Here are some of the reviews and comments that TIMESPELL and MAINSTREAM RAW has been receiving.

"Comic book fans/creators rejoice, we now have our own documentary."

D.J. Coffman, MoviePoopShoot.com
Early reviews of the documentary MAINSTREAM RAW from Kevin Smith's MoviePoopShoot.com website!

"Reminds me of early O'Barr and Wagner."

Kevin Smith, director of Clerks, Mallrats & Chasing Amy.
http://www.viewaskew.com

"If your heart isn't pounding as the storytellers lead you to the climax, I don't know what will. "
http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com

"Riveting and intense. You never know what will happen from one page to the next."

Chris Schaff, Diamond Comics Distribution.
http://www.diamondcomics.com

"The very fact that TIMESPELL has survived during what is a difficult time for even some of the larger publishers speaks well of the book's strengths in both story and art."

Buddy Saunders, Lone Star Comics.
http://www.lonestarcomics.com

"...TIMESPELL is like 'The Soprano's meets Millennium'..."

The Association of Comic Fans.

"TIMESPELL is one comic book that should be on everyone's radar.
It does a superb job of weaving horror and crime fiction
together into a genuinely suspenseful and refreshingly
intelligent tale that is deserving of a much wider audience."

Matt Schwartz, NextPlanetOver.com
http://www.nextplanetover.com

Timespell could easily be considered a horror thriller what with the tales of demonic possession and the supernatural feel to the whole series, but it's much more than that. Even without the mobster characters, the series has a feel of a crime noir just as much as it gives you the creeps (and I mean that in a good way).

The teaser line hooked me immediately:
'Something that has been going on for centuries…and is still yet to happen...is about to come to an end.' That got my attention. But when Kevin Smith (Clerks, Dogma, Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back) is quoting the book as feeling very much like early James O'Barr and Matt Wagner, people are going to take notice.

While some may confuse Timespell's story with typical slasher type fare, Henn has crafted a story that works on many levels due to the strong characterization in the book. There is Harold Gillespie, the serial killer known as 'The Cradle Robber' and Michael McMurphy, the detective who's been tracking him down. You have Frankie Cipriani, a childhood friend of McMurphy's, but he's also the son of a notorious mobster, Frankie's father is missing and is asking McMurphy for a help. And then there is Joshua Steele, a mysterious entrepreneur who may or may not have influence in the events occurring in these people's lives.

The story starts off incredibly strong. McMurphy catches up to Gillespie and begins to think that the two of them may have some sort of connection. When Gillespie escapes from prison later that night, McMurphy fears for the safety of his pregnant wife. It's a turn of events we've seen in thrillers many times before, but Henn and Colchamiro pace this better than most.

If your heart isn't pounding as the storytellers lead you to the climax, I don't know what will. The Gillespie/McMurphy face-off is only one of many crucial elements of this story. The creators have done a wonderful job of building a world of rich and complex characters, each battling their own demons (literally and figuratively). With an intriguing and quick moving story and a better than average artistic look, Timespell is a story that will be long remembered from a creative team that is sure to be heard from again.

-Aint-it-cool-news.com

Exclusive interview with Rich Henn

Paul Dale Roberts

"Timespell is a refreshing entry onto the small press scene. A compelling story at a great value. I recommend it!"

Chris Oarr (CO-Chairman of SPX)

"...the story is obviously complex and carefully thought out. This is one to watch, from creators who are not taking it easy."

Maggie Thompson, editor of Comic Buyers Guide(CBG).

"The world needs more gratuitous weirdness. Timespell does it's part!"

Carla Speed McNeil, writer/artist/creator of FINDER.

Timespell #1, by Rich Henn, Russ Colchamiro, and Gerry Coffey, is one of the better deals your comic dollar will get you these days. Its cover suggests a tale of horror, but with the exception of the prologue, the first half of the book is standard crime fare. The wonderfully written story twists and turns however into a mixture of the two, with a cliffhanger ending to boot!

Specifically, the plot centers around McMurphy, a cop who's finally rounded up a gruesome killer by the name of Harold Gillespie, only to be haunted (and taunted) by the murderer until it drives him to the brink of violence. McMurphy's worries are not without merit, as we find out on the last page.

The story is outstanding: a good concept and better execution. The pencils leave something to be desired, but aren't terrible, and are brought up a notch by Gerry Coffey's excellent inking. Timespell #1 is the type of book that can, and should, make it as an indy.

