Comic Book Features: Tomica & the Nexus Apparatus by David Covas Lourenco & Deon de Lange

Title Tomica & The Nexus Apparatus
Writer/s David Covas Lourenco
Artist/s Deon de Lange
Where we got our copy Taptastic
Where to buy http , https

Darth Zady Bun

Published January 30, 2017

It’s never easy to create a universe that does not seem derivative of all the other works in a genre.

This is particularly true in the science fiction genre where it seems that so many of the lynch pins of the genre are stale. Let’s be honest, these days everything sci-fi related seems to feel like Star Wars or Star Trek.

Not so with the latest series I got to review entitled “Tomica and the Nexus Apparatus” written by David Covas Lourenco and drawn by Deon de Lange.

Tomica is a sci-fi adventure following the action-packed exploits of tech-raiders, Tomica Twim, and Professor Ceres Twim.

These guys have studied the secrets of their space-faring ancestors, but their quest for knowledge exposes them to a universe of trouble.

The narrative takes Tomica from damaged and disintegrating space ports, crumbling temples in forgotten jungles and everything in between as he races against time to locate an object of immense power – the Nexus Apparatus.

The story begins in the midst of the action as we find Tomica scouting a temple on a back water world called “Bozzt II”. We learn that he has crash landed on the planet, and is determined to search for clues at the temple in his search for “the Nexus Apparatus”.

We also learn that the diabolical Captain Kage is plotting a scheme to enable him to capture Tomica and seize the Nexus Apparatus for his own nefarious ends.

The story picks up momentum as we watch Tomica being chased by alien monsters and is later ambushed by the very beings whose temple he intends to raid.

I am deliberately skirting past the other plot threads because I don’t want to ruin the read for you.

I personally shot through all the available Tomica material in one sitting – that stuff is addictive.

As alluded to above there are so many interesting and layered twists. I love the way that this universe is so… I want to say “rounded”, though I think a better way of explaining it is that the characters seem to have a unique history and there is a sense of pre-existing canon.

This feeling is a testament to Lourenco’s writing flow which is bold and energetic. He successfully manages to allude to deeply intertwined histories between the characters which adds to their mystique.

Of course in the context of a comic book, the story is only as powerful as the art and De Lange’s art style is simply beautiful to behold.

Each panel of the comic has a phenomenal level of detail packed into it. His work is a pleasure to experience.

I was reminded of the style of Dave Gibbons (you know, from the Watchmen?) because of all the background detail he manages to get in there without detracting from the focus on the characters.

While this is a black and white comic, the level of detail almost seems to help the mind’s eye to add in the colour.

At the same time, the art itself isn’t overpowering. I have read some things over the years where it seems like the art is a bit too much to process and you can’t really get absorbed into the story- I love the balance that the creators here showcase.

Some may argue that staring the story in the midst of the action may be jarring for a new reader as there is no context or background introduction to the characters or the universe.

I can understand the challenge though I do not share the sentiment.

I hate series that start out with a lengthy exposition of the character’s origins. Just thrust my attention into the deep end and allow me to “swim” through the construction of the universe as it is exposed through the narrative.

All in all, the story and art work make this a compelling read and while the story is fast paced, if does not seem too rushed. So while you have a sense of excitement, the pace is not overwhelming causing you to lose focus due to all the different plot lines alluded to.

This is an ongoing series, so I couldn’t abide by the anxiety of not knowing what happens next so we reached out to the creative team to get some feedback from them.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

DZB: I have to ask… how on earth are you able to create such unique and distinctive character designs for your work?

Deon: Thanks! There aren’t that many sci-fi comics out there, so anything that’s not superhero related seems very different and unique. I love retro sci-fi like Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers, as well as old British and euro sci-fi like 2000AD and the old days of Heavy Metal magazine, so that’s where Tomica and co come from: pulp sci-fi. When I create something like Tomica, I do try to come up with something that I haven’t seen before. That makes it more fun for me as I create. In Tomica’s case, I actually drew him before Dave wrote the character and we thought he had something that would make him a good lead.

The world Tomica lives in forms part of a larger science fiction world that I have created, but I handed over Tomica and his corner of the galaxy to David and said, “go wild!”

So even though it’s a collaboration, everything you see in Tomica other than Tomica himself, and Bob, I think, is created and written by Dave. I just bring his words to life with as much detail as I can.

