Comic: Tara Togs - The Silence of Unicorns (2024) + Video

Original release: 2024 (Kickstarter)
Created by: Stref
Genre: Adventure, Mystery, Fantasy
Pages: 68
Publisher: ComicScene / Shift
Country: Scotland

Tara Togs began as a homage to the spirit of Tintin, carrying echoes of that classic adventure style while gradually evolving into something of its own. What started as a familiar foundation has since taken on a distinct identity, shaped beyond its original inspiration.

Created by Stref, a Scottish creator. 
The character first appeared in a short story titled Hot Dog, released through ComicScene. 

From there the project expanded into a Kickstarter campaign in 2024, which led to this first full adventure, The Silence of Unicorns.

Our story begins in Belgium in 1940 with a playful tone that carries through the opening. The humor is present from the start and establishes the world clearly. A valuable “horse” painting is introduced and quickly becomes a central focus, immediately setting up a sense of mystery.

We are then introduced to Tara in the present day in Scotland, specifically Tattiebogle, Edinburgh. She is an aspiring professional photographer, an ambition shaped by her late father, giving her a clear personal motivation from the outset. On a personal level, this connection resonated with me, reminding me of my own photography endeavors and my late father. Visually, she is defined by her distinctive appearance, particularly her twin ponytails, which evoke Pippi Longstocking.

 

The narrative follows a classic setup of being in the wrong place at the right time, where curiosity pulls Tara into situations she was never meant to be part of. As the connection to the painting becomes more relevant, Tara is drawn into the unfolding story, forming the foundation for the adventure ahead.

The mystery is cleverly built around a missing “horse” painting and a legendary “unicorn” painting, which together drive the story forward and create a strong sense of intrigue.

 

  

This is a full adventure, with car chases, gunplay, hiding, horse riding and more, along with encounters with a small but memorable cast. Among them are the private detective Heggy and the medium Lexi, who add personality and variation to the journey. We also get a unique side character in Major the talking myna bird, who brings an extra layer of charm. I always enjoy classic mystery tropes like a mysterious figure, who is only partially revealed throughout the story. By keeping him in the background, the story maintains intrigue and leaves the reader questioning his true involvement.

 

 

Tara herself stands out as both funny and quick-thinking. She feels resourceful and active, pushing the story forward rather than simply reacting to it. The action is well structured and rewarding to follow, making it difficult to stop. There is a strong sense of momentum that keeps you wanting to read on and discover where it leads.

The dialogue leans into Scottish and British flavor, with words like “bloke,” “golly,” and phrases such as “just the ticket.” At one specific point it was slightly challenging to follow, but it’s all fun, and it adds authenticity and strengthens the sense of place.

 

Visually, the scenery is well drawn, with strong attention to buildings, vehicles, and the overall environment. It creates a grounded and believable world that supports the story. Some of the designs, especially the cars, feel distinctive enough that they could easily translate into collectibles.

By the end, the inspiration becomes clear not only in tone but also in storytelling style, often associated with the ligne claire tradition. At the same time, it never feels like a copy, but more like a companion piece that stands on its own.

Tara comes across as a younger, more modern lead. While she may be in a similar age range as Tintin, she feels younger in spirit, giving her a different kind of presence in the story.  
 

 

10/10 - There is a real sense of joy, like finding something you did not realize you had been missing. It is an engaging and enjoyable read that leaves a strong impression and a curiosity for where Tara’s adventures might go next. It would be interesting to see a future adventure set in Sweden.

Following the release of the book, two short stories were produced for Aces Weekly: Tara Togs in Halloween! and Tara Togs in Lost Gold of the Forth.

 

 

  

 

An enhanced version of Hot Dog is planned to be included in the upcoming collection Tara Togs: Year One.
Look at the ongoing Kickstarter here: 
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/comicscene/tara-togs-year-one 

In addition, a short parody strip titled Tara Togs and the Orange Dust Gang has recently been released in the comic anthology Falcon, offering a lighter, non-canon take on the character. 

 

 

If you got this far, now go back and look at the cover again for The Silence of Unicorns, there is 2 unicorns hidden in that image, can you find them...

Links:
Buy Tara comic here:
https://share.google/TBUu2AETEihRUlSFG

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066742922160

Stref´s Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/stref70/

Original kickstarter for The Silence of Unicorns:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/comicscene/tara-togs-the-silence-of-unicorns

There is also a companion video with Stref, talking about about the progress. 

