

Excellent new comic series. In issue #1 we meet Cyrus Perkins. He's a cab driver, has a great relationship with his girlfriend, laid back attitude, and all around great guy who just wants to live and enjoy his life...then a a young man named Michael gets into his cab and dies... The story opens with a mortally wounded Michael getting into Cyrus' cab. Cyrus rushes to the hospital to save the kid, but he dies. The rest of the issue is about how Cyrus deals with the guilt. By the end Cyrus, has moved on and is ready to start driving his cab again...but...guess who shows up in his cab?

The story premise has my attention immediately. The first issue was setting up the series and not a lot of supernatural action. But the storytelling and artwork is organic and grounds Cyrus, making him easy to relate to and love. I would like to be friends with Cyrus in real life.

Side note: I've interviewed the writer, David, for the site and got to meet him at NCcomicon this year. And he is just as personable and laid back as Cyrus.

Issue #2 is where this comic starts to shine. Cyrus and Michael's relationship develops and together they prevent a horrible crime. This give Cyrus a new purpose and he is determined to solve Michael's death too. The same great artwork/writing chemistry is present.

Side note: Action Lab Entertainment comics are at the top of my list. The writing is consistently intelligent and the stories are unique. The artwork always compliments and caputres the story tone.

This comic can be enjoyed by just about anyone. Action, mystery and the right amount of humor to off set any of the darker themes.

5 "Hop in!" Sheep

SharonS

Supernatural Mystery Graphic Novel Kickstarter: The Return of Cyrus Perkins by Dave Dwonch

The Return of Cyrus Perkins
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the original series with the Haunted Taxi Cab Hardcover of the original four-issue series and the long-awaited sequel, Cyrus Perkins and the Death Brigade #1.
Kickstarter

Hard to believe it's been 10 years since I reviewed Cyrus Perkins and the Haunted Taxi Cab by Dave Dwonch!

Dave is one of my favorite comic writers. All four issues of Cyrus Perkins got 5 sheep from me. You can read my reviews here:

Cyrus Perkins Reviews

If you missed this awesome supernatural mystery comic the first time around, you can support the Kickstarter and get the original story and the first issue of the sequel.
Join the Kickstarter

After a young boy named Michael Bernbaum dies in his taxi cab, driver Cyrus Perkins must solve the boy's murder... or be haunted by the spirit trapped in his car! But as Cyrus digs into the mystery surrounding Mikey's death, he uncovers something even more sinister than murder.  

 

Drawn by Anna Lencioni (storyboard artist: Amphibia, Hazbin Hotel, Luck) and written, colored and lettered by Dave Dwonch (The Loose End, Jenny Zero, The Automaton), Cyrus Perkins and the Haunted Taxi Cab has been hailed as:  

"Accessible to horror newcomers while retaining an ever present air of spookiness that old fans have come to love." Fangoria.com

About the Author:
Linktree
Dave Dwonch has been a comics writer and artist producing indie titles for over a decade. Recently he penned several titles, most notably Jenny Zero for Dark Horse comics (with co-creator Brockton MccKinney, Cyrus Perkins and the Haunted Taxi Cab, Vamplets (with Gayle "My Little Pony" Middleton), and CBR's Top 100 series, Double Jumpers.

He has also worked in other media, working with the narrative team for Playful's Nintendo Switch game, New Super Lucky's Tale, as well as creating properties for the NFL, UFC and more.

Cyrus Perkins and the Haunted Taxicab issue #4 (of 4) from Action Lab Entertainment

CYRUS PERKINS AND THE HAUNTED TAXICAB #4

Writer(s): Dave Dwonch

Artist Name(s): Anna Lencioni
Cover Artist(s): Anna Lencioni32 pgs. / Rated. A / FC $3.99 (reg.) /$4.99 (var.)

Action Lab Entertainment

The stunning conclusion to the most innovative crime noir in comics! Will Cyrus solve Michael’s murder? Will Michael finally get the peace he deserves? If you think you know how the story ends, you are DEAD WRONG.

A thrilling end to the Cyrus Perkins and the Haunted Taxicab mini-series. Cyrus solves the murder of Michael, but that isn't the end of this cabby's fare. Someone else has taken an interest in Cyrus, which means more comics from writer, and all around great guy, David Dwonch and artist Anna Lencioni, whom I've never met but is probably a great gal.