DZB: That’s incredible! Still it can’t be easy juggling all of that stuff. What’s an average day in the life of Deon De Lange look like?

Deon: Currently I’m working on “Liberty: Deception”, a dystopian sci-fi comic for a US publisher. So its head-down working on pages 24/7 while Netflix runs in the background. The comic artist’s life – glamorous 😉

DZB: Ah yes- you are just living la vida loca aren’t you? What about you David? What dastardly misdeeds does a dynamic albeit deviant genius mind like yours get up to on some idle Thursday?

Dave: “Idle”, what’s that?! The ‘day job’ takes up most of my time, but I squeeze in some writing (and reading) everywhere I can.

DZB: Ever the stalwart soldier I see. Anyway, back to Tomica. What exactly is the Nexus Apparatus- and why is everyone getting conniptions trying to find it?

Dave: Tomica’s universe is filled with mysterious, ancient technology, and the Nexus Apparatus is one of these. The Professor discovered the first one, but only after it fell into the wrong hands did it prove to be a weapon of mass destruction. Now that the Professor has found the location of a second apparatus, he and Tomica are in a race to get to it before Captain Kage and his team of mercenaries.

DZ B: Any chance that we will see spin off tales showcasing how Tomica became the bad ass he is?

Dave: Tomica’s characters are rich in background history that shape their personalities and goals. Although there’s nothing in the pipeline, Tomica himself would be easiest to spin off, particularly around his time as the enslaved henchman of an infamous band of space pirates from Lozz!

DZB: Are the characters based on people you know?

Dave: I wouldn’t say that any one character is based on a person; rather, certain aspects of people that I know are written into some of the characters. Not only people, though – I drew inspiration for Hash from an old Android (smart)phone!

DZB: Ah! An Apple Man. Anyway, does your story have a predetermined end or are you learning about the characters and their journeys as the days go by?

Deon: It’s all written upfront. The writing is many many months ahead of the artwork as usual, so there aren’t any surprises for me 🙂

DZB: Do you have other creations/ universes you are working on?

Deon: My fantasy comic mini-series, Gofu, is actually set in the same universe as Tomica. The story is set on an isolated world, so it’s a great read that’s unrelated to Tomica. As I mentioned I’m working full-time on Liberty. Vol 1, in which I have a small flashback segment, that was published last year.

The work I am currently doing for them is for Volume 2, which is coming later this year. Then I’m also developing a new comic with writer Greig Cameron of Strika and Pigeon City. I hope to share more details about this project soon 🙂

DZB: We will be waiting eagerly to get those updates. In the meanwhile though, where can fans (including this one) get a hold of more of your stuff?

Deon: Gofu and Tomica are available at most comic shops around the country, as well as from The Book Lounge and Blank Books in Cape Town. I also sell them directly on my Etsy – just email me and I sort you out!

Liberty: Deception is available from “thelibertycomic.com” and now on comixology too, plus it’s also being published in French by Editions Kamiti. Otherwise keep an eye on my website for any events that I will be attending. The next one is Fancon in May.

DZB: Any chance of a printed of collected editions of your works for the less tech savvy?

Deon: Currently I’m busy with Tomica #4, which I hope to have ready for Fancon in May. Issue 4 will conclude the Nexus Apparatus story, so I’m sure we will be printing a collected volume soon.

DZB: I have to ask; is there any chance of a Darth Zady Bun cameo at some point?

Deon: Lol! Unfortunately there aren’t any human characters in Tomica’s world, so unless Darth Zady Bun has an alien alter ego, I’m not so sure ha-ha.

DZB: I got you… Well let’s see if I were to be an alien I would probably be channeling my spirit animal- which would have to be a lion; but with a “batman-esque” edge. What do you think?

Deon: Hey Karsh Kage is a lion, sort of, so maybe you can be his mom or something…hey-oh!

DZB: Lol, err let’s take that one back to the drawing board and call it a “definite maybe” for now.

________________________________________

Ahem, and now back to our regularly screened programming…

All in all, this is an awesome series to follow, and is another brilliant argument for why we need to support local talent.

A dynamic adventure-filled dramatic tale of intrigue and otherworldly awesomeness; I guarantee that you too will burn through all the available material in a single sitting.

The only down side is that once you are done, you will have to teach yourself patience as we wait for the next installment of this epic.