Article written by: Sonny Mikszath

Comic: Heavy Metal Magazine #003 (2025)

Release Date: October 8, 2025
Publisher: Heavy Metal International
Length: 232 pages  

I preordered this issue from eBay from user hudscomicshop and gosh, I have never ever received a package packed so perfectly. Just look at this photo, it arrived in a box, wrapped in bubble wrap and sleeved with a backplate. Super perfect quality. Opening it felt like unwrapping a treasure. Just like last time, picking it up it really has some weight to it. 

 

This is Cover 3A by Louis Royo. Louis Royo’s artwork is amazing and not really new to Heavy Metal. He has made some covers before so this one was a clear pick for me.

We drop right into a rich editorial by Frank Forte, this one is all about the origin of horror stories in publication, he talks about Penny Dreadfuls, Tales from the Crypt,Mario Bava and more. Lovely read.

 

Valentina - Part 3 - Sergio Gerasi

Valentina’s story comes last in the magazine, but for this review, I’m pushing her to the front.

Valentina is a character created by Guido Crepax in 1965. She’s a young photographer whose adventures take her all over the world blending elegance, mystery and surreal dreamlike experiences. Her stories often explore psychological depth and push boundaries including themes of sexual freedom which was groundbreaking in European comics at the time. The combination of personal exploration, adventure and dreamlike imagery makes her stories immersive and uniquely compelling.

For me, Valentina is especially special because I’m a photographer myself, like in her life, adventures do happen to me to, sometimes comic worthy. I’m fascinated by the world Crepax created for her, the elegance of her character, the surreal quality of her adventures and the black & white settings set a perfect tone. Reading her stories feels like stepping into a mysterious dreamlike world that draws me in and sparks my imagination.

 

Her influence goes beyond comics. The 1973 film Baba Yaga is based on her adventures and the 1989 Italian TV series Valentina follows her as a photographer solving mysteries around the globe.

Sergio Gerasi´s version of her still feels very true to the original. We’re now at the third part and it takes a bit of a sci-fi turn but it works beautifully, the tone is right, the glamorous artwork shines and the mood carries the original spirit while feeling fresh. I sure hope we’ll see more of her in the future Heavy Metal. 

Flipping around in this issue the comics feels just great, it’s filled with magic, fantasy, and erotic. Here are some highlights.

Bug – Part 3 – Enki Bilal

We continue this interesting story. I must say, reading this and looking at the art feels like I am watching someone else’s dream. The artwork is almost foggy and surreal, yet not.

Taarna – The Last Taarakian – Rebirth – Part 3

Taarna, lovely as ever. There is a chill fight in this one as Taarna tries to save a child…

 

Man of Profit – Santullo / Jok

This story felt like a Twilight Zone story. I got really pulled into this well done. 

Cave Man – Tayyar Ozkan

This was wonderful. Wordless stories are nice; there are some words in the last panel, but overall none. Nice coloring also.

Chicken – Luan Tie

Wow, this was a surreal and perverted story with clear inspiration from Junji Ito. Love it.

 

Paid in Advance – Diego Agrimbau, Carina Altonaga

This felt in part like 2001: A Space Odyssey somehow for me. I’m not saying more than that…

Cold Dead War – The Aftermath – Craig Wilson

Even more of this storyline. I’m a bit confused where this is set, or I think it expands a bit on the original short segment from the movie and the comic series that came after, but I’m missing some structure in this one sadly. It worked like a one-shot in #1 as I wrote then. Now it lost me. I will rewatch that segment and re-read the comics, and if there is yet one more story along this line, I will dig down into it more. I do respect the effort, and there are some cool encounters with zombies for sure.

Heresy – Katie Houghton Ward

This Van Helsing story went from cozy to total chaos. I sure need to go check out what more interesting stories have come out of Katie’s brain.

The Ugly Duckling – Matias De Vincenzo

This one really captured my brain cells hard. It felt a bit like I was reading a fantasy game intro. I was feeling like, I wanna play this game. Like the title is telling right away, this is a story about fitting in. We all know this story…but do we know THIS story…

Harry Canyon – Josh Sky, Frank Forte

I could read a full hardcover comic book of this character. He is such a chill character, then we have Frank Forte’s artwork here that is very true to the original. Keep his story flowing. 

 

Deconstructing Manga – Shintaro Kago

This was unusual to see in HM. Not saying it never happened before, but I cannot remember ever seeing any manga in HM. Not bad at all. I talked about Junji Ito a bit earlier; Shintaro Kago is sure dealing in the same style, pushing boundaries with his surreal style. This story kinda messed a bit with my mind.

 

Beacon from Scorpius 4 – Frank Forte, Edu Menna

This space thriller has traces of Alien and it also reminds me of the story Frank had in the Angry Mob Zine 1# – The Transaction. I have made a similar story also that will be released soon here in Sweden, and maybe in the future in HM also.

