Lola XOXO #1 (Vol. 2)

   Back again after a brief vacation is Lola, a woman trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic (post-nuclear attack) world.

   Placed in a Wild West-style setting, she uses her hunting skills to try to show her value while carving out a life - and tracking down her missing parents.

    But there are several forces working against her - one evil, and one REALLY evil (the kind who would happily kidnap a child).\\

   The comic is written and drawn by Siya Oum, and the issue is worth the price just for the art.

   It's hard to pinpoint Oum's unique style, but I see some elements of Nick Cardy in there - that same "real" quality, with characters who have life and emotion and beauty to spare.

   This issue is just setup, of course, for the rest of the story, as Lola finds herself in danger - and trying to save others at the same time.

   Well worth a look!

Grade: B+

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Lola XOXO #5 (of 6)

   There are quite a few books around that are set in a dystopic future (I suppose a utopian future might be a bit dull), but most of them go for an over-the-top approach - zombies, alien invaders, that sort of thing.

   It's a credit to the Lola XOXO mini-series that it deals with the real world - so you have groups of outlaws using horses, guns and mercenaries to control trade routes.

   Into that setting we throw Lola, a (rare) kind-hearted but tough woman in search of her long-missing parents.

   A virtual prisoner of the Wasteland Trading Company, she finds a secret that may bring her to the end of her quest - but can she save her friends who face slavery (or worse)?

   The art by Siya Oum (who also writes the series) is terrific, with a wonderful classic style and real-world grit about it.

   Aside from the female protagonist, this is a unique series from Aspen and stands apart from the rest of the line. The next issue wraps up the opening storyline - here's hoping Oum can stick the landing.

Grade: B+

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Lola xoxo #2

   The newest title from Aspen Comics centers around a classic concept: a dystopian future.

   The first issue introduced us to Lola, a young girl who is separated from her parents when something terrible happens (we see an atomic blast on a newscast, but we don't really know what's behind the devastation).

   The story then skips ahead a few years. Lola has become a beautiful young woman, and the men who have raised and protected her also taught her to protect herself.

   Which is good, because the world is filled with frightening, "Mad Max"-like assortments of thieves, opportunists, jerks and a few decent individuals.

   Lola has spent her life vowing to track down her parents, and she finally decides to take a horse and start searching - but is she ready for the dangers that she'll face?

   The story and art are by Siya Oum, and so far we're still getting the lay of the land - the different factions that make up what's left of society, what people have to do to survive - that sort of thing. Lola is still largely a mystery, but we're learning more about her with each issue.

   The art is very good - and quite unique. I don't know that I've seen another style like Oum's. It has some impressive illustrative flourishes throughout, though a few pages are a bit too dark. Still, it's impressive work, and Oum bears watching.

   So it's a solid second issue, but still a lot of ground to cover to sort out why civilization crashed - and just how Lola is going to survive.

Grade: B

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