Andy Hamerlinck - Small Press Zone

This remarkably-priced horror-crime comic is a terrific start for its creative team of Rich Henn (story and pencils), Gerry Coffey (inks) and Russ Colchamiro (co-writer and editor).

Reading Timespell feels like reading a treatment for the next Sci-Fi channel made-for-TV movie. The story has a common enough premise - a rogue cop whose murder investigation puts him up against supernatural forces. While this general idea is nothing new to the big and small screens, Henn's deft pacing and solid storytelling make what could have been a parody into story well-worth following.

The art quality ranges from striking to awkward but doesn't interfere with Timespell's shadowy atmosphere and primetime flavor. Timespell is an intriguing new title off to a strong start.

At 99 cents, it's worth investigating for yourself.

Review by Steve Conley - icomics

Review by Tony Isabella dated April 1998

Timespell #1 (Club 408 Graphics; 99 cents) is a cop-meets-mystic-forces thriller by artist/co-writer Rich Henn, co-writer/editor Russ Colchamiro, and inker Gerry Coffey. I didn't notice the cover price until after I'd read the issue.

I would rate Timespell as a promising new title. The writing and the art might be somewhat undeveloped, but the hero is likeable and the story held my interest. I was getting ready to recommend it before I saw the price.

Diamond will be shipping this first issue in May, but Henn has been selling copies at cons and through a few selected comic-book shops.

Tony Isabella - www.wfcomics.com/tony

Bob Elinskas
Editor / Publisher
Small Press Feedback

Timespell #1
32 pgs. for $0.99 + postage from Club 408 Graphics,
3 & 1/2 Stars (out of 5 possible)

Detective McMurphy has seen plenty in his years on the homicide division. He’s seen killers do horrible, unspeakable things and then laugh about them. This time, though, the killer has done all those things and more and, even after being caught, still holds the upper hand - with a message for him that the worst is still to come.

Creators Rich Henn and Russ Colchamiro have delivered a good, gritty, hard-boiled, tough detective tale, in the tradition of Seven or Silence of the Lambs. Solid suspence with a overriding larger mystery makes for a great nail-biter of a story.

Where the book tends to fall down some is with the art. Either Rich Henn’s pencils are very sketchy and the inking can’t keep them as tight as they could be or the inking is rushed - but somehow they make for a very sketchy effect that doesn’t work as well as the artists might like it to. Some work on perspective and anatomy in places would help, too.

I would be remiss if I didn’t heap on some compliments on the lettering and layouts, though. The two work together with the narration to make for a terrific effect. The production is equally as flawless. A definite tip of the hat to the team on those counts!

Timespell does have a great deal of potential and the creators have a definite story they want to tell. I’m hoping they get the chance to show us more of what they can do.

Rich,

Steve Conley here.

I just wanted to let you know that Timespell #1 is included this week's iCOMICS recommended reading. Terrific job with the book. It seems perfect for a television treatment.

Keep up the great work.

Steve Conley

www.icomics.com

I just got Timespell One a few days ago (they put it in the wrong box at the post office) and I just re-read it this morning. That's quite a piece of work--really, I don't normally go for these kinds of comics, you know, longer stories, legends and such, but this really has me really intrigued. Basically I've always thought of it as a limitation in my own scope of interests--there are plenty of good comics out there that aren't eightball or hate--maybe timespell is just the thing for me to get me into to other genres. Really, the cover is just amazing as is the whole design. I can't imagine people not wanting to pick this up and even if it does go up to $1.50 that's still half the price of most comics. You've done quite a job including so many characters and making it easy for the reader to sort out who's who after just one issue. I'll take this down to the local shop and try to get them interested. Thanks for the excellent plug too!

Pete Sickman-Garner of Hey Mister!

I just read Timespell. It's very good. I can see how you have been developing the story for 10 years. Very moody. I especially liked the prologue. Though I just respect others who use prologues and epilogues as I do. Though Forever Eve #3 only has an epilogue. I still can't believe you can sell the book at .99. And even the $1.50 increase is minimal. At this price I can easily stay on board. I think you've got the right idea. And congratulations on the press you've gotten. It's well deserved. As far as the web link I'd love a link from your page. Thank you. I will return the favor and creat a link to yours from mine. You have a very profesional comic and site. I wich you all the luck I can.