Sixella – The Last Roots – Part 2 – Janevsky

This is one of my favorite stories. This, Harry Canyon, Valentina and the one-shot comics are my top best so far in HM. This Sixella story just digs itself deeper and deeper inside your bones and you feel like, “Yee, stay here, it is ok.” I will dig a bit more into this comic in next review I think.. Angry Mob Zine #3 just released, in it is a great interview with Janevsky.

These were some comics that stood out to me. There are many more stories and articles in this one. They keep the momentum up. A solid 10/10!

Article written by: Sonny Mikszath

Comic: Heavy Metal Magazine #002 (2025)

 

 Link to Uncensored cover - https://shorturl.at/SyROc

Release Date: San Diego Comic-Con, July 23, 2025
Publisher: Heavy Metal International
Length: 232 pages

Introduction

Let’s start with some backstory. The Angry Mob isn’t just a name, it’s us, the first backers on Kickstarter. Some of us got so intense, so “angry,” that we practically went wild on the magazine crew, fought hard, threw a little chaos around. In the end, we struck a deal, give us a name and a cover in the next magazine and maybe we’d forget the whole thing ever happened… Well, that’s basically what this cover tells us anyway, most of us weren’t actually mad at all. We have our own “secret club” where we get to do stuff like vote for key development for the magazine, like this Angry Mob variant cover. Not my favorite maybe, but it’s all ok. Fun really. The magazine crew in there being “slaughtered” by us… I wonder if Zack is hiding somewhere in the chaos.

Also, the magazine is so heavy, no pun intended 👽. If you compare, the first issue from April 1977 had 96 pages, last magazine of Vol 1 #320 in 2023 was 144 pages and now we’re up to 232 pages. It just keeps getting heavier and heavier. Love it. This is #002 (Legacy #322)

The editorial by Frank Forte is fantastic. He reflects on when he first discovered the adult illustrated fantasy magazine Heavy Metal back in May 1984, tucked away between Hustler, Swank, and other ’80s XXX magazines. Interesting reading, Frank! What came next almost gave me an existential crisis, a poetic article titled You Are Not Real. 

 

Once I got over that little crisis, I continued my adventure into the deep, heavy-filled pages of the magazine. Here are some of my highlights.  

 

  Interview: Philip Gelatt

Talk about going full circle, he’s one of the writers for Love, Death & Robots. The show was meant to be a Heavy Metal adaptation but never happened, sadly. Instead, we got a show very similar in spirit, only the name differs. Nice interview with art by Frank Forte, who edits a bit here and there in the magazine. I’ve seen his name pop up throughout the issue, subtle contributions that leave a recognizable mark and enrich the reading experience.

 

BUG Part 2 (Enki Bilal)

This one has a nice story that continues from Issue #1.The narrative moves smoothly and the artwork remains strong, keeping the tension and intrigue alive. It’s a satisfying follow-up.

 

Harry Canyon: The Saturnian Affair (Duke Mighten, Frank Forte)

We just get more and more expanded stories from the 1981 Heavy Metal animated movie, I am all for it, bring it! This is adapted from the “Harry Canyon” segment.

Which itself was inspired by Moebius’ The Long Tomorrow (1976). 

The original movie segment, written by Daniel Goldberg and Len Blum, portrayed a dystopian 2031 New York through the eyes of a cynical cab driver, blending film noir elements with sci-fi themes.

Mighten brings this classic into a fresh, modern comic format, capturing the same Blade Runner-inspired aesthetics: futuristic cityscapes, noir tension and a gritty urban atmosphere. The world feels immersive and lived-in, while the pacing keeps you hooked from the first panel to the last. It’s a brilliant way to introduce a classic story to a new generation while paying homage to the original. At the end of the magazine, we get one more short strip with him saying “will continue.” That’s intriguing and leaves me eager for the next installment.

 

Bug Hunt (Justin Jordan, Elgo, Jame)

 

Bug Hunt is a lovely short story with artwork that immediately grabs you. The visuals are colorful and dynamic, giving a sense of energy and motion that perfectly fits the story. It reminds me a bit of a single-girl Starship Troopers story,focus on tension and suspense. I love how compact yet engaging this story is, it delivers a complete, satisfying narrative in just a few pages, while also making you eager for more adventures in this universe.

