The thought I had in my head as I stared at an inbox full of indie video game requests that I know aren’t going to make me happy. Plus, this is a graphic novel and I love a good graphic novel.
Promptly the press copy comes through and the cover of Popscars takes over my screen.
I’ll be honest the cover is cool, but the character on the cover made me roll my eyes.
It reeked of try hard. A mix up thug and prostitute. Hard, but keep it sexy. Remember, no matter what that sex always sells!
Deeply sighing and praying that I didn’t just say yes to something that will waste my time and make me mad, I get comfortable on the couch and do ten deep breaths to clear my mind before digesting Popscars.
Pinky is vulnerable, angry, and doesn’t get win from the start. At the beginning I was worried that she wouldn’t make it to the end!
Strength, Determination, Perseverance
Popscars tells the story of a daughter done wrong who decides that she isn’t giving this up to God and lacks the patience to let Karma do its work. Instead we find out that her father was running for the lifetime achievement of worst person and father, Harry Kinkade. His accusations are that he left Pinky, our story’s hero and her mother. He’s also not a great friend which leads those that he considered friends to betray him.
Harry Kinkade is tossed out of Hollywood, but he isn’t just going to roll over and take it. He has his own henchmen and ends of enlisting his own daughter, who he isn’t even aware is his own.
The story is wild and filled with moments that will have you silently say “what the fuck” when taking it all in. There’s violence, sex, dildos with nails, sharks, and more.
You have to read it!
This is definitely not a superhero story or is it?
I guess it depends on what you consider a superhero. Batman fans would say that our main character, Pinky is a superhero. Others like me who believe that all superheroes need powers would disagree.
However, I would be wrong by saying that Pinky doesn’t have a superpower because when reading Popscars it obvious that she does. It’s not flying or knives that eject out of your hands, but it is significant.
Vulnerability.
I’m smitten with Popscars
The story was perfectly stirred with horror, revenge, and grit. The storytelling was immersive, engaging, and paced perfectly. Never once did I think…
“Wait, did I miss a panel?” The artwork really made it all pop!
A simple phone call at 2:00 PM mountain daylight savings time gave me more than I expected and it proved my point.
Pat O’Malley is a different type of writer. A writer that may be overlooked when everyone is a creator, everything is content, and great job comments are considered peak engagement.
The awful people continue to be awful and no one does anything and those that want to do something simply can’t even when they try.
“It shouldn’t be that way!”
Pat states and you can feel the settle outrage in his voice. Was our character Pinky him? I forgot to ask, but an answer is definitely not needed. However, some of the characters in Popscars are based on some very unpleasant bosses that Mr. O’Malley had to work with.
A little over the hour mark and I get it. The reason why Popscars stuck with me is because of Pat’s experiences and skills. Now, I know why the story was immersive, engaging, and didn’t skip a beat. It’s from years of producing his own projects, being on Hollywood sets, screenwriting, and the love of cinematography that birthed Popscars.
He spent five years with a few basic notebooks writing, sketching, jotting notes, and revising the tales of Pinky until he got it just right! Here he takes a moment to thank Phil for pushing him.
Pat was very kind and shared these images. As you can see the original title wasn’t Popscars, but instead Popfreaks at one point. He has an attachment to the word “Pop”.
Popscars Notebook Panels
Popscars Notebook Pinky Sketch
Popscars Notebook Sketch
Popfreaks the original title before it was changed
I’m honored that he shared these sketches with me. I enjoy seeing the creative process and it gives projects a bit more depth. Pat points out that sketch #2 wasn’t shared with the artist so it’s quite cool that the artist envisioned the same imagery as him.
They publish comics/graphic novels that are outside of our typical comic book collection as they want to create stories and characters that appeal to different audiences. I highly suggest that you check out their website if you have the craving for something different.
Make sure to Pre-Order!
Since this is an indie production there is no guarantee that it will be available at every single local comic book store so make sure that you take the time to pre-order it and add it to your pull list before it is too late.
In the neon lights of La La Land, vengeance wears a pink ski mask.Dive into the twisted world of Popscars, where fame, betrayal, and bloodshed expose the dark side of stardom. Meet Pinky, fueled by a burning desire for revenge against her own flesh and blood – a Hollywood director who’s made a career out of crushing dreams. Popscars delivers a pulse-pounding cocktail of crime, glitz and gore while leaving you clawing for more of the entertainment industry’s most lethal soap opera.
Fun! Engaging! The characters are wild and Pinky and definitely not going to be kind no matter how many times she has to change her mask. If you are a fan of "The Boys", I would highly recommend that you check out Popscars.
4.4 rating
4.4/5
Total Score
Cover
4.0 rating
4/5
Good
Art
4.0 rating
4/5
Good
Color
5.0 rating
5/5
Amazing
Story
5.0 rating
5/5
Amazing
Characters
4.0 rating
4/5
Good
The Highlights
Not your basic superhero story
Creative kills
Shark fans would enjoy this!
The Lowlights
Pinky needs some alternative costumes
Mary, we needed more of her, but I know more is coming.
SQUARE ENIX ANNOUNCES NEW MANGA AND ART BOOK RELEASES FOR SPRING 2025.
English Translated Editions of New Manga Titles, The Apothecary Diaries Art Book, and FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH Poster Collection Available for Pre-order Starting July 6
