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Break the Cake Graphic Novel Review
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Break the Cake embodies everything I love about British self-published comics.
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Murder #1 Comic Book Review
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Murder clearly has an agenda, but at no point does that agenda become the comics’ only selling point.
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Indie Penance #29: Greenhouse, Merrick & Crowe, Headspace, Retrograde Orbit
A few of my faves from 2018: Retrograde Orbit, Merrick & Crowe, Headspace and Greenhouse
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On The Shelf #19: 2019, the Year I Quit Being Nice
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in ColumnFor 2019 I vow to be a complete and utter cunt. Kicking puppies and stealing children’s sweets, that sort of thing.
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On The Shelf #18: Peaks and Troughs
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in ColumnIn this week’s column that nobody reads I rant about how shit everything is.
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Freedom Bound Graphic Novel Review
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Warren Pleece’s three intertwined stories explore Scotland’s history of slavery.
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Farlaine the Goblin Book 7 : The Final Land Review
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The seventh and final volume of Pug Grumble’s wonderful all-ages fantasy Farlaine the Goblin.
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L1MA Comic Review
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A singular futuristic vision built upon unique Peruvian influences and eccentric technology.
Shelf Abuse
Storytelling, comic books and self-publishing
To better focus my efforts, Bothersome Books, my wee publishing imprint and home to my novel and short stories, has merged with Shelf Abuse. Expect several new releases this year.
Shelf Abuse: Sporadically Singing the Unsung Since 2006
Welcome to Shelf Abuse, the blog of British writer, web/graphic designer and occasional illustrator Carl Doherty.
What started out in 2006 as a blog about comics, gradually leaning more towards self-published and creator-owned works, has slowly transitioned into a home for my own self-published efforts, and a place to share my opinions on art, literature, cinema, storytelling, publishing, design, animal rights, depression… and yes, still comics. You’ll also find the occasional guest article amidst my mercifully brief rants.
Current Site Status
Due to an increasingly dense schedule, I’m no longer officially accepting review submissions. Hopefully this will eventually change, but not looking likely any time soon.
However, my love for indie comics hasn’t diminished in the slightest. Please do feel free to follow me on social media, add me to your mailing list or inform me of your new book. I can’t always reply, but I always appreciate hearing about new books.