 

Taarna: The Last Taarakian – Rebirth Part 2

( Leah Moore & John Reppion, Anna Morozova, Tom Napolitano)

More Taarna! We cannot get enough. Last issue had two Taarna stories and here is one continuation. It’s more nudity in this story for sure. Anyone complaining? 😏 Her presence continues to act as a bridge between the magazine’s past and present and the art style really emphasizes the dramatic tension of her journey.

 

The Ancient Pact

(Axel Medellin, Grissel Solism Carlos Cabrera, Jame)

 

Wow, love it. Nice art and very trippy. The story immerses you in strange, surreal landscapes, pulling you along in a rhythm that feels unique. Each panel is a visual trip that stays with you long after reading.

  

Sixella: The Last Roots Part 2 (Janevsky )

 

This artwork does something special with me, it just feels so calm to read, like you’re losing space and time. Amazing. The pacing, colors and composition work together to create a meditative reading experience, almost hypnotic in its serenity.

 

Ink: Ashes & Echoes Part 1  

(Charley & Vlas Parlapanides, Marco Failla)

A new series starts here. Nice and interesting, totally looking forward to read where this story goes. The storytelling hooks you immediately and the first part have a complex world full of potential and mystery.

 

Valentina Part 2 (Guido Crepax, Sergio Gerasi)

Part 2 of one of my top three favorites from #001. The style reminds me of Manara. Nice art and a very pretty story. The narrative continues to enchant, with a graceful elegance that keeps me invested in the characters and their world. 

 

Tales of the Loc-Nar (Frank Forte)

Hahaha!!! I love it. A short one-panel story, perfect. More, please. Its punchy humor and sharp execution makes it very enjoyable. It makes the movie´s story fell larger also.

Zeke & Edsel (Frank Forte)

Perfection. Keep it coming! Their short comic strips remain a delightful contrast to the heavier stories, providing charm and levity that keeps the issue balanced and fun.

Habemus Papam

(Claudio Alvarez, Geraldo Borges, Arthur Hesli, Jame)

Last of my highlights from this issue. This fantasy story has splendid artwork. The art and story feel like some cool extra comic a board game could have along with it, helping tell the ground story, think Tainted Grail vibes. Very cool story, both the game and the comic. It’s immersive, layered and rewards multiple reads to catch all the small details.

Final Thoughts

That’s it for this massive comic. A nice read for sure. There’s so much more to explore. As a comic book writer myself, it’s a strange meta-experience to review a magazine that inspires me, maybe one day I’ll even contribute. In time… in time… talk about meta for real then.

I give this a 10/10, because yes, it’s the master comic of all comics out there right now. 

Let Frank Forte´s own ending word in his Editorial echo in your ears “Heavy Metal will once again lead a path forward on storytelling and illustration. The genres of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and erotica will never be the same. It´s going to be amazing!”

Article written by: Sonny Mikszath

Comic: Heavy Metal Magazine - #001 - (2025)

Release Date: May 7, 2025
Publisher: Heavy Metal International
Length: 232 pages Kickstarter Success: Raised over $780,000 from more than 10,000 backers.

 

(originally posted June 13 - 2025)

 

Introduction
It's a thrilling moment to finally have the new Heavy Metal magazine in my hands. This issue was a Kickstarter project and I proudly backed it to get the first number. As a 42-year-old who has been reading this iconic comic my entire life, this feels like being young again. In Sweden, we've had a version of the magazine too and my collection reflects this, a mix of Swedish editions and dominating with the American version. I've often dreamt of learning French to experience the original Métal Hurlant firsthand. Its interesting that that magazine also did a well received Kickstarter for a revival.
Heavy Metal is also the magazine that got me into writing comic stories, some have also been drawn and published here in Sweden. Some with very heavy influence from classic Heavy Metal stories. Maybe someday I have my own stories in future magazine of this new era. 

The Wait – The Angry Mob!

Though the magazine arrived later than its appearance in stores, I completely understand. The overwhelming number of orders caused delays, as the team behind it explained. Some got offended that retail customers got theirs first. To address this, the new Heavy Metal team created a special group for the initial backers, humorously named "The Angry Mob." I love the playful tone behind this idea, even though I'm not angry myself. Being part of "The Angry Mob" feels exclusive and fun, we even have our own area to engage, connect and...

The Cover

The cover of this issue is a masterpiece by the legendary Greg Hildebrandt. It's bittersweet that he didn't get to witness the profound impact this cover has had on this new era of the magazine. The homage to the Heavy Metal movie is unmistakable, the astronaut, Taarna, the car and Loc-Nar. The astronaut depicted reading another Heavy Metal issue: 

#314 (released in February 2022). That was a special variant (Cover B) also drawn by Greg, which included an insightful interview with him. In this new magazine there is also a nice tribute article to him.

