Tag: Boom! Box

WOTN Review: Folklords #3 (Boom! Studios)

A Twisted Tale To Be Discovered in Folklords #3

Folklords has been a fun and twisted version of classic fairy tales. And Folklords #3 pushes that even further, merging classic childhood stories into something much darker and stranger. And to think, it all started with one boy’s quest.

Ansel has always had these visions of another world. The twist is that he is a boy living in what we would consider a fairyland. While seeing into a world full of technology and the mundane. Ansel hopes to prove that this world he sees exists. So this is not your ordinary quest, not by a long shot.

Folklords is the perfect series for those looking for something creative and different. The twists in this series have been carefully thought out. They’re not simply the inverted versions of classic tropes. That makes this a series worth checking out in my book.

Writing

Folklords #3 was full of surprising twists. But given that’s what this whole series is about, perhaps that isn’t all that surprising. It is an entertaining read, with Matt Kindt taking the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel and turning it into something much darker – which is saying something, given the original story.

A lot of this story was told in a visual format. I was tempted to address that in the artwork section (and I probably will a bit there as well), but a lot of credit still has to go to Kindt for that. After all, he likely came up with how the story should be told, even if a lot of it was nonverbal.

The writing for this issue was clever. The twists were surprising…yet they also made sense. There were hints along the way to lead us to this point. It was very well done, especially if we take the nonstandard storytelling style into account as well.

On the whole, I enjoyed this issue. It was delightfully dark while also continuing with Ansel’s quest. I will be curious to see how far he gets. And what the outcome will be regarding the other elements that Kindt has been building up.

Art

The art in Folklords #3 is something to be appreciated. I mentioned above that a lot of the storytelling in this issue was visual, and I meant that. The artists certainly deserve a lot of credit for that, as they did a lot of the heavy lifting here.

There was this fine balance between subtle storytelling and intentionally graphic or disquieting imagery. I feel like the artistic team nailed that balance and ended up taking this plot to a whole new level because of it.

Matt Smith was the lead artist for this issue, with Chris O’Halloran providing the colors. Together they created something noteworthy here. Finally, there’s the letterer, Jim Campbell. While there was less writing than normal in this issue, there’s no doubt that Campbell excelled in what was provided.

Conclusion

Folklords #3 fully invested me back into this dark and twisted series. Where before I had merely been curious, now I sincerely can’t wait to see what happens next. The creative storytelling style and darker elements, has made this a series to follow. And I, for one, am looking forward to seeing where it goes.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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WOTN Review: Folklords #2 (Boom! Studios)

Twisted Fairy Tales To Be Found in Folklords #2

Ansel has always had these strange visions of a world full of technology and other wonders. And in Folklords #2, he’s moving forward in his quest to prove those visions right. But before he can do that, he must survive the trials of his own world.

Folklords is a delightful series that flips all of the tropes and expectations that come with a magical realm upon its head. Here we have a teenager who sees visions of another world. But rather than seeing into a magical world, it’s the other way around. And all of the magical creatures think he’s a bit mad for going off on this quest.

Thankfully, Ansel is not alone. Another villager, Archer, has decided to take up this very same quest. But the jury is still out on whether he will end up being more of a help or a hindrance. But at least Ansel has some company?

Writing

Folklords #2 was a fascinating continuation of this tale. Ansel’s quest is unique in that most of us have surely not seen this flipped perspective. It’s been interesting to see how the details are handled and how far the boundaries on this concept can be pushed.

Matt Kindt has woven a complex tale in this issue. On the one hand, Ansel’s quest is complicated by his companion, Archer. The backstory of this character (revealed in this issue) is alarming and disturbing, yet it also fits the fantasy theme quite beautifully.

Then there are the dangers that our characters come across here. If the series continues to twist all of these tales, it’s safe to say that this issue will stay delightfully intriguing. The twists so far have been clever. Kindt has managed to successfully subvert expectations on more than one occasion. All while setting up for something larger.

Art

Folklords #2 is full of dark and foreboding artwork. The type of scenery you’d expect to find in a dark and magical forest. It was the perfect setting for this issue for more than one reason. And the artistic team nailed the overall tone and feeling of it all.

Matt Smith was the lead artist for this issue; thus, all credit for the characters, their expressions, and much of their surroundings should go to him. Then there are the colors, which was the ideal mixture of dark and murky. Chris O’Halloran provided those colors. Finally, Jim Campbell was the letterer. And his work was pleasing, as always.

Together these three were the ideal support for this winding plot, one that is taking us on the most unexpected of journeys.

Conclusion

Folklords #2 had a lot of disturbing – yet fascinating – undertones. And it’s impossible not to be intrigued by what is unfolding right in front of us. Ansel’s quest was one that sounded interesting right from the start. But it’s the twists and turns that are keeping this tale interesting. And I, for one, am looking forward to seeing how this latest twist concludes.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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WOTN Review: Folklords #1 (Boom! Box)

A Classic Reversal in Folklords #1

Folklords #1 is the start of a new miniseries from Boom! Box. This series is only meant to be five issues long, but in that short period of time, it’s going to subvert all of the classic tropes involving fairy tale quests.