This series is for all ages and worth checking out. The story is well told through a great combination of writing and artwork.

check out my reviews of issues #1-#3

5 "possessed" Sheep

SharonS

You can grab all issues 1-4 in a trade paperback

CYRUS PERKINS AND THE HAUNTED TAXICAB TPB

Writer(s): Dave Dwonch
Artist Name(s): Anna Lencioni
Cover Artist(s): Anna Lencioni128 pgs. / Rated. A / FC $14.99

Released: 2/10/2016

Action Lab Entertainment

After a young boy dies in his taxi cab, Cyrus Perkins must solve the boy's murder... or be haunted by the spirit trapped in his car! Double Jumpers creator and co-writer of the hit all-ages series Vamplets teams with rising star Anna Lencioni to deliver a supernatural crime noir with a hero like no other: Cyrus Perkins! Collects Cyrus Perkins 1-4.

Interview: Comics Writer and Artist Dave Dwonch

Hello Dave! Welcome to I Smell Sheep. We are going to talk about your newest project coming out in Oct, some of your previous works, your job at Action Lab Entertainment, and some uncomfortable personal stuff!

Sharon: Tell us a little about your next project: Cyrus Perkins and the Haunted Taxi Cab #1. What can folks expect

Dave: Twists and turns, for sure! Cyrus is a supernatural crime noir that toggles between murder mystery and hybrid buddy cop comedy. At its core it’s about realizing that life is fleeting, and while death could be just around the corner, it’s what you do in the here and now that matters.

Sharon: What kind of guy is Cyrus?

Dave: Cyrus is a sort of an old school Blaxploitation kind of character. He’s super cool. He’s lived his life on a wink and a smile. He has a rhythm to his speech that is really fun to write.

Sharon: I just read issue #1 and the reader gets a good feel for what kind of guy Cyrus is. He is the person you want living next door to you. I would so bring him and Iris Christmas cookies every year.

Dave: Yeah, they are a super cute couple! Definitely the types you’d want to hang out with.

Sharon: What kind of music does Cyrus listen too?

Dave: Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers… the sounds of the street, really. He’s not into new stuff. He’s a bit of a throwback himself, you dig?

Sharon: How long has he been a cabbie?

Dave: Cyrus became a cabbie in college, which turned out to not really be his thing. He dropped out junior year, and never looked back. He met his girlfriend Iris a couple of years later, and she’s been patiently waiting for him to figure out what he wants to do ever since. She’s a bit of a nurturer.

Sharon: What is one of his guilty pleasures?

Dave: Cigarettes. There’s a running joke through the series as he tries to hide them from Iris. I wasn’t trying to be preachy with the series but it becomes pretty clear that they are a crutch, and actually become a part of Cyrus’ shift in priorities as the story unfolds.

Sharon: You are the Creative Director for Action Lab/Action Lab Danger Zone. What is the secret to coordinating so many people/areas to make one great comic?

Dave: It’s a little like herding cats sometimes. Hero Cats, even! I kid. It’s actually quite easy most of the time. We publish creator owned books for the most part, so they are left to their own devices. We don’t jump too far down the editorial rabbit hole, unless they ask us to.

Sharon: What is one of the strangest comic ideas someone submitted to Action Lab?

Dave: We have a folder called “The Creative Spirit” that houses all the crazy pitches that come through our inboxes. Really terrible stuff. We try to give as much advice as possible, but there are some real head scratchers that come though. I really am not a fan of crushing dreams. For that reason I can’t divulge details! Just imagine strange, the turn the dial WAY up.

Sharon: Do you guys give some type of response to everyone who submits?

Dave: We try to respond to everyone who submits, but sometimes it can take months. We are swamped with submissions!

Sharon: I’ve been a fan of Action Lab/Danger Zone comics since the beginning! You guys put out some amazing quality work. What separates ALE from all the other comic presses out there?

Dave: I think that we started this thing wanting to push the boundaries. It’s a bit of a mission statement. We’ve taken risks that most publishers wouldn’t. We’re interested in building a library of excellent books so that our creators can stand shoulder to shoulder with each other knowing that they are keeping company with the best in the business. Not sure if that’s different from other companies, but sometimes it feels like it.

Sharon: If you could own any piece of art in the world what would it be?

Dave: When I was a kid I had an Art Adams X-Men poster that was colored by Linda Medley. If I could own the original, I would plotz!

Sharon: Which comic book character would you like to switch places with for a week?

Dave: Superman, maybe. I’m not the biggest fan of his comics per se, but it would be pretty cool to be able to do pretty much anything. Kind of stupid that he doesn’t help solve more problems…

Sharon: It was really hard digging stuff up about you…but we are still waiting on the background check and blood results to come back <G>. I did find out you live in the East Bay Area of CA. Got any earthquake stories?

Dave: It’s not so bad. The big ones don’t happen all that often. It’s the traffic that’s a killer!

Sharon: How do you deal with the traffic? Audio books? Music?

