Argo 5 # 23

Trust Dan Sehn to write a fun story. In this neat self-contained story Blue Dynamo and Chain Reaction set out to buy an action figure for Blue Dynamo's collection. They encounter an old man who has a large collection of cool stuff. When one of the items turns out to produce a dangerous enemy the heroes get help from an unexpected source.
Meanwhile we see how the National Organization of Police Departments views superheroes and especially teen heroes like the Teen Machine.
The banter during this story is priceless, the art is clean but modern. The story is nowhere deep but Silver Age style fun. Special bonus points for the cool Tom Raney pin-up included.

Argo Comics Double Shot #1

Argo Comics is one of the most trustworthy publishers of indepent superhero comics out there. Not many publishers manage to put out so many books a year. This one is a partnership of Argo Comics and Excelsior Quadrinhos, featuring characters from both universes.
The All-American and Artillery face terrorists at the Olympic Games. Sensei X and Ninjana’s dinner plan’s go wrong when they face some nasty thugs. There's also the Weaponaire and Avatar who fight vampires!
All stories are short and to the point. Nothing deep, but fun action-packed stories to wet your appetite for these characters. The art can pretty much stand up to the big publishers and the coloring is awesome.
Check this book out if you want some old-fashioned superheroic fun.

Argo 5 # 10

Another fast moving quality comic featuring Argo 5. The art for this one has been done by several great artists like popular Warrior Nun artist Ben Dunn. We follow Argo 5 as they try to stop villain Charles Monroe from using a mysterious artefact. They end up battling several cool looking superheroes that reminded me of Hanna-Barbera cartoons. I especially dig Solar Condor.
Blue Dynamo shows again why he is my favorite of Argo 5, his dialogue is always real and fun.
I think especially artist Scott Jones did a great job and I'm going to see if I can find more of his work.
Good old-fashioned quality superheroes!
Pick up the book here.

Q & A with Dan Sehn (Argo 5)

1. Tell us what Argo 5 is about?
Argo 5 is a super-team that handles threats from alien invasions to subterranean menaces but the core of the book is actually the social interactions. The book is a bit more focused on the character's personal lives than just fighting the bad guys. Instead of just the threat of the month or continuous misdirection, Argo Comics strives to tell good entertaining stories that are a bit less convoluted than most mainstream comics.
2. To readers of what comics will it appeal?
It would probably appeal to long time readers of the big 2 that might find ia change of pace refreshing. Coke and Pepsi are great but sometimes you need a Dr. Pepper.
3. Where can we find it?
The books can be found here: http://indyplanet.com/store/index.php?manufacturers_id=4417 and digitally here: http://indyplanet.com/digital/index.php?manufacturers_id=4417
4. Any advice for other people wanting to publish independent superhero stories?
I would say remaining focused is important. Many have their own heroes and get diverted into getting endless commissions of their character and build web sites devoted to their characters but no effort is put towards putting together the actual comic. I'd also say to strive for originality. Publishing a book similar to the ones you enjoy from the larger companies is a mistake in that there are already many of those books with characters people are already fond of. Indie superheroes must strive towards originality to give people a new experience.

5. Who is your favorite comic book hero and who your favorite creator?
My favorite character would have to be the Pre-New 52 Superman. I'm hoping he'll return someday. My favorite creator is a bit tougher. The short list of writers would have to be Will Eisner, The Hernandez Brothers, and Alan Moore. Artists are much tougher as there is no short list. Art Adams, Adam Hughes, George Perez, Rick Mays, Bill Maus, Tom Raney, Mike McKone, Kevin Maguire, Franchesco!, Brad Green, Chris Cross, Terry Dodson, Frank Cho, Steve McNiven, Nick Bradshaw, Paul Pelletier, Brandon Peterson, Fred Perry, Todd McFarlane, Dale Keown and Sarah Pichelli are a few of my favorites that come to mind.

 6. What is it about superheroes that appeals to people so much and why are there so many comic book movies now?
Superheroes probably appeal to many who enjoy the escapism aspect of the genre. Most would like the more extraordinary lives exemplified by the adventures of those with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal man. Those stories have almost a universal appeal and thus the popularity of the movies. Film does not suffer the stigma of being purely juvenile entertainment so they thrive where the comic industry struggles.

Argo 5 # 0

This is one of the most professional looking books I've seen from such a small company. The artwork and the coloring is just as good as any Marvel or DC book.
I loved the fast-paced story that was done in one issue. The heroes look cool and the team doesn't look like a Justice League knock-off like way too many superhero teams do.
We see how  Gladiatra, Shazrath, Blue Dynamo, Kasira and Chain Reaction got together in one team and all characters are introduced nicely.
I especially love how Blue Dynamo is a relatable guy in the Wally West / Peter Parker mold but still nothing like those characters.
There's a great idea in the book as well, HeroDate, a dating website for heroes. Hey, there are dating sites for all sorts of target groups, so that makes sense, right?
Eager to read more of this publisher.
See more at: http://www.argocomics.com/