Ansel lives in a magical world. But he has visions of another world – one completely unlike his own. But unlike the classical tales of a boy seeing another world, he dreams of a world full of suits and skyscrapers. This series is set to twist all expectations of fantasy worlds, magic, and the well-worn tale of a young man’s coming-of-age adventure in what will soon become a complete reversal of it all.

Folklords looks like it’ll be a fun and amusing series for anybody looking for something different and somewhat whimsical. The flip is so obvious, and yet not something that has ever been done before.

Writing

The world Matt Kindt has built in Folklords #1 is immediately familiar and yet very different from what we might expect. We can imagine this world as the setting for an epic quest. And yet – it’s the world that Ansel is trying to escape.

There was something oddly charming about the writing in this tale. Perhaps it’s because Ansel is yearning to prove the existence of a world full of technology. Or perhaps it’s because he’s fighting against the elders of his town. No matter the reason, there is something deeply resonating about this series.

For a series designed to be only five issues long, there was a delightful plot and subplot to be found within the first issue. This world has already come alive, and it’s clear that a lot is going on in Ansel’s world.

What was perhaps the most satisfying part of this tale was Ansel’s determination despite it all. And admittedly, the way he describes our world is oddly…charming. It’s a picturesque version, but that makes sense, given that he’s only been able to steal glances here and there.

Art

Folklords #1 is both bright and whimsical. Ansel is an oddly normal character. Well, normal by our standards. Less so by the people in his world. Dressing him up in a suit was a clever touch – an obvious throwback to the idea of a child wearing a cloak or something similar. It made Ansel stick out like a sore thumb – in all the right ways.

The artists behind this issue did an excellent job of showing the magic in Ansel’s world as a background element. After all, none of this is new or different to Ansel and thus doesn’t hold any importance to him. It was a fascinating perspective and one that they portrayed astonishingly well.

Matth Smith was the lead artist for this issue, with Chriss O’Halloran providing the colors and Jim Campbell doing the lettering. Together they brought this unique character and world to life.

Conclusion

Folklords #1 was an interesting start to what is sure to be a fascinating and memorable miniseries. It has proven fast-paced and witty, pushing Ansel’s story to a nearly comical extreme. It will truly be interesting to see where this series goes, given how many issues it has left.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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Review: Review – Firefly: The Sting (Boom! Box)

The Girls Are Back in Town in Firefly: The Sting

Firefly fans, it’s time to celebrate. There’s yet another graphic novel out there for us to dive into. I know it isn’t quite the same as another season, but we’ll take what we can get, right? Anything to keep Joss Whedon’s creation alive.

Firefly: The Sting is the latest original graphic novel to come out in the world of Firefly. But this time around? The focus is on the ladies of the crew. That’s right, Kaylee, Zoe, Inara, and River are back. And they’re joined by Saffron. So you just know that nothing will go quite as planned, thanks to her backstabbing ways.

Firefly: The Sting takes place before the movie’s events, fitting neatly somewhere before the crew goes off in their own directions. And that means there is still a lot of personality and sass onboard the ship.

In this little misadventure, we again find Saffron approaching the crew with an idea for a heist (which you just know she’ll backstab them for in the end). But this time around, she’s only approaching the ladies of the ship. That may raise some questions, but since it allows us to see our favorite characters working together, we’re not going to complain.

Writing

Firefly: The Sting was written by Delilah S. Dawson, and you can tell that she had more than a little bit of fun writing this series. You can see her influence in writing, yet she did an excellent job staying true to the world and the characters within.

All the characters we know and love, as well as one or two we love to hate, got to make an appearance here. However, there was a focus on the women aboard Firefly. Each issue in this collection switched perspectives, giving each of them a chance to shine.

What made The Sting both interesting and unique was the infusion of pop culture within their lines. Some of the quotes were hard to avoid and thus had to be intentional. There were hat tips to ‘she persists’ and other iconic female moments in our modern era. It’s interesting to think about the impact those moments might have in a far-flung future.

The heist was fascinating, as it gave a purpose to each of the Firefly crew members pulled into it. Though that was immediately clear at first – proving that this tale fits nicely with the story.

On the whole, The Sting was a charming and amusing side quest for half of the Firefly crew. It was nice to see characters work together in ways they never have before. And it was refreshing to get a chance to see them as individuals with concerns and things that they were working through. It added a personal touch.

Art

Firefly: The Sting was host to a ton of different and talented artists. It seemed like each issue traded out who was working on the pages. And as such, this graphic novel has a massive creative team.