Dave: I do my best writing in traffic! I don’t have a ton of personal time to devote to my projects, so I live in my head on the long trips to work. I have a few choice Pandora stations that help keep the juices flowing when the traffic is not.

Sharon: If you couldn’t live in CA, where would you live

Dave: My fiancé are all about travel right now. We’re headed to Beirut and Athens next week! We’re still trying to figure out where we want to end up. We’ve been tossing around the idea of opening a B&B in Tahoe… or Croatia.

Sharon: Congrats on the engagement! Is your fiancé involved in the comic world too?

Dave: She is a writer and photographer (go check out https://www.etsy.com/shop/BadBallerinaPhoto), but doesn’t really live in the comics world. She is super supportive. She edits my scripts, helps at shows, and tells me when I’m way off course!

Sharon: What is your favorite piece of nerd memorabilia you own?

Dave: Easy. I have an original 1983 Macross Super Armor Valkyrie Fighter still in the box. Bought it way back in 1985!

Sharon: This is the Year of the Sheep. Share with us a way sheep have made your life better or worse.

Dave: I’m going to be a little self-serving here, and say that my life has been enriched by a comic we have coming out called “Just Another Sheep” by Mat Heagerty and JD Faith. It’s a wonderful, powerful book set in the summer of ’69, and is about a kid on a road trip to figure why he is different from the rest of the flock.

Sharon: O_O You aren’t pulling my wool here are you? That is too cool. Please hook us up when the time comes. Would love to review that one.

Dave: I definitely will! That book is really great!

Rapid Fire

Sharon: Sharktopus or Dinoshark?

Dave: Indominus Rex?

Sharon: good answer! I loved that movie. My 14 year old daughter has already seen it 4 times…

Dave: I can’t say it’s the best movie ever, but highly enjoyable!

Sharon: Live in a video game or live in a book?

Dave: Read “Double Jumpers” for the answer!

Sharon: As a matter of fact I have! I reviewed it for the site :) told you, I’ve been with ALE from the start. Everyone can check out my 5 sheep review here: http://goo.gl/UvTrS8
Dave: Nice! That book was a lot of fun. I’m actually writing the sequel right now.

Sharon: pancakes or waffles?

Dave: Eggs Benedict!

Sharon: sitcom or drama series?

Dave: Sitcom

Sharon: Got a favorite right now?

Dave: Oh, man. That’s a tough question. Arrested Development is my all-time fave, and I’m excited to see Wet Hot American Summer.

Sharon: High as the mountain or deep as the sea?

Dave: High as the mountain

Sharon: mountain hike or beach stroll?

Dave: Mountain hike. We are huge hikers.

Sharon: Coke or Pepsi?

Dave: Diet Anything

Sharon: BUT, if you had to pick one… Katie (my site partner) and I are at war over this. Time to lock and load and pick a side! But I will cry if you pick the wrong side…just saying.

Dave: Diet Coke. It’s just better!

Sharon: Is that so? Well, I have a dragon I want you to meet...come on down to the dungeon... *wipes away tear*

Cyrus Perkins and the Haunted Taxi Cab issue #1

written by Dave Dwonch

Artist: Anna Lencioni

After a young boy dies in his taxi cab, Cyrus Perkins must solve the boy's murder... or be haunted by the spirit trapped in his car!

About the Author:

website-FB-twitter

Dave Dwonch has been a comics writer and artist producing indie titles for over a decade. In 2010 he founded Action Lab Entertainment with fellow indie mavericks and as Creative Director for Action Lab helped produce several of their titles including the Eisner nominated series Princeless. Recently he penned several titles, most notably Vamplets (with Gayle "My Little Pony" Middleton), Ghost Town, and CBR's Top 100 of 2013 series Double Jumpers.

Comic Review: Cyrus Perkins and the Haunted Taxi Cab Issue #3 from Action Lab Entertainment

CYRUS PERKINS AND THE HAUNTED TAXI CAB #3

Writer(s): Dave Dwonch
Artist Name(s): Anna Lencioni
Cover Artist(s): Anna Lencioni
32 pgs. / All ages / FC $3.99
Cyrus is on the fast track to solving Michael’s murder, but there’s an unexpected curve in the road ahead. The killer is hunting him, and Death is sure to follow.

The sheep just got real for Cyrus Perkins! He's starting to make some headway in solving Michael's murder. He knocked on a few doors doing a little amateur detective work and found some answers...unfortunately that answer came at him with a baseball bat! Michael is getting some memories of his pre-death life, but it might be too late to help save Cyrus. Then there is one line spoken by a friend of Cyrus that hints at something mysterious about Cyrus' girlfriend...

