Stealth Hammer #1

Stealth Hammer #1

Self Published 2021

Created & Written by Ryan Drost

Illustrated by Joel Jackson

Coloured by Ross Hughes

Colour Assists by Evan Evans, Laci Hart & Julio Santos

Lettered by Dave Sharpe

Backup Feature Illustrated & Lettered by Alexandra Scott

Jami Taylor is a young teen starting her first year in college when an act of destiny grants her superhuman powers. Discovering she is part of a legacy of protectors in a world of high-tech gadgetry and supernatural mythology, Jami starts a hero’s quest to save everyone as Stealth Hammer.

This one was sent to me by the creator and I do enjoy when this happens because it gives me a chance to read books I wouldn’t otherwise have noticed before. This was a successful kickstarter campaign and it’s a great all-ages title so if you are looking for something cute to share with everyone in the house this would certainly fit that bill. We know I’m a fan of all-ages books that you can pass around and talk about over a device free meal and this one would great for that. The main character Jami is a high spirited young woman who always seems to be on the go learning whether that’s at school or taking self defense classes which already gives her a leg up on this whole superhero business.

I like the way that this is being told. The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented nicely. Her enthusiasm is a bit infectious and at times you want to take a deep breath as it seems she’s moving full steam ahead all the time. The character development we see through the dialogue, the character interactions as well as how they act and react to the situations and circumstances they encounter is well achieved. The pacing is strong and as it takes us through the pages introducing us to the characters, the story and this world it is easy to get caught up in it.

The way that we see this being structured and how the layers within the story emerge and grow are well constructed. It is a bit chaotic at times but that’s actually part of its charm and its been a long time since I’ve seen someone this excited about numerous avenues of the story being presented. How we see everything working together to create the story’s ebb & flow as well as how it moves the story forward is well done.

For an all-ages interior book I have to say that the work is much better than I had anticipated. I love the fact that we see backgrounds being utilised so heavily throughout and how they enhance the moments and work within the composition of the panels to bring us the depth perception, sense of scale and the overall sense of size and scope to the story. The linework is great and how we see the varying weights and techniques being utilised to create the detail work is impressive. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a very talented eye for storytelling. The colour work is exceptionally well rendered. How we see the various hues and tones within the colours being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work are beautifully rendered.

The backup feature would have benefited from an introduction of where they are and why but otherwise it’s also a cute look at what’s to come for Jami during her adventures. Still it does introduce us a to a new character who feels like a gnome and he’s her guide through this part of the world.

So while this is self published and it was a kickstarter if you are interested in checking this out further, which I highly recommend you do, there are several outlets you can head to and inquire about ordering one for yourself. Support indie creators I know I love to and you won’t be disappointed in the least.

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Where people can buy it: Contact directly through Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stealthhammer/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stealthhammer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stealth_hammer/