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"The story and art by 
Andrez Bergen is superb."
                                   SCI-FI JUBILEE


“Surviving on nothing but her wits, twin 9mm pistols... 
and razor-sharp dialogue.”
BLEEDING COOL



BULLET GAL #1

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Bullet Gal by Andrez Bergen is published through Melbourne based IF? Commix and follows a reckless female vigilante named Mitzi who gets drawn into the mysterious world of organized crime-fighting... Mitzi has lived on the streets of Heropa, a fictionalized haven of noir-style gangsters crossed with the caped hero mythos, ever since she was a teenager — surviving on nothing but her wits, a couple of paperbacks, and her twin Star Model B 9mm pistols. 

The first thing that struck me about this book was the art style, which is a unique blend of over-exposed photography and conventional comic book structure that suits the shadowy tone of this well-written series. Bergen takes his characters and story very seriously and it shows through it’s gloomy exterior with razor-sharp dialogue. Mitzi, or Bullet Gal as she will soon be known, has an air of authenticity and compelling rage that is just a delight to indulge in as she pursues justice. 

Earlier this week the Kickstarter campaign for publishing a TPB version of Bullet Gal to be released in North America reached its threshold, so be on the lookout for that one next year. 
[SHAWN PERRY]


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Mitzi is a girl with a grudge.  Armed with nothing more than her dad’s old pistols, she’s started cutting a swath through the underworld of Heropa.  As the criminals of the city start hunting the mysterious young lady who works as a vigilante in a city full of heroes, Mitzi’s rampage also garners the attention of someone on the side of the angels.

Enter Lee – a mysterious man with an offer Mitzi can’t refuse.  A chance to help good people and not have to worry about the rules regarding licensed heroes needing to have a super-power?  It sounds too good to be true and it probably is.  But Mitzi is content to play by Lee’s rules… for now.

Based in the same world as writer/artist Andrez Bergen’s novel Who Is Killing The Great Heroes Of Heropa?, Bullet Gal is an homage to the classic heroines of pulp fiction as well as the noir aesthetic.  Comparable to Sin City and Velvet, Bullet Gal promises to be a must-read for all fans of Golden-Age adventure-style comics!

--Matt Morrison


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Bullet Gal is a character from Andrez Bergen’s superhero novel, Who Is Killing the Great Capes of Heropa? Though never really seen in action in the book, she also makes an appearance in the second issue of Bergen’s anthology comic, Tales to Admonish, wherein she gets an adventure all her own called “All Fur Coat, No Knickers,” with art by Matt Kyme. Now, finally, she appears in her own title, albeit a short one. 

This is clearly a character that Mr. Bergen enjoys, and, reading Bullet Gal #1, it’s easy to see why.  

The tone of this title is very different from that of her adventure in Tales to Admonish. Both the story and the art are much darker and grittier—with pictures done by Bergen himself this time, rather than Kyme. The comic is also done with a very palpable noir tone, which is a favorite stylistic choice of Bergen’s—and also of mine. Bonus points to Bergen for his use of the word “gunsel,” and further bonus points to any reader who knows what the word really means.  

Our previous glimpses of Bullet Gal showed her after she was well established as a superhero in the world of Heropa: a smiling, '60s-style heroine with a short skirt and a hat shaped like a bullet. This new adventure shows her origin: just an ordinary woman who wants to fight crime . . . with bullets. She has no superpowers to speak of, just a gun, which she uses to kill the vilest of the vile in the Heropa underworld. Then, she meets Lee, and everything changes.  

I keep referencing the previous comic, and the book, but you don’t need to have any familiarity with either of them to enjoy this new title. The characters stand perfectly well on their own; however, if you get the chance, you should probably still check out both Capes of Heropa and Tales to Admonish, because they’re both a lot of fun.  

This issue is titled Bullet Gal #1. I do hope that means there will be a #2 in the future, and other issues, as well. I really like Bullet Gal as a character, and I want to see more of her adventures. It would be interesting to see the progression from gritty noir girl with a gun to '60s bombshell with a bullet hat. At any rate, I’m sure Andrez Bergen has more in store for this character. 