It is so easy to love Cyrus. He's just good people. Up to this point Michael has acted like a carefree kid, all excited about what he can do as a ghost, and brought a bit of comedy to the story. But that boy is slowly disappearing as memories of his previous life start coming back. There might be a reason for his "death-amnesia"...protecting him from the tragic circumstances of his death. The cover of Micheal and his friends, before his death, really drive this home. Hankie, please...

This a comic that gets better with each issue as you are pulled deeper into the mystery.

5 "baby talking" Sheep

SharonS

Mind Palace: New webcomic series resurrects ‘Hannibal’

Fans of the beloved but short-lived TV series ‘Hannibal’ are getting more than they bargained for with new comic series, ‘Mind Palace,’ which will unite all of creator Bryan Fuller’s characters under one roof.

Comics creator Dave Dwonch (‘Cyrus Perkins and the Haunted Taxi Cab,’ ‘Infinite Seven’) has been a fan of Bryan Fuller’s for a LONG time. Since the debt of Fuller’s ‘Dead Like Me’ in 2003, Dwonch has been fascinated with the meteoric rise and quick demise of Fuller’s creations. From ‘Wonderfalls’ to ‘Pushing Daisies’ to ‘Hannibal,’ Bryan Fuller’s creations have been acclaimed by both critics and fans and garnered worldwide attention, only to be cancelled within three years. That’s where Dwonch comes in.

“It’s clear that Bryan poured his heart into every single project he’s worked on, and his genius is obviously there on the screen. I can only imagine how much it must have hurt losing any of these shows. You go through the grieving process and tuck the memories into your mind. That’s the real premise of Mind Palace,” Dwonch reveals.

[SPOLIERS:] Mind Palace takes place in Bryan Fuller’s subconscious mind.

Read the entire series for free at

https://www.mindpalacecomic.com

The Mind Palace is a place where Bryan has sequestered his creations away. He hasn’t forgotten them, just given them a new purpose as the caretakers of a bed and breakfast in the back of his brain, the “The Fuller House.” Imagine a world where Hannibal Lecter is the Executive Chef to Ned’s (Pushing Daisies) Pastry Chef, where actress Caroline Dhavernas’ Alana Bloom (Hannibal) and Jaye Tyler (Wonderfalls) exist together. It’s a recipe for madness.

“Think of Mind Palace as Herman’s Head, but with 100% more murder,” Dwonch continues. “Some of these characters have been trapped in Bryan’s mind for years. It’s going to affect some of them in ways that are going to surprise readers. Things will get even more complicated as a certain someone comes to visit. We’ve got a lot of strange, scary things planned.”

Mind Palace launched on San Diego Comic Con Preview Night with the first complete chapter, and new pages are posted every Tuesday and Thursday. Dwonch and artist Santi Guillen have planned Season One to span an entire year and hope to continue into Season Two in mid-2019.

Read the entire series for free at

https://www.mindpalacecomic.com

And help keep the dream alive by donating to their Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/MindPalace.     

NC Comicon 2015 Recap

Check out the facebook page for a ton of great pics.

This was my first time attending the NC Comicon. I had no idea what to expect. I took my 14 year old daughter (cosplaying Dean Winchester) and we didn't want to leave! First off it was much bigger than I thought it would be. Last I heard there were over 10,000 people attending. It was held in the Durham Convention Center and spanned three days and I was impressed with the venue. The con couldn't be contained in one place. There were three buildings and streets were blocked off so vendors could set up outside.

The big draw (heehee, see what I did there) were the two guests of honor. Gerard Way (The Umbrella Academy comic with Dark Horse and My Chemical Romance) and Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead artist) were both exclusive appearances to NC Comicon. There was a charge for signings/pic but all proceeds went to the Duke Children’s Hospital. They donated $15,703.

 

Big shout of thanks to the people involved in brining NC comic madness: Ultimate Comics founder Alan Gill, comic artist Tommy Lee Edwards, and coordinated by comic writer Brockton McKinney.

Then there were the costumes! Everyone there was smiling and happy to take pictures. Holly even found a Castiel to take a pic with. My favorites are the mash-up costumes. There was a Deadpool unicorn. I know, right?! Check out this gallery from The Variant website for some great shots.

I met many indie artist/writers as well as those who work for major publishers. It was amazing getting to talk with people passionate about their work.

Danny Quick owner/writer 4th Wall Productions

Eric Guerrero (Rage Gear Studios), Cliff Chiang (Paper Girls/Image Comics) 

I got to meet Dave Dwonch author of Cyrus Perkins and the Haunted Taxi Cab at the Action Lab Entertainment booth. *waves at David* 

I also checked out the Valiant Comics booth and grabbed 5 of my favorite series.

If there is a comicon in your area take the time and go! I can't wait for NC Comicon 2016!

Click past the page break to see the cool people Baaart met...