OF THE COBRA
		If you like being manipulated (and hey, who doesn't) perhaps you should try "OF THE COBRA"  from Shadowfish Comics.  I say "manipulated" because not only is the title attempting to make you believe it is something it may not be, but so are the creators.
		Reading the introductory text in this ashcan preview we learn that "OF THE COBRA" is a last ditch effort to expose a conspiracy of biblical proportions. The creators stumbled onto these ancient scrolls while scuba-diving off of the coast of Florida and ever since that discovery they have been hunted by an Illuminati-like cult who wish the secrets that have been unearthed to remain secret. We are told that all other attempts to publish this information have been bought up and destroyed and the reader is cautioned with the caveat "tell no one." Shades of "STEAL THIS BOOK."
		And now we begin the movie analogies. "OF THE COBRA" distinguishes itself by trying to provide the reader with a new comics reading experience. Not an easy thing to do in the current market. Comparisons to "THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT" are inevitable, but not damning. Like "BLAIR WITCH" we don't know if the authors are legitimate or not. There is even an extensive bibliography of "bureaus" worldwide who have contributed to "OF THE COBRA".  This is a package of mixed messages, right down to the physical product itself.
		The preview material includes a bookmark, sticker and slick ashcan copy that demonstrates a polish that is in direct conflict to the interior art that straddles the line between editorial cartooning and adventure art. It very much reminds me of the religious tracks that the devoted would hand out on the street to the unsuspecting unbeliever before it is TOO LATE.
		That's what I like about the book. It LOOKS like it was put together by persecuted religious zealots. The air of menace works, and that's what I am afraid might be lost when the book comes out in color. By looking at the rest of the package, I'm sure that the coloring will be professional, slick, commercial. I'm also fairly certain that such an application of color will kill the illusion of a desperate attempt by hunted scholars to put out a book. I guess we'll just have to wait and see on that front.
		Regarding the script: it is a much-needed breath of fresh air. In contrast to characters who are on a perpetual quest for vengeance "OF THE COBRA'S" protagonist has embarked on a journey of self that echoes "ALTERED STATES". It is a mood piece. "X-MEN" is to "STAR WARS" as "OF THE COBRA" is to "SILENT RUNNING." The writing is ambitious and thoughtful with passages such as "Divine will is all encompassing then, is it not, Narada? It provides for us when we cannot and keeps us back when we stride too far forward." I haven't seen attempts at that kind of a theology since Mike Baron's "NEXUS".
			For more information on "OF THE COBRA" please see www.sfcomics.com
	This website is a sharp little number that spotlights SHADOWFISH COMICS' unique and quirky vision. "OF THE COBRA" is a good read and a wonderful exploitation of comics' potential.
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