Tag: Indie

A Whispy Shadow Demon

Prologue

In an attempt to improve my writing & scratch the creativity itch I’m going to attempt to write daily. Usually, I write when I’m feeling inspired…but that’s not that often anymore. So I’m going to prompt inspiration & see where it takes me. Today’s prompt is…

A Whispy Shadow Demon

My 6-year-old daughter is fearless. In her mind at least. Unfortunately, she has inherited her mother’s delusions of grandeur. She’s the best at everything and afraid of nothing. I love her very much, but this is an awful trait for ANY human to possess. But there you go.

Introducing Bendy

One day, while randomly flicking through Youtube I saw a thumbnail depicting (what I now know as) Bendy & The Ink Machine. For those of you who don’t know who or what this is, it’s basically (as Wikipedia will tell you)

An episodic first-person puzzle-action survival horror video game. The game follows Henry Stein, a retired animator who returns to his old animation studio from the 1930s, after an invitation from his old employer, and discovers a nightmare of cartoon characters seemingly brought to life by the titular Ink Machine.

It’s a wonderfully scripted game with iconic characters brought to life using a 1930s style of animation (think Steamboat Willie) I am slightly obsessed…but not as much as my daughter.

From Fear to Fandom

When she first saw him I could tell she was slightly suspicious of him. Yeah, he looked cute…but he definitely has a demonic look and feel to him too. I had no idea about him, so when she asked me who it was and what he did, I made up all kinds of horrific (or as horrific as I can be towards a 6-year-old girl) stories. Stories of how he would chase children in their dreams if they didn’t behave for their parents (I never said they were original stories!) And the usual ‘boogeyman’ tales we know and love.

The Journey Begins

One Friday night it was just me and her, and she asked me if I would tell her more about Bendy. I told her I would do one better. I hopped back onto YouTube and found some playthrough footage (without commentary) and we watched it together. Two hours later, she was in love. She was fascinated by each character & the journey they took. She instantly became a fan.

Curiosity Inspires The Kid

The very next day she wanted to watch it again, but this time she knew what to expect, so she was able to quiz me more on the plot and characters (she is only 6 years old remember) after another viewing she wanted to write about him (she’s an avid reader and I’m very proud to say she is reading at TWO levels higher than what she should be) so she did. Now, I’m not saying what she wrote makes any sense, but the passion is there. And nobody should ever mock or deny a passion to create, especially in a child. I will always continue to motivate and help push her creativity, because who knows where it will take her.

Thanks, Bendy.

Butcher With A Smile

Issue 1

2019

The Plot

Agents Taylor and Grey both work for a division of the FBI that is on the brink of closure. Despite being hot on the trail of a man killing femme fatal demon, the director of the FBI has had enough, and due to the lack of evidence (& the fact they unintentionally caused a death), he suspends both agents & throws them off the case. Will, they go with their gut and continue the hunt, or will this be just the beginning of a much larger complex case…

The Characters

Straight off the bat, this story had my attention. It’s like a mixture of the BPRD & X-Files but with ‘normal’ regular detectives. Early on you kind of get the feeling they were put onto the division & they don’t necessarily have any ‘superpowers’ or knowledge on the unexplained. It’s a good dynamic too. Both characters are nicely fleshed out & there are hints that they have been working together for quite some time. I particularly love the design/look of agent Grey, she has a very 2019 kick ass & stylish look about her, whereas agent Taylor is a lot more old school (aesthetically) but with a more modern view on life (no toxic masculinity or macho BS to be found anywhere)

The Demon

Not only have they nailed the look of her, but her history is intriguing (no spoilers) and so too is the constant creepy line do you think I’m pretty? Seriously, when you put it all together (in the context of the story) shes super messed up!

Final Thoughts

The art style is superb, the story is gripping & it moves at a nice steady pace. Recommended for the more mature reader given the sex & violence, but all in all, an excellent start to a very awesome story.

5 stars!

Jo