She’s just too much fun to leave alone.

--Steven W. Alloway 


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Bullet Gal #1 – Carnage has an intriguing storyline to it, reminiscent of a Jason Bourne like female character along with a mystery man trying to recruit her unique services ultimately to his cause. 

This first issue is well-written and good panel arrangement, and easy to follow. The art of this indie comic uses photos from various films and/or television shows at first glance, but the creator seems to have selected the best images for the scene descriptions and dialogue between the characters. The images are distorted or manipulated in a well thought out way to keep the reader into the story.

I recommend Bullet Gal #1 – Carnage as an interesting indie comic to check out!

--Scott Cosby


WEIRD & WONDERFUL READS REVIEW

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The talented Andrez Bergen is having a busy summer. A new novel out in July (the wonderful DEPTH CHARGING ICE PLANET GOTH), followed by his graphic adaptation of Tobacco-Stained Mountain Goat which is being released in August. 

Not to mention new releases from IF? Commix looming on the horizon. So how does the man choose to celebrate? 

By releasing a twelve-page mini-comic (at cost) to thank his fans, natch! Bullet Gal #1 will be printed up in the second week of August, and will be priced at one measly buck! Hard to beat that right? But wait, there's more (sorry, I've always wanted to use that line)! From September 1st and on, the digital version will be FREE via the IF? Commix website! How cool is that? Now that I've got the what, when, and where out of the way, let me relate my thoughts about the comic...

Bullet Gal #1 is a prequel to some of Andrez's other works (take a look at Who is Killing the Great Capes of Heropa?, Tales to Admonish, and the aforementioned DEPTH CHARGING ICE PLANET GOTH for related reading), and relates an adventure of the woman who will soon come to be known as Bullet Gal. Set in Heropa (a city existing in cyberspace) and told in a distinct noir style, this short entry is simply amazing! The writing is razor sharp, the art stark, and strikingly beautiful. The art and writing style fit together perfectly, and it's a total joy to see the story executed in such excellent style. I love the fact that Andrez has filled in more of Bullet Gal's history (and there's more on the way), which I had really hoped for after being introduced to the character. All in all, a lot of goodness, residing within a small package. If you love well told noir, you'll appreciate the first issue of Bullet Gal. Recommended reading, and here's hoping for more adventures from our heroine! On that note, I'll get back to perusing my library. Have a great one, and have fun reading!

If you missed it above here's the link to the IF? Commix home page. And here's a link to Andrez's blog, where you can keep up with the many projects he has going on. Why don't you swing by and take a look? 

--Shawn Vogt 


BULLET GAL #2

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The first issue was a mini-comic, a teaser of sorts. I stated after reading it that the art brought me back to early [Brian] Bendis material like Torso and Jinx.

After reading the second installment, I stand by my earlier statement. 

Bergen’s style of sequential art draws you into his world of Heropa and brings it to life in a way that makes you experience the story first-hand.

I continue to be impressed by his writing, but it no longer surprises me. I have read nearly everything he has done and his writing simply resonates. It is real dialogue, real emotion, real drama. You live his work.

As much as I love his novels, his graphic novel are right up my alley. I’m a comic book guy through and through so when you combine great writing with unique and innovative art, you got me!

--John Kowalski


GEEKS OF DOOM REVIEW
BULLET GAL #2

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Female protagonists aren’t as uncommon as they once were but few of them are as determined as Mitzi in Bullet Gal #2. 

She embodies the ideal of a femme fatale on every level, bringing her more attention than she might otherwise have warranted. Standing at a crossroads in her life, can she accept the new opportunities coming her way or is she doomed to failure. Sometimes, we are our own worst enemies…

Our story is about assassinations. Okay, that’s not really true but it is about someone who is exceptionally good at killing. Bullet Gal, also known as Mitzi, has only recently come to town and she’s hellbent on cleaning it up. Killing gangsters and lowlifes has brought her some notoriety and attention, not all of it good. Rumors abound that a woman is slaying miscreants and the local bully boys are embarrassed and more than a little angry. At the same time, her actions have prompted a group named The Crime Crusaders Crew to approach her regarding membership.