Fortunately, there are other creations available.

I am going to go have a look at Deon’s “Gofu” series. Watch this spot for a review on that coming soon!

In the meanwhile, what did you think?

Have a question or two you would like us to answer?

Have suggestions for reviews/ features you would like us to investigate?

Feel free to hit us up and let’s get the dialogue going.

-Z

It’s never easy to create a universe that does not seem derivative of all the other works in a genre. This is particularly true in the science fiction genre where it seems that so many of the lynch pins of the genre are stale. Let’s be honest, these days everything sci-fi related seems to feel like Star Wars or Star Trek. Not so with the latest series I got to review entitled “Tomica and the Nexus Apparatus” written by David Covas Lourenco and drawn by Deon de Lange. Tomica is a sci-fi adventure following the action-packed exploits of tech-raiders, Tomica Twim, and Professor Ceres Twim. These guys have studied the secrets of their space-faring ancestors, but their quest for knowledge exposes them to a universe of trouble. The narrative takes Tomica from damaged and disintegrating space ports, crumbling temples in forgotten jungles and everything in between as he races against time to locate an object of immense power – the Nexus Apparatus. The story begins in the midst of the action as we find Tomica scouting a temple on a back water world called “Bozzt II”. We learn that he has crash landed on the planet, and is determined to search for clues at the temple in his search for “the Nexus Apparatus”. We also learn that the diabolical Captain Kage is plotting a scheme to enable him to capture Tomica and seize the Nexus Apparatus for his own nefarious ends. The story picks up momentum as we watch Tomica being chased by alien monsters and is later ambushed by the very beings whose temple he intends to raid. I am deliberately skirting past the other plot threads because I don’t want to ruin the read for you. I personally shot through all the available Tomica material in one sitting - that stuff is addictive. As alluded to above there are so many interesting and layered twists. I love the way that this universe is so... I want to say “rounded”, though I think a better way of explaining it is that the characters seem to have a unique history and there is a sense of pre-existing canon. This feeling is a testament to Lourenco’s writing flow which is bold and energetic. He successfully manages to allude to deeply intertwined histories between the characters which adds to their mystique. Of course in the context of a comic book, the story is only as powerful as the art and De Lange’s art style is simply beautiful to behold. Each panel of the comic has a phenomenal level of detail packed into it. His work is a pleasure to experience. I was reminded of the style of Dave Gibbons (you know, from the Watchmen?) because of all the background detail he manages to get in there without detracting from the focus on the characters. While this is a black and white comic, the level of detail almost seems to help the mind’s eye to add in the colour. At the same time,…

Comic Book Features: Tomica & the Nexus Apparatus by David Covas Lourenco & Deon de Lange

2017-01-30

Darth Zady Bun

Not your Average Apparatus

Total - 10

100 10

An engaging and immersive read filled with fast paced action and spellbinding art.

User Rating: Be the first one !

The following two tabs change content below. - Bio

Latest Posts

Darth Zady Bun

Guest Contributor

Zaid is a story teller, traveller, artist, entertainer and comic culture geek of note.

Powered by chocolate, and guided by an ever growing bucket (and collectibles) list, he finances his addiction to geek merchandise, comic books, action figures and all the cold cast porcelain and PVC pieces of heaven he can buy by giving (mostly) legal advice. He is also rumoured to have once eaten an entire pack of Marie Biscuits with a single mug of Five Roses Tea.

Witnesses deny the incident.

Latest posts by Darth Zady Bun ( see all )

- Geeky Goods Review: DC Collectibles Alex Ross Joker & Harley Quinn Statue - June 26, 2017

- Geeky Goods Review: Star Wars Rogue One K-2SO ARTFX+ Statue - June 19, 2017

- Geeky Goods Review: Kotobukiya ArtFX+ Ultimate Spider-Man & Spider Gwen Statues - June 12, 2017

- Geeky Goods Review: Kotobukiya Harley Quinn ArtFX+ Statue - June 6, 2017

- Geeky Goods Review: Icon Heroes DC Trinity - May 29, 2017

Article Tags: comic book review · Darthzadybun · David Covas Lourenco · Deon De Lange · featured · Local is Lekker · Proudly South African · review · South African Comic Book · Tomica and the Nexus Apparatus · Zaid Hassen Motala

Article Categories: Comic Book Feature · Comic Books