Volcano Trash

Double+ Adventures #2

by Ben Sears

Corrupt cops, hive-like henchmen, begoggled boy heroes, labyrinthine HQs, unlikely team ups, heartbreaking best friend breakups, and a liberal dose of super science, zingers and explosive action. Sound like a Double+ adventure? It is.

Ben Sears is a cartoonist, illustrator and musician born and raised in Louisville, KY where he continues to live and work. His Double+ character has appeared in a number of zines, online anthologies and the all-ages adventure comic Night Air, where he has been perpetually in over his head.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Adventure, Science Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Sequential Art

120 pages, Paperback

First published May 16, 2017

Reviews

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just glanced at Maggie Gordon's review and it seems apt: Adventure Time for the indie comics crowd! I met Ben at the indie comics convention here in Chicago last week and got his book at hipster/nerdy comics emporium Quimby's, so what Maggie says seems to fit. This is an all ages comic, an adventure comic with mellower dialogue and action. Plus man and his sidekick robot. I had not realized this was the second volume, not sure that matters. Fun, with great drawing!

[Carl Waluconis · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an appealing, inviting world Ben Sears creates with his drawings and color palette! The graphics are sort of like Yellow Submarine meets early Little Orphan Annie. At the same time, the story line can at times be darker. The lead hero (?) has such lines as "Perhaps the old timer was right. A snack could soothe the all-consuming despair I feel." The cause of his grief is a situation not explored often in science fiction. Plus Man deeply despairs over the loss of his robot companion, Hank. Their relationship is one of the most genuine in the book, and Plus Man's despair over his loss is one of the most original (apologies if I'm wrong-not being a thorough science fiction buff) and intriquing ideas in the book. The subsequent rescue attempts make fun of the formula plot devices, but seemed a little forced just the same. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Plus Man and Hank's world, and hope I can get back there some day soon.

[Karl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the art but the story was too juvenile and geared towards YA or teen. I think my 14 year old would like it. I'm sure that was Sears' intended audience. I'm pushing 50 and I prefer my graphic novels with a little more edge like the work of Charles Burns, Noah Van Sciver, or Chester Brown.On the plus side, the production values and colouring of the book were top notch. Koyama Press is an imprint to watch but I enjoyed their Michael DeForge and Eleanor Davis books, which I read in 2017, more.

[Mady · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐

[RSC_Collecting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally reading another amazing Double+ adventure! I love these books so much. This time their treasure hunting goes wrong and the cops are after them! They find some files about corruption in the police force, but they're arrested before they can do anything! Now it's time to break your best friend out of jail and take down the bad guys! Excellent story. Tons of fun. Lots of good action and laughs. This series is fantastic for all ages and can be read in any order. They're all standalone books. So do yourself a favor and go pick up some books from one of my favorite series!

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't get enough of these characters! Loved the book. Yes, it's reminiscent of things like Adventure Time and video games but the characters are unique enough that I never really thought of either (okay, a couple times I thought of video games) throughout. I wish more people knew about this because one lowly librarian voice is not going to be enough to give Ben Sears the recognition he deserves.

[Stephane Savoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seems to be well liked... I read it in French and it didn't really keep my attention so that'S reflected in my rating. I will try to put my hands on an English copy... maybe it's just the translation that turned me off... like the graphics tho

[Derek Royal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful follow up to Night Air, the first Plus Man and Hank story. And a better and more developed one!

[Comics Alternative · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://comicsalternative.com/episode-...

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sears' penchant for chunky shapes with gently rounded edges yields an endearing SF world for this fun adventure. A subtle but charming sense of humor adds to the package.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dig the art style and youthful vibe here.

[Justin Decloux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Minimalist future-time heist fun! Love Bean Sears' clear-cut style.

[Matt Sheffield · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun graphic novel from a fellow Louisville resident. I'd be interested in reading more adventures about Plus Man and Hank.

[Vi · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun and goofy.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just an unbelievably charming, likeable heist story, and it looks stupendous.

[Engel Dreizehn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What adventures could in a weird surreal looking place when a jail break is involved? Fun to read!

[André Habet · Rating 5 out of 5]

that was some much-needed fun. Goes good with a beer and summer heat.

[StrictlySequential · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it but not beyond the superficial goofiness that makes it so fun to view and read.

It's whacky and completely ABSURD so enter with the eyes of youth.

[Cameron Baughn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is just fine, neither amazing nor awful.

[Andréa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt a little bit like this picked up in the middle of the story. It was still fun, though.

Note: I received a finished paperback of this book from the publisher at ALA Midwinter 2018.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Volcano Trash is the story of Plus Man and his robot sidekick Hank as they take on corrupt officials and steal things. I didn't realize this was the second volume of their story, but that makes sense as I felt like I was dumped into the middle of it with little setup or explanation. It is an entertaining story and an interesting world Sears has created. Lots of adventure and action and comedy.