*** ![IMG_4065.jpeg](https://files.steempeak.com/file/steempeak/bryan-imhoff/fuV8cptD-IMG_4065.jpeg) *** I just finished reading ***Murder Falcon*** by *Daniel Warren Johnson* earlier today, and it was long overdue! I figured a quick write up would be a great test of the new community features on *Steem*, and get me in the running for some *sweet* artwork by @arseniclullaby, as he's sponsoring a grand opening contest for his [comics group](https://steempeak.com/c/hive-164671/created). Check out [all the details](https://steempeak.com/hive-164671/@arseniclullaby/comic-books-community-grand-opening-contest-and-under-rated-comic-illustrators). So, why was this bit of reading long overdue? Well, I had to look back and see, but it turns out I'd read the first four issues of ***Murder Falcon*** a full year ago before getting sidetracked with other reading and projects of my own. And yes, I know this because I actually keep a log of my comic book reading... I'm *that kind* of meticulous nerd. Digging through my massive *"to read"* pile recently, I hauled the final four issues to the surface to finally rectify my error. ***Murder Falcon*** is a self contained 8 issue series that's unbridled fun with a ton of heart. Not to mention it's just plain **metal.** The story centers around Jake, the lead guitarist for metal band *Brooticus.* Ancient forces of evil and despair are set to consume the earth and Jake finds himself drawn into the battle utilizing a mystical guitar which summons the Murder Falcon, affectionately known as "Murf." *** ![IMG_1797.jpeg](https://files.steempeak.com/file/steempeak/bryan-imhoff/T2UzFSq2-IMG_1797.jpeg) *** Jake must reunite his band, gather more fantastical instruments, and muster the forces needed to defeat the encroaching chaos. Johnson's artwork is perfect for the story he's created. It's a great blend of western action comics, anime, cartooning, and metal music culture. Quite a bit of the comic is just unadulterated fun. I got a good grin out of Murf's first "flight." *** ![IMG_1806.jpeg](https://files.steempeak.com/file/steempeak/bryan-imhoff/XMHKiAyB-IMG_1806.jpeg) *** And some pure 12 year old boy *"This is so cooool!!!"* giddiness at some of Murf's flights to come! *(The gatling guns didn't hurt either...)* *** ![IMG_1913.jpeg](https://files.steempeak.com/file/steempeak/bryan-imhoff/hjWMjoVY-IMG_1913.jpeg) *** But there's also a ton of heart in the writing. Johnson's love of music and belief in its power pours through the pages. A big part of the plot centers around one of the characters battle with cancer. This resonated big with me, as that's a battle currently being faced in my own family and I've gotta admit I was actually choked up a bit at the series finale. ***Murder Falcon*** is well worth the read. I can think of a friend or two who would really enjoy it and I'm tempted to pick up a couple trade paperback collections and just drop it out there as a random gift. That's pretty high praise when a story is *"giftable."* *** ![IMG_1914.jpeg](https://files.steempeak.com/file/steempeak/bryan-imhoff/gvy7X488-IMG_1914.jpeg) *** Maybe it's not as good a gift as the *Cowbell of Eternal Flames*... but it'll do just fine. ## - Bryan "the Imp" Imhoff *** *all images in this post taken by myself, with the material copyright their respective owners, used here under fair use for review purposes!* *** [![itiwbz_button.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmQTVvJNm2TrtzuGfgmRCaj6p1DUNLmoiQg69f9zHHSr79/itiwbz_button.png)](https://ithoughtitwouldbezombies.com)[![afd_button.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmY4qJiPDGYzUA8vqB3hQNHfecsWDr7BE5AvvoARD6qciT/afd_button.png)](http://appetitefordistractioncomic.com)[![seer_button.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmTzsei3cWLkgg9WbfB1wgFxciaUVfKVcL1XY3pCdyQh9G/seer_button.png)](http://seercomic.com)

*** @bryan-imhoff | @spottyproduction | @exploreunlimited @steem-comic-con | @creatingcomics