Tim Shadow

Dear Rich Henn & Russ Colchamiro:

Timespell #1 was everything I expected it to be. A story that digs deep into our own dark reality and then into another reality altogether. Timespell was like a gripping movie that kept me right on the edge of my seat as I read into the cop's way of thinking. As the man in blue starts relating the criminal backgrounds of cases of the past, I felt like I was getting the best of crime tv shows like: Investigative Reports, American Justice, New Detectives, Unsolved Mysteries, Cops, America's Most Wanted and even Adam 12. Very, very realistic and very scary. Humans can be the worst monsters. Yes, cops like their donuts and it's no different in this story and it was nice to get a bit of sidebar humor in this suspenseful and intense story.

I almost fell out of my seat as the chase for Harold Gillespie was taking place, the action and drama was right on the edge! The violence was intense, but done in such a way it wasn't grotesque, like some comics have a habit of doing. The conflict of interest is amazing with Mike being a cop and his dad a mobster. I will be very interested to see how the story develops with Mike. Crockett & Tubbs , nor Joe Friday could have done a tougher interrogation on Harold. Harold still keeps his cool and his wits during this heated interrogation. Harold is definitely a man to be feared! I sort of chuckled as they took one of Harold's elaborate knifes and compared him to a Klingon. But, the crimes that Harold committed are heinous and brutal. The butchering of women and babies makes him the most terrifying prolific serial killer that these cops had to ever deal with! Son of Sam and the Boston Strangler pale in comparison to this madman!

Timespell can be made easily into a movie and give movies like Silence of the Lambs a run for their money! Very well written. The team of Rich Henn and Russ Colchamiro are the dream team of writing stories that can chill someone to the bone! Also with the dire warning from Harold and Harold meeting the mysterious man at the end, this story has a Millinium feel to it. I love it! The cover was sensational and was a real eyecatcher! Wow! The art team of Rich Henn on pencils and Gerry Coffey on inks was work that was honed and detailed. I was impressed! Standing ovation to this fabulous creation!! Until next time.... BTW, I overviewed this comic book for many websites again! So be on the lookout for the overview!

Sincerely yours,

Paul Dale Roberts, Director
Peoples' Comic Book Newsletter - http://www.twmgrafix.com/jazma

Reviewer, CBC Web-Mag - http://www.cbcwebzine.home.ml.org

Reviewer, Comic Book Net Electronic Magazine (CBEG)
http://members.aol.com/ComicBkNet
60 Parkshore Circle
Sacramento, CA 95831
Silhouet@ix.netcom.com or jazma@geocities.com

Another previously reviewed in another format comic and NO that is not a typo up there 24 PAGES FOR ONLY 99 CENTS! And what a lot packed in those pages! There is so much competition out there that those who offer more value for the money deserve to get a chance. This book deserves your time. It is a well paced crime drama with the backdrop of mystic goings on, Druidism, and who knows what else.

The ashcan dealt with some future goings on not even touched on in this first issue, which only hints at the larger story, and instead focuses on the capture of a serial killer. The gruesome details of his crimes are laid out so that we can appreciate what drives our hero, McMurphy, to want to beat the daylights out of the perp when they finally get him. Back at the station the killer intimates that he may know more about McMurphy than he should, including his future. An old friend, the son of a gangster, knows more about McMurphy than he should, including his future.

I Liked the ideas set out in the ashcan and seeing the first issue I like it even more. For the price you can't go wrong. The art is better than most first time black and white stuff, I would rate it above Secret Killers for example. The characters are well defined and very detailed and Richard uses lots of different angles so we are not bored with stiff layouts. Damn good first effort and you can't beat it for the price.

David LeBlanc is the publisher of the internet comic E-Zine
The Comic Book Electronic Magazine , better known as CBEM.

Yours is the fanciest ashcan I ever laid eyes on. I must say it is very impressive to say the least.
I wish you the best of luck.

Margaret Orlando, Industry Journalist

Ward Batty, Comic Shop News

Michael Rizzo, Producer COMX-TV

Cliff Biggers, Comic Shop News

This ashcan is not one of those "make lots of money on stupid speculators with a few pages of sketches" type ashcans. You know the ones I am talking about. When did an ashcan stop being a method of stimulating interest in your work and become more profitable, gross margin wise, than the comics themselves? Don't answer that. I digress...

This ashcan is a teaser for the comic to come out later this year. Richard gives some character sketches and hints at the plot with some very interesting artwork. There is not enough here to be able to do the actual comic a real review. He tells us a bit about the characters; a serial killer, a homicide detective, an entrepreneur industrialist with a deadly secret, the detective's wife, his brother the bartender, a mob boss, and the mysterious Rasmus, Guardian of the Soul Cages - whatever that means.