Her impatience and lack of experience, however, are two huge hurdles she must overcome to ever be part of a team. Even after a month of training, Bullet Gal is still as reckless as ever, leaving her mentor Lee feeling just as frustrated as she is. Will she ever be a part of the group or is she destined to be a loner? Only time will tell, I suppose, But while her future is in question with the heroes, the villains have decided on a course of action that involves erasing Mitzi as a problem from all of their lives. Of course, it’s at this point that the issue concludes, leaving us wanting more.

Writer, artist, musician, and all-around gifted creator Andrez Bergen is back with a great noir comic here. This being the second issue, you would expect to have to try to catch up but this is handled without a glitch in this comic. First, you have a great introduction of the character from her point of view. But even better is the addition of the first comic at the back of the current one. That’s two comics for the price of one! And not just any comics, but exceptional ones. This series is quite story focused, slowly building the plot as time goes on…not revealing anything until the time is right. The images are dark, forcing the reader to use their imagination to fill in the gaps. Combining photographs, artwork, and computer altered pictures to produce a realistic representation of the cityscape and characters, Bergen has outdone himself with this one. I’ve been a fan for a while but every time I think I have his style pegged, he does something outside the box to amaze and astound me.

I know you’ll love this comic, it’s a literal work of art. It surprises me that he is able to produce this much work but asks for so little in return. A mere dollar for the digital copy and it can be yours to enjoy. I hope you find yourself intrigued. It’s not just for noir fans, though. The referencing of superheroes lets me know that far more is on the horizon. Don’t be left out in the cold, order this while you can. One read and you’ll be hooked.

--Gary Makries


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SCI-FI JUBILEE REVIEW
BULLET GAL #2

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Bullet Gal #2 is the brand new issue from Australian author Andrez Bergen, writer of the acclaimed detective style noir superhero novel Who is Killing the Great Capes of Heropa?, IF? Commix book series Tales to Admonish, and the anthology Black/White. 

Now, along with the upcoming release of his new novel, Depth Charging Ice Planet Goth (July 2014), and graphic novel Tobacco-Stained Mountain Goat (Aug 2014), Japan-based Bergen’s latest IF? Commix title, Bullet Gal #2 will also be published in print form in August 2014 in Australia.

The Bullet Gal series is a prequel to some of Andrez Bergen’s earlier works, ongoing themes and settings are masterfully drawn into the dark narrative of this new series by Bergen, as he charts the exploits of the young woman, Mitzi, who will eventually go on to become Bullet Gal, while seamlessly weaving her origin into the rich tapestry of the noir-style world that he has already established his novels and comic books.

Set in the city of Heropa, the first issue of Bullet Gal saw femme fatale Mitzi (her last name is still a mystery) targeting and assassinating citizens of ill-repute. From there we were introduced to the mysterious Lee, who offered Mitzi a chance to join a Cape group called The Crime Crusaders Crew, but Lee must also be reign in Mitzi’s unpredictable nature so she can be fully accepted into the ranks of the group. But does Mitzi really want to be a member of The Crime Crusaders Crew, and can her new mentor be trusted?

Bullet Gal #2 continues to reveal more about Mitzi’s past, as we lean about her arrival in Heropa when she was seventeen, with only her duffel bag, twin star Model B pistols, a taste for strong espressos, and her steely resolve to meet out her own brand of truth and justice. A month has past since she first met Lee; her training has gone well so far, now she is ready to carry out her first mission.

"Gun Happy" throws us right into the middle of Mitzi’s first assignment, yet even with the target firmly in her sights, and everything going according to plan, Mitzi cannot resist overstepping the mark with Lee. #2 shows how Mitzi and Lee struggling to work together, she is still as wild as ever, while he remains as cryptic as he is disciplined, and this issue highlights the fraught, and often tempestuous partnership that makes these characters so compelling.