The numbering on this new magazine cover stands out too. While initially, I felt a sadness seeing it labeled as "001," the inclusion of the legacy numbering #321 is a nice touch that soothes the sentiment. However, I do miss seeing the year prominently displayed on the cover and spine, it's a detail I've always appreciated and its absence feels like a loss.

One small design quirk caught my eye, the tagline "The World's Greatest Illustrated Magazine" is placed behind Taarna, which is fine in itself, but there's a curious transparency effect on the dragon's wings. It made me wonder why they chose this approach.

The Inside Scoop

The tactile quality of the magazine is exceptional. Just holding it, you can feel the premium materials and admire the pristine clarity of the artwork, a testament to the care put into this revival. The opening message from Frank Forte, Editor-in-Chief, sets the tone beautifully. In his note, he reflects on Heavy Metal's journey from its inception in 1977 to the present, emphasizing that the goal now isn't to "fix" the magazine but to "elevate" it. It's a well-written piece that resonates with long-time readers like me.

The inside of the magazine is a delightful treat, it feels sturdy yet delicate, much like holding a small kitten, you just wanna take care of it. This issue, spanning an impressive 232 pages, is a perfect blend of nostalgic charm and fresh narratives, offering something for both longtime fans and new readers alike. While I won't touch on every story, here are the highlights that truly caught my attention:

Bug Part 1 by Enki Bilal

What a fantastic start! This story captures the essence of Heavy Metal with its distinctive art style and storytelling. It pulled me in immediately, a strong opening for the issue.

Taarna The Last Taarakian: Rebirth part 1 by Leah Moore, Kohn Reppion, Anna Morozova
Legend of Taarna - Autophonomania by Joseph Michael Linsner

It saddens me that I haven't read the previous stories about Taarna. I've been meaning to for so long but never got around to getting the newer issues. I really love the movie so reading more of her is very intriguing, but times fly right. I was worried they might not continue her story , but I was pleasantly surprised to see her here, not just once but in two stories, in two different styles. Her presence feels like a reassuring bridge between the magazine's storied past and its future.

The Mercenary by Vicente Segrelles

Classic Heavy Metal, The Mercenary have been with the magazine from the start. Felt very nostalgic to find it in this number, very fitting. This story evoked mixed emotions, both sadness and intrigue. While I miss the Renaissance-like, oil-painted artwork that once defined it, the digital style used here still works, albeit in a different way.

Cold Dead War: The Aftermath by Craig Wilson

What a pleasant surprise! This short expansion of the WWII zombie tale, based on a story from the Heavy Metal (1981) movie, is a great addition. Having the original 4-part comic, I was thrilled to see this continuation. However, I was a bit disappointed that George C. Romero wasn't involved this time.

Lester: "That Cold Feeling" by Fernando Dagnino

This story's stunning art style draws you into a richly atmospheric world, reminiscent of classic noir. The narrative and visuals come together seamlessly, creating a compelling and memorable reading experience.

Sixella: "The Last Roots" Part 1 by Janevsky

This one transported me to another world entirely. The blue hues in the artwork set a mesmerizing tone that perfectly complements the story. I'm eager to see where this tale leads.

Valentina Part 1 by Sergio Gerasi

Lustful, stylish, and evocative, this black-and-white story reminded me of the works of Manara.
It's exciting to see so many "Part 1" entries, as it hints at future installments of the stories I enjoyed most.

Metal Strips: Zeke & Edsel by Frank Forte

These two quirky characters from the Heavy Metal movie's "Nosedive!!!" sequence are back in a short comic strip created by Frank Forte. The humor and charm of these characters remain intact and the inclusion of "Metal Strips" in the magazine adds a fun, lighter element to balance the longer narratives. Hope for a new Zeke & Edsel in every magazine forward.

These two quirky characters from the Heavy Metal movie's "Nosedive!!!" sequence are back in a short comic strip created by Frank Forte. The humor and charm of these characters remain intact and the inclusion of "Metal Strips" in the magazine adds a fun, lighter element to balance the longer narratives. Hope for a new Zeke & Edsel in every magazine forward.

Final Thoughts

This issue is pure gold. It's clear that a lot of thought and passion went into curating the stories and artwork. While I skipped over a few tales and was a bit short that just means there are still surprises waiting for you when you pick up your copy.

Now, where's issue #002? I need it in my hands before it hits the stores this time! I'm already impatient to see what the next installment brings! 😄

Rating: 11/10
Links:
Original Kickstarter
Get the comic here: Heavy Metal Official Shop

Article written by: Sonny Mikszath