Rock Candy Mountain, Vol. 1

Rock Candy Mountain (Collected Editions) #1

by Kyle Starks, Chris Schweizer (Contributor)

It's the first collection of the manic, hobo fighting epic that is ROCK CANDY MOUNTAIN. Come inside and meet the mysterious, unbeatable hobo Jackson on his quest to find the mythical hobo heaven. Meet his sidekick Pomona Slim. But watch out for the Devil! And the FBI! And the Hobo Mafia too!
It's a fantastical fisticuff frolic through post- World War II America via the rails and backroads through underground fight clubs, prison and the hobo jungles wrought with dangers, hobo fights, jokes and locomotive excitement.

Collects issues 1 through 4.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Humor

104 pages, Paperback

First published September 27, 2017

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rip roaring adventure of a hobo named Johnson searching for the Rock Candy Mountain whilst being chased by the Devil, the Feds, and the hobo mafia. The art can be a little much to get through in places. I find the noses that look like mustaches particularly off-putting.

Received an advance copy from Edelweiss and Image.

[Artemy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rock Candy Mountain is a fun action adventure comic about two hobos called Jackson and Pomona Slim who are travelling America in search of the magical Rock Candy Mountain.

Look, you either enjoy stories about train-hopping, adventure-having hobos, or you don't. If you do, this is a pretty good one. Kyle Starks has a fine sense of humour, and his storytelling skills are on point. His artwork is goofy and cartoonish, which fits the tone of the comic well. I could do without some of the supernatural story elements, but that seems to be a minimum requirement at Image Comics nowadays. Oh well, not every book can be The Violent or Criminal, eh?

So if you want to read a good old adventure book about a couple of hobos, as well as learn the difference between a hobo, a bum and a tramp, Rock Candy Mountain is for you.

[James DeSantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just met Kyle Starks the other day, such a nice dude, and very funny.

Anyhow, is this story good? Well it's about Hobos. The main one, Jackson, is on a mission to Rock Candy Mountain! Exciting huh? But we also have THE DEVIL chasing him down. However, he made a deal with Jackson. For his soul Jackson will be unbeatable in a fight. He is the ultimate warrior. So while Jackson travels the vast world with his book that points towards the Mountain he must come against some tough fights, the biggest being Satan. Is it possible to make it!?

Good: Really got into it around issue 3. Once Satan comes the series becomes super exciting and fun. The dialog is usually strong, with some laugh out loud moments. The story itself is also solid and fun kind of adventure.

Bad: THe art, while decent, I don't love. It's sometimes hard to tell who is who. I also thought the first issue had some dialog problems, trying to be "edgy" with a lot of cursing. It settles down but the start is glaring.

Overall I had a lot of fun with this one. It's not mind-blowing but if looking for a hobo adventure verses the devil get ready to enjoy!

[CS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bullet Review:

Not as good as Sexcastle, IMO, but it's a fun romp through the Wild West (on moving trains!). Pomona Slim meets up with Jackson, a cursed man with a secret. They pair up looking for the mythical Rock Candy Mountain (yes, like in the song!). It's totally not serious, and that's what makes it so enjoyable to read. Yes, the art can be weird (the noses! God the noses!), but it's nice to read something that doesn't make you want to stab an eye out.

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's 1948, and a man down on his luck tries to get out of California and back home to Kentucky by hopping a freight train. He soon finds himself traveling with a hobo on a magical quest who is being chased by the Hobo Mafia, the FBI, and Satan himself.

Typical for Kyle Starks, it's stuffed with goofiness and fun, and it's bursting with violence and adult language.

I'll be reading the conclusion of the story tomorrow.



FOR REFRENCE:

Contains material originally published in single magazine form as Rock Candy Mountain #1-4.

Contents: Chapter One. "One evening as the sun went down." -- Chapter Two. "The bulldogs all have rubber teeth." -- Chapter Three. "Beside the crystal fountain." -- Chapter Four. "The jails are made of tin."

[Brian Dickerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely my first “hobo” comic and I loved it. The language was one of the most interesting additives. I guess a chicken is a “gump”, but why? It doesn’t matter. The adventure is real and I look forward to future volumes. A buddy hobo comic? I would have never thought it would be something I’d like...

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not typically a fan of hobo stories (although I do like the movie Emperor of the North quite a bit), but this first volume of Rock Candy Mountain strikes just the right tone: adventure mixed with humor (but not too much) and the supernatural (but not too much). The tone is humorous without being frivilous, which is quite a feat. I look forward to the next volume.

[Kenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the road spiced with magic, fisticuffs, prison breaks, smelly eggs, FBI and lots more. Plus good old Saint Nick thrown in with the kitchen sink. Hobo shenanigans like you have never seen before. Woot!

