Review: Tribute Press's Flesh 'N Ink - A Satirical Masterpiece
Written by Tony Esmond with art by Adam Falp, Flesh 'N Ink follows the writers, artists, and editors of Tribute Press, a comic book publisher whose home is above a strip club. The '70s-set comic sees its heroes come up against a kidnapping Satanic cult, a penis demon, and a colossal vaginal portal in the sky. Leading proceedings is Peter Queen, an insatiable ladies' man and action-ready wielder of cricket bats.
The most striking element of Flesh 'N Ink is its clean-cut cartoonist art style. Falp's art is relatively simplistic, and yet packed to the brim with playful character. As such, it manages to evoke the children's comics of days gone by while also communicating a more visceral, adult story that is full of hyperbole, satire, and visual excess. It's an utterly unique aesthetic that perfectly brings Flesh 'N Ink's singular story to life, jumping off the page presented as it is in stark black and white.
Esmond's writing is more subtle in its excellence, but it's every bit as responsible for Flesh 'N Ink's one-of-a-kind nature. The comic evokes the feel of raunchy British comedies of the '70s, leaping off the page as a sort of Carry On Bashing Satanists Heads In – complete with a dated worldview amped up to eleven for maximum comedic effect. Flesh 'N Ink is unparalleled in its tongue-in-cheek approach, revelling in its own ridiculousness in a way that feels incredibly refreshing for those used to indulging in more self-serious narratives.
For all Flesh 'N Ink's high stakes – reality itself is in danger from the carnal demons being summoned – it's an incredibly light-hearted story. Its narrative is as crass as can be, perfectly capturing the sensibilities of the era it's set in. However, in a visual sense, it's deceptively layered, making it a genuine treat for the eye. Everything from art style to layout is subversive and irreverent, giving the comic a punk feel that is juxtaposed by its otherwise puerile content.
While Flesh 'N Ink is clearly not going to be for everyone, those with the right sensibilities will be entranced by its engaging characters and the charm of its inherent silliness. It's the sort of comic that will be forever loved by those who appreciate its humour and likely dismissed entirely by those who do not. Even the lack of mainstream appeal works on a meta-level, as it taps into exactly the vibe of Flesh 'N Ink. From its very core, it's a thoroughly and uncompromisingly humorous comic, perfectly capturing the wicked and decidedly filthy sensibilities of its creators.
Rating: 5/5
Keep an eye on the Tribute Press Big Cartel store for when Flesh 'N Ink becomes available.
