PAPERBACKREADER.com - Stray Voltage 01-25-08

I have a confession to make: I was prepared to dislike this book. Really, I wanted to HATE it.

I read it when I was in a bad mood. I wanted nothing to do with comics. In fact, I wanted nothing to do with anything. I felt frazzled and, not for the first time, resented the necessity of reading something for the express purpose of reviewing it. That probably doesn’t sound good, but an amazing number of review copies will occasionally find their way through my door, and you’d be surprised how many of them are for properties that don’t interest me at all and ultimately leave me scratching my head—or worse. I won’t even review the really bad ones, unless they’re really, REALLY bad, in which case, I usually will review them out of sheer spite, but I still have to READ everything. And it’s not like I don’t have anything better to do with my time.

So anyway, there I was, with my copy of Super Real vs. The Movie Industry in hand, bracing for the worst. Inane teenage banter? Check. Gratuitously huge boobs? Check again. Ridiculously obscure art-house movie references? BIG TIME CHECK. All the blood, guts, gore, and general wackiness and mayhem that you could ask for? Uh, yeah, that’d be a big time check, too. Heh. Pretty soon I was chuckling right along with these guys, and honestly, by the time I’d gotten halfway through book, I was just, well, laughing my ass off.

I looked up, and suddenly my bad day was over. Thanks Super Real Graphics!

Seriously, this is a great book! Easily the best in the series so far. Go pick it up, especially if you’re having a bad day. - Dan Head

THECOMICSWAITINGROOM.com 01-10-08

Jason Martin’s reality TV-meets-comic books SUPER REAL takes one more digression before getting back to its regularly scheduled storyline in SUPER REAL VS THE MOVIE INDUSTRY. Last time out, we got the weak SUPER REAL VS THE COMICS BOOK INDUSTRY, and it looked like Martin had perhaps gambled away the goodwill he was building for his nifty little indy book. Frankly, I questioned whether or not the ongoing book could survive a second digression. But give Martin credit: MOVIE INDUSTRY is a huge improvement over COMIC, and it fits better with the actual main book, making this feel less like a lark and more along the lines of something reasonably useful in the process of the main plot.

This special features four guest artists helping Martin tell the tale: Dennis Budd, Jerry Gaylord, Dan Mendoza, and Josh Howard. As you might expect, Howard’s (DEAD @17, CLUBBING) the best of the guests, but Mendoza shows some real promise in his segment. The story itself is pretty thin, something to mostly hang the title gag on: the five reality superheroes are sent on a training mission that involves them playing out scenarios from some of their favorite films. These include RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, KILL BILL, STAR WARS, and TRANSFORMERS. Kinda pedestrian choices, but Martin gets major props for throwing CUBE in of all things. That alone gets him a pass on the writing end.

SUPER REAL’s charm has always been the cheeky attitude displayed not only by its characters, but by its creator in his work on the page. SUPER REAL got its start as an indy book in search of distribution, and that distribution didn’t come quickly. But Martin has persevered and done things his way, even when they could have blown up in his face. That’s why he has my respect, and why I’ve kept supporting the book. - Marc Mason

INDYCOMICREVIEW.com - 05-18-07 Rating Average: 3 1/3 (out of 5)

Review: The first issues of Super Real proper that I read didn't really come across to me. I don't know if it was the plot, or what have you - but the whole effort was lost on me. Not so with this one. While the other guys are quite right on the "no real plot" angle here, I'm not sure that's what the creators of the series were going for with the #1 issue. More likely than not, I think it was a set-up to get readers into the type of humor they were going for - in this case some hardcore comic book parodies. In that regard, they drew me in and had me laughing.