[Paxton Holley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woh, this was a surprising amount of fun!

Riding the rails with hobos and tramps. Encountering police, FBI, underground fight clubs, corrupt prison guards, and the actual Devil on the road to the mythical Rock Candy Mountain!

[Zedsdead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hobo legend Jackson and his new-to-the-life sidekick Pomona Slim undertake a quest to find the mythical hobo Shangri-La known as Rock Candy Mountain. But transient life isn't easy, as they're hunted by the hobo mafia, the feds, and the Devil himself, intent on collecting Jackson's soul.

A fun slice of Americana. Kyle Starks has a way with words, and he's done his research. Ever wanted to know the difference between hobo, tramp, bum, and yegg?

Plot points:

--Pomona Slim hops a train for the first time, fleeing Hollywood for undisclosed reasons. Jackson promises to get him home safely.
--They have a run-in with the hobo mafia. Jackson steals the don's mafia ring. They jump off the train to avoid getting shot.
--Jackson takes slim to an underground hobo boxing tournament. Jackson has sold his soul to the devil in exchange for the ability to win any one-on-one fight. He makes the final then takes a dive. Hundred Cats (because fighting him is like fighting a hundred cats) agrees to meet him several days hence to repay the favor.
--The Devil tracks down Jackson but is unable to kill him because he's in a human body. He warns that he'll return better prepared to get around the terms of the deal.
--Jackson gives his winnings to Sis's mom then gets himself thrown in prison with Slim.
--The hobo don is there and pays all the prisoners and guards to kill Jackson. Jackson defeats them all and breaks out with Slim and Sis.
--Slim, fed up with the constant danger Jackson's company brings, sets out on his own.
--The feds close in. TO BE CONTINUED.

VOCAB
Bo -- An experienced hobo
Mulligan stew -- Everyone brings something to throw in the pot, everyone gets a bowl.
Bindle stick -- Hobo walking stick with possessions tied in a cloth on the end. Bindle is a corruption of bundle.
Gump -- Chicken. One might bring a gump for the mulligan.
Hobo -- Travels and works.
Tramp -- Travels but doesn't work.
Bum -- Doesn't travel, doesn't work.
Yegg -- Travelling criminal. Preys on good hard-working hobos.

[Quentin Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is something different. A comic set in the hobo culture of the early 20th century. The author tries to keep most of the hobo interaction authentic as there are notes included revealing some of his sources. However, this tale is also steeped in Fantasy as the main character has made a deal with the Devil and the Devil is chasing him, leaving a trail of death and destruction in his wake.

I like the art, but it's a bit cartoony for this subject matter as the book has plenty of profanity and is really a mature read. There's humor as well, however, and the art complements it nicely.

Overall a really original read as we follow a hobo on his quest to find the mythical Rock Candy Mountain. If you liked the movie O Brother Where Art Thou and enjoy stories set in that time period, this may be worth a look.

[Valéria. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hobo-mafia? Diabol? Týpek ktorý je neporaziteľný v boji jeden na jednoho? FBI drsná šéfka? Bezruký nemý macho-man ktorý to vie s kladivom? Yup. Skvelé postavy, parádna kresba a honba za Rock Candy Mountain dobre začala. Som zvedavá na druhý diel. 4,5/5

[Jesse Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best hobo fighting epic I've ever read.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting concept for a graphic novel—a hobo hero on a mysterious quest. I’m still trying to decide if I liked the way it was drawn. There was something nostalgic in the simplicity of the artwork, but the style also made it difficult to tell what was happening in the action sequences. Not all the dialogue was great, but I thought the two tramps (not hobos) were funny. I couldn’t stop giggling when one of them called the devil “Beezlebud.”
I liked the hobo slang and signs that were incorporated into the story. I would have enjoyed a supplemental page or two about the history and culture that inspired the author to write this story.