Meanwhile, on the seedier side of town, we descend down a shadow staircase to a secret meeting with the Gangland leader Sol, who has gathered his associates together to deal with Mitzi and the way she has been attacking their rackets all over town. Mitzi is causing too much trouble, Sol wants the problem dealt with as quickly as possible, and as chance would have it, it seems like he has found just the right person for the job…

The story and art by Andrez Bergen is superb. 

He gives this noir style, hardboiled pulp romp a very distinctive style artistically, one that perfectly complements his well executed storyline, until it completely immerses you within the dark metropolis of Heropa itself and the stylishly noir-infused narrative.

Bullet Gal #2 is going to be available in print-form in Australia in August 2014, but the digital form (available worldwide) is something really special indeed. 

With its stunning variant cover, the digital version of #2 will include the entirety of issue #1 at the back of the book, as well as an exclusive preview of Andrez Bergen’s other new project: The Tobacco-Stained Mountain Goat graphic novel, that will also be released in August. 

Another terrific issue from Andrez Bergen, featuring great story and art, this finely crafted tale of noir and suspense will be available direct from the IF? Commix website.

--Paul Bowler


WEIRD & WONDERFUL READS REVIEW
BULLET GAL #2

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It was with great surprise that I opened up my inbox and found BULLET GAL #2 waiting for me. 

I had no idea Andrez Bergen was continuing the story of Mitzi (the woman who will soon become Bullet Gal), much less that he had completed issue #2. 

I'm not sure where Andrez finds the hours in the day, but my hat's off to him. He also sent along a file with sample art from the release, which I'll be including throughout the review. Well, on to the details. Issue # 2 is 28 pages of noir goodness, published by IF? Commix. 

 The physical version will be available for $5 in Australia. The digital version will be available on their website at the end of August 2014, for just $1! You get quite the bonus with the digital release, as it includes the 20 page BULLET GAL #1, along with previews from a number of other upcoming releases by Andrez and friends. You really can't go wrong with extra goodies, can you? Right, I didn't think so. Well here's a brief synopsis for everyone...

Since the events of the last issue (here's my review of issue #1, if you haven't read it), Mitzi has hooked up with a mysterious man named Lee. He has offered to show Mitzi the way of doing things in Heropa, and more or less train her to be a Cape (also known as a Bop, essentially a superhero). 

Mitzi isn't quite sure if she can trust him, but she takes him up on his offer, at least for now. At the moment, she is engaged in a training exercise of his devising, which she is thoroughly enjoying. When he calls an abrupt halt to the mission, Mitzi walks out in disgust. 

Meanwhile, across town, Heropa's crime lords are having an urgent meeting. The topic? How to stop a certain vigilante who has been thinning their ranks, of late. Plus, we're introduced to an utterly psychotic young lady, who has a number of interesting ideas on how to solve the vigilante problem. It looks like there's a whole lot of trouble headed Mitzi's way...

As I said, this was a complete surprise to me. It also knocked my socks off! I was really hoping for more BULLET GAL, but there was no way I expected anything from Andrez this soon (In a related note, he's already hard at work on issue #3! Ssshhh... don't tell anyone!). 

As time-consuming as his art technique is, Andrez just keeps improving as he goes along. I'm really wowed with the visuals contained in this release, they are quite beautifully rendered. 

The lush black and white renderings perfectly fit the noir surroundings, and have a certain hallucinogenic quality to them (reference the art to your left fro an example). The writing style is taut, perfectly describing the world Mitzi is living in. 

Namely, one where she doesn't know who to trust, where everyone seems to be out to get her, possibly, even the man who's training her (she should be used to this, but that's an entirely different story... Mum's the word). I love the way both issues have ended with a cliffhanger, which reminds me of the old movie serials (of which I'm a huge fan). 

All in all, I was definitely impressed by the second issue of BULLET GAL. Andrez is building on the solid start he established in issue #1, and has upped the ante with issue #2. Highly recommended reading! Do yourself a favor, and take a look at this unique new comic series. 