Rich appears to be building a mythology with roots in magic and the supernatural. The glimpses of the action indicate intrigue, action and unexpected things that might well involve all of mankind, not just the main players. He even quotes the movie "Highlander" on the inside back cover.

As I said, this is just a tease. From the looks of it so far he has put a lot of time over the years to develop what he wants to finally sell. The fact he is promising a bimonthly book that will STAY at $.99 is a bold move. Look for more about TIMESPELL at the Small Press Expo and the Mid Ohio Con this year and watch for listings for Club 408 Graphics in the solicitations in the months ahead. We'll keep you posted and hopefully do a full review when we get our hands on more details.

David LeBlanc is the publisher of the internet comic E-Zine The Comic Book Electronic Magazine, better known as CBEM.

Ashcan review by: Jon Dailey
Price: $.25 (thats right, a quarter)

Comments: This book is just the opening one explaining what role each character will play in the ongoing series. It also shows shots of drawings for future issues, and explains what Club 408 is, and what they will be doing.

Rating: I'm not going to base this one on our 1-10 scale, since it's not really a comic per se. This series does look to sound very interesting though, and we will be reviewing the second ashcan, due out in September, and the first issue due out in November. Every issue of this book will be $.99 Rich believes that comics are too expensive now, and that you can still make enough at $1 a book.

Jon Dailey is the publisher of  The Comic Club.

This ashcan was orginally reviewed by The Comic Club. All copyrights belong to The Comic Club, and this review cannot be used without The Comic Club's express written consent.

Ashcan review by: Paul Dale Roberts

This ashcan has a fabulous cover in black and white and with the contrast of red blood hands that stands out. The artwork is highly detailed and of superb quality work. Timespell introduces the readers to the characters of this future story arc. Some of the players introduced are: Joshua Steele, President of Steele Enterprises that carries a dark secret. Harold Gillespie, serial killer aka the Cradle Robber whose speciality is the killing of pregnant women. So far, he has 18 under his belt. Michael McMurphy, homicide detective. Alex McMurphy is Michael's brother. He is a bartender and owns his own establishment and it is hinted that the survival of the human race may depend on this one man. Karen McMurphy is Michael's wife. There are more characters, but I will leave you with some of the main ones. This ashcan will be handy when the reader gets involved with the series and he or she can use this ashcan for a reference guide. Segments shown are a segment of Stonehenge, some guy in his cell and his relationship to a character he calls master. There is even a "werewolf" section that has nothing to do with this future comic book, but the writer is trying to show us the quality of the artist work, which was interesting.

Rating: There is no problem on who is who and with this little gem of a ashcan, I won't have any problems getting into the upcoming series. The only complaint I have is that some of the printing of words was hard to read. The printing was too small and I almost got blinded from my squinting. Otherwise, this ashcan serves the purpose and gets the reader fever pitched and ready to roll!! From a possible 10, I gave this comic book a 9. 1 point off for the itsy bitsy teeny weeny wording.

Paul Dale Roberts is reviewer for JAZMA, NOISE and The COMIC CLUB internet comic newsletters.

Ashcan review by: Eric Benchimol

The character development looks to be very good. It doesn't look at all like the smash-em-bang-em comics that we're used to. Your mix of Film Noir style and fantasy storytelling looks to be very intriguing. This is something that is very rarely done in today's indie market.

How can you go wrong with a 99 cent price tag? Considering the average price of an independent comic is well over $3, and the average mainstream comic ranges from $2 to $2.50, this is a value that I haven't seen since Untold Tales of Spider-Man.

The art in the book looks to be very dynamic, with good use of shadows. The penciller seems to be best suited towards action scenes, which are usually the hardest to draw.

Anyway, good luck with your endeavour! I wish you all the best!

Eric Benchimol was reviewer for The Comic Cafe.

The Comic Fan Website has reviewed TIMESPELL, and given it a SERIES SPOTLIGHT!

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This page last updated on January 25, 2004.

Timespell is published by Club 408 Graphics. All charaters contained within are © and TM 1999,2000,2001,2002,2003,2004 Rich Henn. Any relation or similarity to any living persons living or dead contained within Timespell is purely coincidental and unintentional. No material within may be reproduced without permision by Rich Henn.