[Rodolfo Santullo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vuelvo a Kyle Starks luego de un tiempo, sólo para convencerme de que estoy ante un genio. Y, además de eso, creo que esta de hoy es su obra maestra. Estamos en la década del 40, en EEUU, pero por como son presentadas las cosas bien podrían ser los 20, el momento de mayor auge de los vagabundos que se mueven a lo largo de todo el país por la crisis. Piensen Uds en O Brother Where Art Thou de los Coen o la maravillosa Emperor of Noth Pole de Robert Aldrich y tendrán una idea de a dónde apunta Starks con este relato que combina desvergonzadamente vagabundos mágicos con pactos satánicos con villanos enfurecidos con agentes del FBI incansables. Una olla cargada de condimentos y sazonada con mucho humor -la especialidad del autor- pero también con un sentido de la emoción y la aventura que ya quisiera yo poder ponerlo en alguna obra alguna vez. Nuestros protagonistas son dos: Jackson -quien es algo así cómo el vagabundo definitivo, conocedor de todos los secretos y peleador invencible- y el recién llegado Pomona Slim, un actor fracasado que recién se hace a la ruta. Juntos irán enfrentando innumerables peligros, todo por alcanzar la Montaña de Caramelo que le da título -y que es una canción tradicional entre los ‘hobos’, justamente rescatada en la película ya mencionada de los Coen (y que comparto en el primer comentario)- donde supuestamente todos los deseos se hacen realidad. Diálogos infernales, escenas de acción memorables, personajes tan queribles que duele y una aventura en seis episodios realmente inolvidable. Starks -cuyo estilo de dibujo me hace recordar siempre a Angel Mosquito o Carlos Aon- demuestra, otra vez, que es un verdadero maestro en esto de narrar historietas con todo el corazón.

[Cale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came into this knowing nothing about it, and I had a blast with it. Hobos, trains, a man who can't be beaten in a one-on-one fight, the hobo-mafia, and a devil who has no qualms leaving a trail of bodies behind him. And into this is thrust Pomona Slim, a down-on-his-luck drifter trying to get home to Kentucky. It shouldn't work, but it absolutely does. Jackson makes for a fun hero, the dialog is consistently great, and almost every secondary character introduced is a fascinating personality (Babs Bardoux being a highlight). The action is good, the art style is distinctive - providing enough detail to distinguish everyone without overloading the page. It's violent, sassy, fast-moving, and intriguing, and left me chomping at the bit for the second volume.

[orangerful · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wild ride! Can't wait to see what book 2 brings. This tale of a mysterious man who sold his soul to the devil and is now searching for Big Rock Candy Mountain (the one from the song) had some hilarious moments but you can tell there is a lot going on beneath the surface.

Thanks to Andy for lending me this, definitely a buried treasure I would not have picked up on my own!

[Derek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even better than I was expecting and I was expecting a lot. It's great that we have Image Comics to make books like this available to larger audiences.

[Ruby · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much fun! Great storyline, love the chapter titles, and the characters are all well, characters! Quick read as well but mature language.

[Dakota · Rating 4 out of 5]

R.I.P. Dakota Horse****, you fought the good fight.

[Matt Graupman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Um, is there a hobo revolution going on in comics or something? What’s happening?! Hot on the heels of Cecil Castellucci’ and Jose Pimienta’s “Soupy Leaves Home” comes another hobo-centric saga: Kyle Starks’ manic, vulgar hootenanny, “Rock Candy Mountain.” Jam-packed full of fisticuffs, cuss words, organized crime, and the literal Devil himself, this collection of the first four issues of the Image series definitely isn’t for kids... or the faint of heart... or the easily offended... or anyone without a good sense of humor. But for everyone else, strap in for one helluva fun time.

“Rock Candy Mountain” follows the travels of legendary hobo Jackson - just Jackson - but it’s his nebbish little sidekick, a failed actor dubbed Pomona Slim, who serves as the reader’s surrogate amongst all the madness. Trying desperately to return home to Kentucky, Slim latches onto Jackson after he promises to make sure Slim gets home safely... after they find the mythical “Heaven for sinners,” Rock Candy Mountain, of course. But it won’t be easy. Jackson has the FBI on his tail, Satan wants to collect his soul, and there’s a hobo Mafia that wants him dead. It’s all very zany and fun, like a lost Adult Swim cartoon series. Starks has a playful and creative mind, with just the right amount of immaturity, and his art style is simple but energetic. My only complaint is that this volume ends with the promise of a series conclusion in the second book which begs the question: why not just collect all the issues into a slightly bigger, marginally more expensive book? But I’m just being impatient, I guess.

In our hyper-connected, technologically-advanced world, maybe hobos represent a simpler time; a tougher time when perseverance, hard work, and moral codes meant more. Or maybe it’s simply just that it’s always entertaining to see a grizzled hobo beat the piss out of a cell block full of murderous inmates and guards. Who the fuck knows? Whatever. “Rock Candy Mountain” is a blast!

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thing to do before picking up this frenetic and antic graphic novel is to dial up Harry McClintock's 1928 recording of his 1895 hobo ballad "Big Rock Candy Mountain." McClintock was a part-time hobo (his nickname was "Haywire Mac") and wrote the song in the tradition of other ballads about an afterlife of plenty. It's that El Dorado that a hobo named Jackson is seeking throughout this book, while being pursued by the FBI and the Devil himself, across the American landscape just after World War II. He quickly acquires a naive sidekick, a man of many misfortunes, who serves as the reader's proxy to the subculture of hobo life.