You'll have a blast...

--Shawn Vogt


BULLET GAL #3

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She’s back: our favorite plucky superhero-in-training—who would probably shoot you in the face if she heard you call her “plucky.” 

Mitzi, a.k.a. Bullet Gal, is certainly not your typical superhero. She’s got a lot of demons to conquer, and a lot of anger to work through. Which, admittedly, does sound a bit like your typical superhero, but the difference is that Mitzi is still just a teenager—and also armed.

Bullet Gal is still raw and unpredictable. You know if you’ve read Who Is Killing the Great Capes of Heropa? that, eventually, she becomes an established and respected superhero, but she’s nowhere near there yet. The Bullet Gal comic takes us along on her journey and lets us see her evolution, step by step.

This issue sees Bullet Gal secretly tailing Lee, her mentor, to find out just who he is and what he’s up to, and discovering his secret in the process. In the meantime, Sol, the head of the Heropa underworld, is still trying to have Bullet Gal killed for what she keeps doing to his people. The job has been assigned to literal Femme Fatale Brigit, but some of Sol’s other underlings are getting antsy and want to finish the job themselves.

The issue also gives us a deeper glimpse into Mitzi’s character and what drives her—as well as just how clever and resourceful she can be. Additionally, it raises a number of questions about Lee’s character, particularly if you’ve read Heropa.

There’s plenty of action and plenty of fun in this comic. Bergen’s writing is always top notch, and his unique art style, which combines photomontage with digital manipulation, gives it a gritty, noir quality that matches the tone of the story. 

Bullet Gal is unlike any other comic you’re likely to read. If you’re looking for something a little different, and are into noir and superheroes, then you’ll want to check out this comic.

--Steven W. Alloway 


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I was happily surprised (once again) to find Bullet Gal #3 by Andrez Bergen in my inbox the other day. This won’t be out until October, but, heck, Andrez might have the entire series finished by then. I am, of course, joking, but I’m not too far from the truth.

I’m not sure when Andrez finds the time to sleep, but my friend seems to be an absolute machine. Anyways, enough rambling, I’m going to jump straight into my review. In this issue our heroine Mitzi (the woman who will soon be known as Bullet Gal) has turned the tables on her mysterious benefactor, Lee. Put off by his endless games, she’s decided to do a bit of snooping of her own.

After following Lee, and spying on a clandestine meeting, she makes a shocking discovery… one which she is not sure how to handle. Meanwhile, the criminal element of Heropa aren’t wasting any time tracking Mitzi down. While Mitzi is engaging in her bit of cloak and dagger, there is already a three-man (more accurately, one very deadly woman plus two thugs) team that has eyes on her. Plus, a couple of very nasty looking guns. Things look like they’re coming to a head, and the only question is, who’s more dangerous? Mitzi’s apparent friend, Lee, or the hit-team that are dogging her steps?

What can I say about this release? The writing is spot-on, as usual. Andrez is building the story to greater heights with each issue. He’s steadily adding new elements as he goes, and I’m holding my breath, wondering when the balloon will pop. This issue is basically a bridge entry, very much about drawing the plot threads together, from previous issues. I’m waiting for the climax, and I have to admit that Andrez has me on the edge of my seat, wondering what the endgame (for this series) is. As a bit of a side note, I haven’t mentioned in my other reviews of this series (simply because I hate spoiling the joy of discovery for a new reader), but most of his works tie together, in one way or another. Many of these characters are already familiar to me, and I love that more and more of the details are getting filled in.

Will this get in the way of a new reader enjoying this comic series? In my opinion, HECK, NO! I began reading Andrez’s works with his (at the time) newest novel, and then worked backwards. This series is easily enjoyable in its own right, but you should pick up his other works. You’ll get a much wider perspective on things. As far as the art goes, are you seeing these images? He just keeps getting better and better. The noir images Andrez creates are totally suited to the story that is being told.