An odd contributor here was the contribution from guest artists in different segments of the issue. It gave the book a very manic feel, like it couldn't quite make up its mind as to what it wanted to be. This added a lot to the humor, which seems to require a sugar rush or something similar. - Alex Haas

Overall: 4 stars.
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Review: The guest artists for this book made it a little more interesting. The story line of the characters facing their first challenges was okay, but some of the segments fell a little flat. It's not that I like all the characters they were picking on, but a lot of it just seemed to be cheap shots. I guess I tend to find caricatures of the standard super heroes like Wolveroach in Cerebus a lot funnier. - Robert Weiman

Overall: 3 stars. I guess I was expecting this to be funnier than it was.
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Review: Guest artists are the main attraction of this issue of the Super Real series. The story itself is really not much more than having the Super Real characters going "head-to-head" with comedic images of other comic book characters. While it has its amusing moments, I'm not really sure why this is an issue 1 rather than a one shot. There really wasn't enough story to carry a series with.

As for the artwork, it was hit or miss with me. I'm not a big Manga artwork fan, so the part of the issue that featured this just didn't work for me. Oddly enough, I liked the artwork of Jason Martin, the author/artist for the rest of the series, as one of the best in the book. I think I'd rather see the stories with just his artwork.

Overall: 3 stars. Mostly action based, the storylines didn't really move anywhere, and I liked the orignal artists artwork as good as any of the guests. Looking forward to getting back to the original story line. - Ron Miller

PAPERBACKREADER.com - Stray Voltage 03-30-07

What we have here is a series of funny short stories about the Super Real gang going toe-to-toe with a bunch of presumably more well-known superheroes in Xtv’s Action Arena. This is the third issue of this series, and it falls right in line with the continuity of the main story, but for whatever reason it’s in beautiful black-and-white and billed as a one-shot special edition. Which will hopefully drive some sales. And, of course, being black-and-white, it was by far my favorite issue of Super Real to date, so I guess that just shows my indie bias. Go figure. But seriously, I dug this issue the most, and I recommend it highly to anyone with an even half-developed sense of humor.

What I liked best about SRvsCBI#1 was the way it felt like a jam. Here we have a bunch of super-talented creators taking a break from their day jobs and just goofing off and having fun. None of the gags in this book are think-pieces, but they’re short and very well drawn, and that keeps it moving nicely. Even if one thing falls flat, there are six more waiting in the wings, and you’re bound to find something that you like. And seriously, who doesn’t want to see the super hot Super Real girls fighting giant killer robotic Pokemon? That shit was totally awesome!

I don’t know what else to say. Super Real vs. The Comic Book Industry is a Grade A effort, which I think proves nothing more than that you can work hard and have fun at the same time if you’re working on something that you love. The sense of playfulness in this book shines through from start to finish, making this one a real winner. - Dan Head

BROKENFRONTIER.com 03-29-07

Jason Martin’s Super Real is a sleeper indy hit that deftly weaves together the extremes of reality TV and superhero comics.

Three issues in we have met the cast, the powers behind Geniburton and X-TV and we have learned what the cast are capable of … now Holly Hood (24 year old waitress and go-go dancer), Michael Dasquea (21 year old aspiring pro body builder and wrestler), Kityana Bliss (19 year old model), Warren Campbell (29 year old struggling club promoter and trance music producer) and Shana Payne (23 year old failed dotcom entrepreneur) are ready to face the ultimate crisis; they are ready to face the comic book industry!

The caliber of creators who have contributed to this special demonstrate the esteem in which this book is held in indie circles. Jason Martin handles the script on all five stories, as well as the art on the second chapter. The first chapter features Holy Hood facing off against the Amazing Amazon herself. Martin’s script is full of bravado and an unexpectedly bloody ending, yet the true highlight is the stark and gorgeous artwork of Boo.

Jason Martin handles the writing and the art for the second chapter in which two Super Real members unexpectedly go head-to-head. Martin’s artwork retains the cartoony flair that characterizes Super Real, but here his art is less clean than in the regular book. The strength of this chapter lies in the interesting angles and character placements that demonstrate the kinetics of the fight scene.

I was seriously challenged to pick a favourite sequence from this book, yet Chapter 3 is it when Kityana Bliss takes on Pokey-Zap, a Pokemon/ Digimon/ Dragonball Z inspired blob with a shocking power. Edward Pun delivers gorgeously slick lines as the hot model faces off against the villainous blob. Providing an interesting twist on the fart joke phenomenon, this chapter is one of the funniest in the book; Martin’s comedic writing skills get stronger with each issue.