Along the way Jackson as his new friend must fend off rival hobos, jump on and off trains, survive an underground fight club, dodge the Devil, and get into and out of prison. It's a rollicking series of wild adventures with lots of fisticuffs (and worse -- at one point, heads are graphically exploded), and plenty of hobo slang and cursing. The artwork is a notch or two looser than I tend to prefer, but matches the rock-em-sock-em tone, so it works. (As cartoony and fun as the visuals are, it's probably not super-appropriate for younger kids.) I will definitely pick up the second book to see how the story ends!

[Mindy Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

a man hops a train & befriends a hobo who leads him on a journey full of crazy shit while trying to make it to a magical place from a well known folk song. this was HILARIOUS i was cackling out loud by the second page. can't fucking wait for volume 2. 5/5.

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be clear, Rock Candy Mountain doesn't make a hell of a lot of sense. Basically, an unbeatable hobo fights his way across the country to find a hobo fairyland? A rotating cast of villains pass through the various issues, from the FBI to a hobo cage-fighting ring. There's also a useless sidekick who is only there to attempt to explain the plot.

But does any of that matter? No. The only thing that matters is that, on the very first page, the Devil rips apart a bunch of hobos, yelling, "FILTHY FUCKING HOBOS." That page alone is worth every star in the sky.

[Marisa Carpico · Rating 2 out of 5]

Starts off so well and becomes insufferable by the end. Like the concept, but the Hollywood Slim character is so forced in his cleverness that he completely disrupts the hardboiled edge. Such a shame considering how much I like the art.

[J MaK · Rating 3 out of 5]

This buddy adventure between hobos is funny (the dialect made me giggle) enough. The storyline was unique and some very interesting characters. I’m still trying to decide if I really like it or not. .... a tad more back story would help out a ton!

[Travis Duke · Rating 3 out of 5]

silly fun with fighting hobos looking for some mystical mountain. It is outlandish raunchy fun that is a bit shallow but still fun. The writing is vulgar and silly but I had a few good laughs. The story itself is alright. Art is not very good.

[Paul Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best reads for me this year. If you're looking for unique and different you can't go wrong with this. Good historical adventure, but with a dash of the religious supernatural (!) and funny dialogue. I'm sure no one else will agree with me, but it came across like a Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes movie in terms of a quirky take on a historical time period. That soundtrack would suit it well. In any event, if you liked that movie you'll love this comic.

Hobos travel and work. Tramps travel and don't work. Bums? Well, they don't do either. Just one of the many historical lessons you'll learn along the way. I haven't read anything in comics this good about hobos and trains since the excellent Castaways The Castaways, or even Bluesman Bluesman Complete. Johnny Cash would be proud. The main protagonist, kind of a zen warrior of hobos with a mysterious past, travels the rails during the 1940s in search of a mythical hobo nirvana (Big Rock Candy Mountain). Or at least that is the best as we can tell for now as the story unfolds. As he pursues Candy Mountain he finds himself in turn pursued by the FBI, the hobo mafia, and even the devil himself.

The artwork is a little cartoonish, but still based more in traditional comic art. Not quite as cartoonish as a Scott Morse in "Volcanic Revolver", but close. Style works well once you get into it, good composition and flow. Nicely colored. Highly entertaining and very hard to find anything at all to criticize but for an overanbudance of cursin'. Of course, once you do some reasearch on the original lyrics for Big Rocky Cany Mountain you'll see his tone is not too far off.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Received an advance galley from Image*

"Manic, hobo fighting epic" indeed. I didn't much know what to expect from this one, and it was still more over the top in basically every way. As a war-scarred hobo searches for the mythical Rock Candy Mountain - with a failed movie star in tow - he is pursued by the FBI, the hobo mafia, and the devil himself. Oh, and he's virtually unbeatable in a fight.

Written for mature readers only, this manic adventure with absurd flair careens around a post-war countryside populated by fascinating characters. The artistic style is odd in places, but ultimately fits with the tone of the story. It's twisted fun that commits entirely to the creative team's vision for the story. While not for everyone, "Rock Candy Mountain" is a wacky, enjoyable story that offers something different from more traditional fare.

[Helen Pugsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit, it wasn't what I had been expecting!
It was much darker. Rather than light heartedly following some lucky simpleton around as he search for The Big Rock Candy Mountain we got a guy who fought literal Satan and won, a black woman in power, lots of swear words, and a handful of symbols I memorized before moving into my car but never used. (Ooh, it felt good to see them again though!)
This wasn't the delightful romp I expected. In all honesty, it was probably better! But, if you don't want to see a fella get the breaks beat off of him don't read this book.
(Great. Now I'm going to be talking like them the whole night.)