Reviews
An Impressive Start
""Smalltime Comics" is a bit of a misnomer, maybe, given that it's really a serialized illustrated story, but fans of the THRILLING DETECTIVE web site ought to get a real kick out of it. Written and drawn by indie comic guy Mitchell Reighgut, Book One, "Deer in the Headlights," drops in September, via places like Reddit, Instagram, DeviantArt, and a few other platforms, and follows veteran NYPD Detective Abe Marion as he wades through a morass of too much booze, drugs, guns, crooked cops, assorted thugs, hookers friendly and otherwise, and a loser cartoonist who is the victim of a late night hit-and-run accident. Or was it an accident? It'll be interesting to see where Mitch takers this."
— Kevin S. (4/5)
Moody Modern Noir
"This fast paced story is gritty and beautifully illustrated. A serialized story that had a cliff hanger that I can’t wait to see unfold in future chapters. High stakes work place politics are also featured in both the police station and underworld create some interesting parallels. The characters are unfolding nicely and I hope will continue in future installments."
— Joy A. (5/5)
Cannot Wait For Next Episode!
"Fully engaged from page 1. Truly fun to read and captured my attention throughout. The illustrations perfectly emphasized the bleak and desperate mood you created with your words. I visited your website and watched and read everything. Truly a feat. Congratulations on everything you have accomplished! And so wonderful that 100% of profits are donated to college education funds for at-risk students. I cannot wait for the next episodes!"
— donna (5/5)
A wonderful piece of art!
"The author possesses a unique talent to bring to life these gritty characters who draw us into this crime mystery. The captivating plot is masterfully intertwined with Mitch’s wonderful artwork that truly enhances the reader’s experience."
— Beatrice S. (5/5)
One-sitting read
"Dear in the Headlights is an engaging, one-sitting read. The combination of active dialogue, compelling visuals and intriguing characters kept me fully immersed from start to finish. Being a native New Yorker, I really appreciated the edgy dialogue. The character development is impressive, and I can already see myself becoming a fan of Abe Marion. I’m eager to see how the characters and story evolve in the next episode!"
— Vic C. (5/5)
Great story beautiful Art
"I love the detective novel genre and this book is more than entertaining, it pulls you in. The art is beautifully drawn on napkins which made me feel like I was another character in the story, sitting next to the narrator at the bar while he was doodling the story on a napkin next to his martini. A Must read."
— Belcanto s. (5/5)
Awesome read
"This story grips you right from the start. A solid entertaining read that keeps you turning pages. Not only is this book entertaining but I love the accompanying art. The whole package is top notch."
— Randy C. (5/5)
Seriously impressive
"This debut noir crime comic is seriously impressive. The story pulls you in right away, and the writing pairs perfectly with the bold, gritty artwork to make every scene feel vivid and real. Knowing it all started with sketches on cocktail napkins, give us it a raw, creative edge that really comes through. Fantastic read that leaves you excited for what’s next."
— Kim H. (5/5)
Intriguing, Captivating and wonderful artwork
"From the moment I “saw” Kevin on the second-to-last stool at the Lemon-Lime Lounge drawing a five-headed dog onto a cocktail napkin, I was hooked. Not long after, we meet Abe Marion - a seasoned detective, who wonders why he is assigned a seemingly run-of-the-mill case. The detective (and we) come to find out the case is anything but run-of-the-mill. The ending left me wanting more. Kevin’s wonderful art work is featured throughout the book, narrating alongside this intriguing modern noir. Get it. Read it. Enjoy it."
— Francis V. (5/5)
This is no back of the napkin; decidedly the front
"Even if noir comics in print aren’t familiar to you (I include myself there), there is a familiarity in Deer in the Headlights that comes from films you’ve seen … hospital hallways you’ve been to …. NYC blocks you’ve strolled. The napkin art is super unique and screaming with attention to detail. Large, small, color, b&w … the read is animated, character driven, and … well …. Colorful. Kudos on episode one."
— D. P. (5/5)