Indie legend Jim Mahfood pits Warren Campbell up against stand-ins for mock marvelous mutants. Mahfood’s stark work and hand drawn letters deliver real indie cred to the book while Warren gives the X-Geners the finger (literally!).

The final story delivers some of the strongest art yet as failed dotcom-er Shana Payne faces Vampblade, a riff of the much-maligned 90s bad girl. Daniel Campos gives Pun a run for his money with strong, heavily inked art that looks like a mix between 1970s and 1990s Marvel. This was the only confusing story in the book. After three reads I am still perplexed as to how Shana defeated Vampblade, but I put this down to the fact that I am writing this review at 10:30 P.M.

Martin has rewarded his dogged fans with a light, entertaining special that gives indie talent a chance to shine. He is a true champion of independent comics, and Super Real is a winning read every time. - Jason Berek-Lewis

THECOMICSWAITINGROOM.com 03-28-07

I completely understand what Jason Martin is trying to do here. His terrific indy book, SUPER REAL, is at a point where he needs it to get wider notice in order to solidify it in the marketplace. As someone who’s read the book since he first handed me his PREVIEW SPECIAL two years ago, I’m an early adopter here. But unfortunately, SUPER REAL VS THE COMICS INDUSTRY doesn’t really do the job it really needed to in order for it to be successful.

SUPER REAL itself has a very snarky, satiric bent to it, so the natural progression to poking at other comics isn’t one that’s out of reach. The problem is that Jason turned loose some talents that didn’t do his own work justice. The first story in the book, is drawn by “Boo”, and wow, is it scary… looking. The story telling and panel work is so awful that the story is almost unreadable. Nothing can kill a story quicker than bad art, and considering this stuff leads off the book, it puts the entire comic in a hole right out of the gate.

Martin himself takes on the art chores for story two, and things pick up, and a later bit from the great Jim Mahfood helps immensely. But just when it seems like the book is going to completely recover, the final pages of the comic see the story run aground, and it frustrates. SUPER REAL is a book that is very much worth your time, but ultimately this digression for the series doesn’t pay off. - Marc Mason

NEWSARAMA.com - Best Shots 03-19-07

While it helps to be somewhat familiar with the team and concept of “Super Real”, it’s not completely necessary to enjoy this hilarious evisceration of epic brawls. As the cover bills it, this is an “all action special” wherein members of the team face off against a series of characters who are just a tiny bit analogous to famous comics faces. Much of the humor comes from those analogues, particularly the Marvelous Mutants. Creator Jason Martin clearly has a good time writing this, and he’s joined by some great artists, including Boo, Edward Pun, Daniel Camos and J.D., and Jim Mahfood (who delivers on the Mutants bit). For new readers, Martin does include a Super Real recap up front, and displays his fine musical taste in a list of faves near the back. Fun stuff. - Troy Brownfield

AINTITCOOL.com - AICN COMICS REVIEWS 03-14-07

While I don't believe that this is the strongest entry in the series, SUPER REAL VS. THE COMIC INDUSTRY continues to engage in the same wackiness that has become a hallmark of the series. This special is different in that it pretty much pits the team against characters who embody the comic book clichés that tend to dominate the industry. Each chapter is illustrated by a different artist with creator Jason Martin doing the writing chores. It's a light read to be sure but there's enough fun in it to keep SUPER REAL fans happy as well as amuse potentially new readers. - superhero

3/15/07 - Comic Buyers Guide #1629 - 2 and 1/2 stars

“Bottom line: It's worth reading and seeing where the series goes from here. Put aside the high standards for a moment and laugh out loud.”

11/28/06 - IndyComicReview.com 3 and 1/4 out of 5

"The only thing that I am not liking about this title is the amount of time I have to wait for the next issue!"

"I'll hand it to the creators of Super Real - they're trying to do something witty and funny here."

11/17/06 - PaperbackReader.com - Comics You Should Be Reading

"By far and away, my favorite thing about this title is that it makes fun of so many pop culture clichés even as it wallows in why they're enjoyable.

