Orc Stain, Vol. 1

The Orcs, fantasy staples from the Lord of Rings trilogy, are colorfully%E2%80%94and lustily%E2%80%94re-imagined here by Stokoe (Wonton Soup) as savage creatures driven by greed, blood and sex. The main source of currency%E2%80%94and warrior pride%E2%80%94for the Orcs is the Gronch, the male genitalia. When dried out, it's known as Chit and when lopped off as punishment, the Gronch is worn as a trophy. In one corner of the Orc kingdom%E2%80%94and kingdom is a loose word for the lawless territories the various roaming bands occupy%E2%80%94a new force calling himself the OrcTzar is determined to unite the disparate Orcs under one banner. Elsewhere, an Orc known as One-Eye is traveling through, helping a particularly sleazy character, Pointyface, gather the treasure necessary to appease the local gang chief, known as a Norman. One-Eye is a keen safe cracker, while Pointy-Face is more interested in finding love nymphs to sleep with and Krabs to smoke. While Stokoe's mythology is slightly sophomoric, the visuals are a standout%E2%80%94though influenced by a mix of Moebius and underground influences, it's truly original. Illus. (Jan.)