They are beautiful, stark, and striking in equal measures. The process of creating in this medium is rather painstaking, as well, so it is appreciated by myself all the more. To sum up, if you want to read a unique comic series, something outside of the type of things you get from the DC’s and Marvel’s of the world… something well written, with beautiful art, and from the very soul of the creator… this is the release for you! Arigato, Andrez.

--Shawn Vogt 


SCI-FI JUBILEE REVIEW
BULLET GAL #3

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After encountering the mysterious Lee, a cape (Super-Powered type), Mitzi accepted his offer to begin training so she could join The Crime Crusaders Crew. 

However, her volatile and unpredictable nature soon brought her into conflict with her new mentor. Mitzi’s attacks on the crime rackets in town have also caught the attention of the vicious gang leader Sol and the seductive French femme fatale Brigit, Sol’s lover and personal assassin—who is eager to confront the meddling Bullet Gal and make her pay for what she’s done.

Bullet Gal #3 follows Mitzi as she resolves to find some answers about the people she is working for. Her journey across the vast city of Heropa leads her to a rooftop, where, overlooking a dark alley, she observes a secret meeting between eight men, who all incidentally look exactly like Lee, the man who offered to train her for The Crime Crusaders Crew. Feeling shocked and betrayed Mitzi sets out to find some answers, unaware gang boss Sol and his deadly assassin Brigit are watching, assessing her skills and abilities. As Mitzi returns to the apartment, she is confronted by Lee, but as the truth begins to unfold a new threat prepares to strike.

Rebound is another dark and intriguing issue of Bullet Gal from Andrez Bergen. We get to learn even more about Mitzi’s past over the course of this issue as she wanders the streets of Heropa after discovering Lee’s secret, her pain and regret over his apparent betrayal is almost palpable, as is the all pervading sense of paranoia that threatens to consume her.

The scenes were Sal and his French assassin, Brigit, are observing Mitzi from the rooftops also enhances the brooding air of tension, and it’s interesting to see how much influence the assassin has over her crime boss lover. Brigit is a really compelling character, seductive and deadly, she effortlessly wraps Sal around her little finger while also reigning in the over zealous henchman Bronco, alluringly honing her lethal art as she plots Mizi’s downfall.

However, one of the most intriguing aspects of Bullet Gal #3 is our insight into Lee’s character... well, one of them, anyway. In a brilliantly structured sequence almost as many questions are answered as they have been raised, and the unique strengths and abilities of the “capes” of Heropa become more clearly defined. The ambiguity surrounding which doppelganger Mitzi is actually dealing with is another subtle twist, and one that perfectly suits the distinct noir tone. Furthermore, is this version of Lee really the man she first met, and who, if any of them, can really be trusted?

The story and art by Andrez Bergen for Bullet Gal #3 seamlessly splices the series distinct noir style and tone, creating a dark web of intrigue and suspense that encapsulates the reader with its striking visuals and rich narrative. Bergen’s art resonates sublimely with the key aspects from Mitzi’s past: from her father’s lucky number in the lens of the binoculars, the raw emotion of betrayal is sprayed like graffiti across her soul, polarizing the past upon the twilight glair of Heropa, as the dark shadows gathering against her in this metropolis prepare to strike. 

I particularly like how Bergen has infused Bullet Gal’s origin story with the dark hardboiled pulp narrative and style of his other novels and comic books, making it possible to enjoy this prequel series either as a stand alone story, irrespective of any knowledge about the series or characters, prior or otherwise, or as one that also enriches the noir inspired world already crafted in Bergen’s earlier works.

Bullet Gal #3 is another terrific issue in Andrez Bergen’s IF? Commix book series. The stylish noir style of Bergen’s storyline and art effortlessly imbues every level of the narrative with his sweeping vision, drawing you further into the dark world of Heropa and its intriguing characters. 

This new series continues to go from strength to strength, with its gritty adventure and excellent artwork,  and #3 is Bergen’s most assured issue so far.

Bullet Gal #3, is published in print form in September 2014 in Australia, along with the digital version, and available direct from the IF? Commix website.

--Paul Bowler


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