The Moth

by Gary Martin

Rude Dude Comics

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Superheroes

Unknown Binding

First published July 6, 2005

About the author

Gary Martin's career as a freelance comic book artist spans over twenty years. He's worked for all the major companies, including Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Image, and Disney, and on such titles as, Spider-man, X-men, Batman, Star Wars, and Mickey Mouse.

Gary is best known for his popular how-to books entitled, 'The Art of Comic Book Inking.' Recently, Gary wrote a comic book series called 'The Moth', which he co-created with artist Steve Rude.

Reviews

[Kris Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shades of Silver Age Marvel! Steve Rude's artwork evokes Jack Kirby's power and sense of fun, and Gary Martin's script is a more modern take on Stan Lee, minus the hyperbole. Why on Earth don't more comic book fans scream Steve Rude's praises from the rooftops? I see that he did a Captain America mini-series a decade ago, and it was collected in a long out of print trade paperback. The trade paperback goes for serious bucks while the original issues are dollar bin fodder.

I first discovered The Moth in a Free Comic Book Day offering in 2011. No, it wasn't a 2011 issue, as many stores pull out their old Free Comic Book Day stock to bolster their selections. It was the 2008 issue. In any case, I did a quick search online and discovered this trade paperback. It is still available, although I wouldn't wait too long if you are inclined to pick it up. Crapazon says it has only 2 copies left in stock as of this writing, while some of the other online retailers list it as in stock. You can probably find a copy if you have an established, well stocked comic book shop in your area as well.

This has everything that fans of superhero comic books of yore look for. Action, adventure, humor, intrigue, and most importantly, fun. Yes, that is right, this is a fun read. A good time. According to the afterword, this book also features old school hand lettering, a nearly extinct artform. I like hand lettering when it is done right like it is here. The Moth is a breath of fresh air. My only regret is that I let it rot in my backlog for so long before reading it.

[Michael Reilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This nice collection of The Moth features fun, fast-paced storytelling containing an old-school sense of humour and a classic comic style. The inclusion of a circus background for the hero – Jack “The Moth” Mahoney – provides some credibility for many of his acrobatic superhero antics, but more importantly also adds a cast of colourful characters (plus friends) to create an entertaining ensemble that gives motivation and greater depth to the uncomplicated plots. I particularly liked the stories featuring American Liberty: a witty, athletic, ass-kicking patriot with a famous father – she brings a more dynamic personality to the mix, and supplies some necessary sass, and ongoing mystery, to the series.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read better, and I've read worse. The Moth is what it appears to be, old school, adventurous fun times with just a hint of modern relevance (but just a hint!). It's all one-liners, fairly predictable plots, and believable if not realistic characters.

The story won't turn you off, and the art will certainly turn you on. Steve Rude's amazing ability to put together gorgeously clear and readable pages is only matched by his ability to design dynamic, detailed and exciting layouts and panels. The man is truly a master of his craft, and the Moth is just more evidence of what we already knew.

[Gabriel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good reading flow and great art. Very fun to read, overall.

[Matt Shaqfan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was right up my alley. On the cover you have the Moth- in what looks like a kind-of homemade super hero costume, nothing too flashy-- busting threw a circus tent, and asking "Uhhh...Which way to the MEN'S ROOM?". Nice.

And the actual comics themselves, written by Gary Martin, were born from Silver Age sensibilities with a little bit of a 'modern' sense of humor and attitude. It's a great mix.

Rudes artwork is the kind that, unfortunately these days, probably goes way unnoticed. It's not jumping off the page desperately trying to get your attention, but it's SOLID. It looks simple, but it's not simple by design. Just solid stuff.

[Justinthunderliger · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't even make it through this piece of shit. I understand having love for your Silver-Age comic books and creating an homage, but this was awful. The art, while trying to be a throwback, lacked the movement the story needed. The dialouge was expository, hokey (again, an attempt at throwback), rushed, and way too boring to keep my attention. Concept: B+. Execution: What comes after Z? Tried to cram way too much story into one plot. Like a marshmallow into a piggy bank. Like my man Tank says "PASS!"

[Gonzalo Oyanedel · Rating 4 out of 5]

La aproximación del dibujante Steve Rude a la aventura de vieja escuela resulta en una propuesta impecable, con un enmascarado de circo que asume empresas justicieras al estilo del pulp o las seriales de matiné. Sin saturar con subtramas y con un suficiente esbozo de secundarios, La Polilla invita a leerse con el ánimo de pasar un buen rato, haciendo de la nostalgia más un trampolín que un lastre.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steve Rude is a Master at telling a story. The panel layouts are outstanding. Great uses of movement, humor, pacing and tension.
This is an updated take on the Pulp Action heroes of a bygone era.
And Gary Martin's writing of these characters make them sound real to me.
I've always been a fan of these two creators, but when you put them together.... you get something magically fun~!