Feedback From YOU!
a.k.a. CiCi: Mail

Thank you for doing this!
Adrian Aycock

I received a free issue of your promo-copy CICI with the stipulations that I MUST give feedback. (This was at Comicon 2000 in S.D.) I hope I am writing to the guy who gave it to me so he knows that I’m fulfilling my end of the bargain.

My Review:  Let me say right off that the cover threw me off a little.

Can’t say specifically what but probably the big “face of guy” on it.  And possibly the juxtaposition of large face and small person next to it... It was interesting but not pleasing to look at.

The first page caught me like no other comic book has. The writing was beautiful, poetic, and gripping. I cant wait to see it in color. The story line, although a little confusing at first (which makes for second and third readings so is actually good) was intriguing and well done.  The tits and really long legs seem a little gratuitous but of course were admired (since I am a male). I also loved the rat in the two panels where the man is running from the “garbage collector”. Very subtle (i guess) and very cool.

I also loved the nanogenes (or whatever they are) creating guns and crosses from nothing... cant wait to see the cross scene in color too.

All in all, I thought it was a great start and cant wait to read more (and to see this one finished) It was fun to read and left me wanting more. Great Job and keep it up.

Thanks for the free issue.

Sincerely,
Michael Benedetti

OK, Parker,

You asked for feedback from Lyn’s customers, so here it is. I am making no attempt at being “nice”, just my honest reactions.

My background in comics may help you weigh my opinions. I’m 49 years old, Black, and read both DC and Marvel as a child and teen, Marvel as a young adult, then quit until late 30’s when I started back on adult comics, then Elfquest, then DC again, mainly Superman and Batman (and related characters). Also have a stash of Crumb and Fabulous Furry Freak Bros.  Flirted with a few Indies, but none held my interest long.

So, read your book 1^st so as to not have immediate images from the DC stuff.

Liked the artwork. Some influences from Gen-13 apparent, and Max reminds me of Reed Richards of Fantastic Four fame! Almost too bad you are going color - I liked the tones of grey, matched the mood. The early dialogue/text was very confusing to me, and I felt, too artsy/mystic/vague/annoying.  I realize you are telling the story kinda chopped up, but the 1^st 2.3 pages left me totally confused, and not inclined to keep going (except as a favor to a friend of Lyn’s).  Then, page 3, second box, that all cleared up, and was sharp from there on. The mall scene was nicely played - very tense and scary, but the chop up scene was a bit much for my sensibilities.

There is enough story to make me want to buy the 1^st one and the next. Then we’ll see. The back and forth time and place makes this a bit hard to follow. I hope you won’t be doing that all the time.  I’m not sure where this is headed. If it is just another “Bad guys created me and I want revenge” or “The bad guys must capture their creation before it reveals them to the world” type story, it will get old. The characters must be made somehow appealing to the reader for more than their abilities and/or form (great female figures are a dime a dozen, but she is nicely filled out!). Need some heart, and the semi-religious “do I have a soul” question may provide some of that.

All comics are derivative! You must find a way to make yours sing a different song. Good luck!

R. Kent Clark

Parker-

I read the book last night, so here are a few quick observations:

First of all, I like the whole premise, particularly the idea that memories would come along for the ride when one is copied exactly.  I’ve always liked the thought (from Arnold’s Total Recall) that there is no difference after the fact between actually doing something, and simply having the memory implanted.

I was a bit on the confused side almost throughout the book.  Granted, I was trying to bust through it last night before bedtime, so that had something to do with it.  Also, the only other comics I have read were titled “The Tick” so I am not used to serious comic books.  Who was the guy the Garbage Collector was chasing?  And I didn’t catch on to the difference between CiCi and Cynthia until ¾’s of the way through.  I intend to read it more in-depth later.

Tim

 I'm a customer at Lyn's store and got an advance copy of your comic. I am not a big fan of comics anymore but I read yours and the story is solid. I like the idea that it is based in Denver a lot. I can appreciate the amount of work you have put into it and wish you success.

Brandon D.

Hi Parker,

I read the comic while I was still in Colorado. Visually I think it looks great. I also think the story idea is really interesting (though I must admit a little weird to those of us who never read comics and are a little “out of it” in terms of computers and stuff). You asked me if I thought it was confusing. I might have found it a little confusing if you hadn’t given me some background ahead of time, but Mike read it, he didn’t know the background, and actually had some interesting comments that enhanced my understanding. (He also thought it was an interesting idea, and looked great, but was a little shocked about the boobs!). The more I learn, the more I find this whole comic thing interesting. Also, I think the release of the movie (X-men?) is going to make comics more appealing to a broader audience (don’t you?). Mike and I agreed, we are looking forward to reading your interview and to more of the story. Hope it all goes well for you!

Hi Parker,

I thought for sure I had already written to you about receiving the book.  Guess not.  1000 apologies, at least.  I’ve been totally away from the comics hobby for well over a month.  Even with a 2-week conference trip to the States I couldn’t get enough time to browse the shops.  One of these days I’ll get back into it again.