I'd recommend it to readers who like smart comics that don't take themselves too seriously. And to readers who like sex. Personally, I think that encompasses just about everybody."

11/03/06 - ComicsWaitingRoom.com

"Martin’s “reality TV meets comics” series sort of settles in to a comfort zone with issue three. The previous two issues focused more on introducing the parody elements to the story and establishing the characters. Now, with his pieces on the board, the creator can show exactly how the characters’ powers work, how they’re going to interact as a “team”, and in moving the story forward a bit."

11/01/06 - SilverBulletComics.com 4 out of 5

"At first, the book appears to be just eye candy cheese and beefcake but the actual story behind it makes it well worth the read."

"Bottom Line: A great tongue in cheek look at "Reality TV" and a good read for the MTV generation"

10/24/06 - BrokenFrontier.com

"This issue delivers the payoff after we have been waiting through #1 and #2 for the action to begin."

"With its digs at pop and comic book culture, this is a book that should bring out a laugh in all fans."

10/24/06 - Newsarama.com - Your Indy Weekly 3 and 1/2 stars out of 4

"Overall, Super Real continues its journey as being a must read superhero indy... we all know that sooner or later this is all going to come to a head. It’s the journey getting there that makes it fun and Martin has no problem bringing the excitement to each and every Super Real book."

1/23/07 - Comic Review Weekly PODCAST #55 - 3 and 1/2 stars

5/17/06 - Comic Buyers Guide 2 and 1/2 stars

"Yes, the super-hero reality thing has been done, but this promises a very different approach.
Should appeal to readers raised on manga (or fans of Dead@17's Josh Howard)...
the real world intersects Martin's cartoony world to interesting effect."

4/04/06 - DigitalWebbing.com

"Overall, Super Real is the real deal. It's got great characters, it's well written, and the art is a fresh new mix of comics and realism. I can't wait to read more!"

3/30/06 - ComicBookReview.net 4 out of 5 stars

"Do yourself a favor. Give Super Real a try"

3/28/06 - ComicCommentary.com
Guy LeCharles Gonzalez - Senior Comics Editor PopCultureShock.com

"An entertaining spin on reality TV with a lot of potential."

1/15/06 - IndyComicReview.com Rating = 4 1/3rd stars

"Someone please find me issue #2, I want to know what happens next!"

12/27/05 - PaperbackReader.com Grade = A

"When I broke everything down in my mind, I could not justify anything but an "A" since the technical execution of the book is solid."

12/19/05 - TheComicFanatic.com Overall grade = A

"Looking for the next up and coming superstar artist in the industry? Allow me to introduce you to Jason Martin."

"To borrow and slightly paraphrase a line from one of my favorite episodes of “Seinfeld” - Super Real #1? It’s real…and it’s spectacular!"

12/11/05 - ComicAvalanche.com

"All in all I really enjoyed this issue. I do recommend you pick up this issue, and based on it issue #2 as well."

12/08/05 - TheComicBookObservatory.com

"Honestly, I think that(the) idea is brilliant! "

"If you're looking for something a bit different than the average superhero team-up book, check this out for only $3.25!!"

12/08/05 - Larry Doherty - Larrys Comics INC / Wizard Comics Magazine retail advisor

"SUPER REAL#1 by Jason Martin has shipped and sold out in most shops. THE BOOK HAS A VERY UNIQUE POLISHED photoshopian LOOK TO IT AND WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH YOUR ASS OFF a couple a times as well!"

11/30/05 - IchibanComics.com Recommendation: BUY

"Jason has a great handle on culture and the quirky aspects of good ole' American entertainment. I'm excited about where this series is going. The plot and characters are well-crafted and there's enough anticipation to force readers into #2. "

11/30/05 - Newsarama.com YOUR INDY WEEKLY 31/2 out of 4

"Martin’s artwork is fun with a unique American-Mangaish hybrid style that he certainly can call his own."

"Real #1 does well to carve a niche in the rarely seen market of superhero indy comic books."

"my lone gripe about this first issue can only be that I want issue two. Like NOW! One can only hope that Super Real will be an indy comic book staple for years to come."