In the meantime, CiCi #1 was pretty cool.  I recall that you had already addressed the couple of production errors that I saw, either in your e-mail or the website (or both, I forgot which.)  It would be great to see the panels in full color.  Now that you’ve left us hanging, I also hope you’ll have #2 out soon so we can find out what Helix and CiCi will be getting into.  (I hope I got the names right, I’m doing this from memory, which at the moment needs a serious defrag.)

The only criticism I’d like to offer is that I thought some of the characters stronger (emotional) facial expressions (shock, anger, etc.) were a bit exaggerated in their representation.

I don’t know how many copies of CiCi #1 are on the street, but have you sent a copy to Wizard for review?  You ought to ask them to list it in their new online (WizardWorld) database, along with a copy of the cover graphic j-peg.

Keep us up to date on the rest of the story.

Regards,
Scott

What’s Up, SpilledMilk?

I received a preview issue of CiCi from Mile Hi Comics on Broadway & Littleton Blvd., and I am totally impressed.  The given obvious here from first look is that you have top rate artists, this book is beautiful.  However, the coolest part for me is the story.  A long time ago I read Stephen King’s “The Stand”, and when he was describing going through Eisenhower Tunnel with all the dead people, I got a real thrill because I’ve been through there.  Your mix of futuristic fantasy with real life Denver makes me really feel a part of the story not unlike how I felt with Stephen King.  Your characters are awesome, and your storyline has me begging for more soon.  I look forward to your future comics, and I wish you the best of luck on all your comic endeavors.  This comic ROCKS!!  Keep up the great work, and hopefully I can meet you some time. 

Your new FAN,
The Shadow

Hey!

I just got, and read, your comic!  It was really cool and looked great.   I’m quite impressed.  It was very professional looking, the story was interesting and I got a kick out of the fact that it was set in Denver!

“Impressive.  Professional artwork and an intriguing story.  I look forward to the next issue.”

I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Scott

This was followed up on Sat 12/2/2000 11:30 AM...

HI PARKER:

...   I READ YOUR COMIC A COUPLE OF MORE TIMES SINCE THE LAST TIME YOU WROTE AND I LIKE THE BEGINNING WHEN SHE'S SAYING THERE'S NOTHING FOR HER. ANY WAYS..YES YOU CAN USE MY NAME ON YOUR SITE, ANY WAY YOU WANT I REALLY DON'T MIND, NOBODY KNOWS ME ANY WAYS, BUT THAT'S NOT THE POINT, I'LL ALLOW YOU TO USE MY NAME, SO PEOPLE CAN SEE THAT YOUR COMIC IS INTERESTING AND WORTH READING, IN OTHER WORDS, TO KNOW THE TRUTH, WELL...I GATTA GO, LATER, YOUR FAN.

JOSE

Parker!!!

I read the issue the day after Comic-Con!  Man, I was lost, I was a wideeyed foreigner at Comic-Con.  My mom and sis were hungry and wanted to eat,so I couldn't read it at the booth.  I haven’t been on-line because mycomputer is getting a new sound card, anyways....

THE ISSUE WAS GRRREAT!!!!!!  My God, Parker, what's up with only 4 issues???  Your story was better than most Image books!   The story threw me man, I didn’t think you were going down that road.  I’m also confused as to the“prototype” I’ll call it of CiCi.  I’m wondering about who is theoriginal.....great story man.  I am not at my house at the moment and Iforget some parts I wanted to bring you up on, when I get my computer backI’ll talk to you about more details, I’ll also have the issue in front of mefor reference.  The story was great, I can’t tell you enough times.  Oh, theScientific wiz kid, who researched the “Kitty Lizard”, what is the realpurpose of his research, how are they exploiting him?  Also, why ARE theymaking so many human replicas??? Are they making an army of some sort?  Ihave many questions, the detailed ones will come in a few days...

Parker, I feel that you should have pushed your book further, Dark Horse oranother company of that sort would have given your books a shot.  SpilledMilk can only go so far into the independent publisher realm, if CiCi wasunder a bigger publisher, it would have gotten considered by most comic shopsworld-wide.

JESUS CHRISSSST Parker, if I would have known the book was thisgood I would have been on your case about getting a big publisher.  All youneed is that one look, get that one look....you get them reading the story,your story rocks and you would have thousands of retailers buying.

GRRREATBOOOOKKKK!!!

Start talking to Dark Horse, you still have time :-)

-NICK

Hey, Parker!

Just wanted to drop you a line and let you know how much I enjoyed the CICI preview. (I was the guy at the San Diego Con on Sunday who insisted on paying you for a copy.) Having been an independent publisher (and being crazy enough to start plans for a relaunch!), I know how important it is to let creators know you’re paying attention to their efforts.

The art looked good (it’ll look even better in color, I imagine), and the story moved along nicely, although it took me a second look to realize that the balance of the issue (from pg. 8 on) was a flashback. Despite that minor problem, I think you’ve got a winner on your hands, and I hope you have lots of success with it. I’ll certainly keep an eye out for the miniseries.

Keep up the good work!

Sincerely,
Steve Roman

Sincerely,
YOU!!