The lead artists for this series are Pius Bak, Serg Acuna, Richard Ortiz, Hyeonjin Kim, and Rodrigo Lorenzo. Together they gave us the characters we’ve come to love over the years. And each one of them did look like we both expected and hoped. They weren’t afraid to throw in their twists or stylistic choices, which worked out well for the series. I especially enjoyed the iconic look of all the white masks combined with the red flowers (you’ll see that early on in the series, don’t worry).

While the colorists were Joana Lafuente, Doug Garbark, and Natalia Marques, the sense of color in The Sting was quite brilliant. It was vibrant and unafraid to use lots of bold colors for the characters and the backgrounds. It made for an eye-popping view.

And finally, Jim Campbell did the lettering for the entire volume, adding a sense of cohesion despite the artists’ changing hands.

Conclusion

Firefly: The Sting was such a fun read. I hope this is a volume that fans of the series pick up. The girl power theme was a pleasant surprise. But it gave us the perfect excuse to see our characters in a whole new context and light.

This heist and everything involved is a perfect fit for the series. It could easily have belonged as an episode at any point. In fact, I kind of wish we had gotten the chance to see it that way. That’s a slightly sad note, sorry. Still, it’s nice seeing the series continue with charisma and force.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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Review: Firefly #6 (Boom! Studios)

The Gang is Up to Their Necks in Trouble in Firefly #6

The latest series of Firefly has been so painfully on point compared to the original Firefly TV series. Fans are sure to love it – I know I’ve been enjoying it. The latest plot in the series has been fairly typical for the Firefly crew. With them all getting into a mess of trouble and being forced to find a way out of it.

Considering that the last issue ended in what could almost be considered a cliffhanger, I’m happy to see this issue. Firefly #6 brings with it a few more surprises and one or two more twists and turns.

Writing

Why does it seem like Mal is always so talented at getting himself in trouble? Oh, right, because he is. In this case, his being in trouble isn’t exactly new, but that hardly changes things, does it? This new Firefly series does seem to understand that particular talent of Mal’s, as evidenced by the mess they’re in now.

Greg Pak is the author of the series. He’s done a great job of making this series feel like the original it’s based on, and I can’t appreciate that enough. In Firefly #6, he brings on some more twists and turns. But they all make sense – especially when we consider Mal and Zoe’s past. I love that there’s such a strong tie-back, especially since we know how formative their history is for these particular characters.

Believe it or not, there were some genuinely hilarious moments in this issue. They helped balance out the more tense moments in the issue. And they also helped to show how well the crew works together (well, most of them). It’s something we know but is always nice to see.

There is still a lot left to the plot, which I appreciate. I’m glad that they’re not rushing through this plot. Though I should say, it doesn’t feel like they’re stretching or dragging the plot. It just is what it is.

Art

Firefly #6 had a slightly larger team of artists than usual. Dan McDaid did most of the line work for this issue, but Vincenzo Federici did the inking specifically for pages 13 to 18. I’d never seen that before, so I stopped and looked more closely at the lines. That was actually kind of fun to do. The lines and shading were heavily done, but it honestly really works for this series, bringing in the grungier elements we’d expect.

Meanwhile, Marcelo Costa did the coloring for this issue, which was delightful. I loved the color palette for this issue, especially for the world that Mal is currently on.

Conclusion

Firefly #6 was a fast-paced read worth every minute. It was both tense and funny, depending on what was happening – and who was doing what. But everything balanced out, making for a really interesting read.

Some of the twists were pretty funny, while others were just so in tune with how these characters act. The more I read this series, the more it feels like just another adventure for this crew. I’m looking forward to the next issue, which may wrap up this plot (or not).

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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Review – b.b. free #2 (Boom! Box)

Music in the Swamp in b.b. free #2

The last issue introduced us to the world that b.b. has grown up into. Living in a swamp, she somehow managed to find music that speaks to her soul. And in b.b. free #2, she’s starting to move towards making that her whole life.

Powers and puberty seem to go hand and hand in the world of comic books. And yet, this is not your ordinary coming-of-age tale. B.b. free is a dynamic and compelling series about a girl who desperately wants to find herself. And she wants to be free to love the music that is her life.

b.b. has only just learned about her powers, and thus she knows less than nothing about them. So far, all she knows is that she once produced a blindingly bright light. And that her father’s anger triggered it for the first time. The rest of the series is set up to explore that power alongside her unique nature and desires.

Writing

b.b. free #2 is perhaps the most charming issue I’ve read in quite some time. B.b. is somebody who knew what she wanted in life – she only had to get the courage to seek it out. But this whole power thing has thrown her through a loop.

This combination has made for a compelling series so far. The atmosphere in the series thus far is part of the reason why it is so unique. But we can’t ignore b.b. and Chulita’s vibrant natures either.

Gabby Rivera’s way of writing is so human. B.b. feels like a real person, in spite of her powers. That makes everything that happens around her feel so much more important because it’s impossible not to care for her wellbeing.

This issue does raise and address several questions. All while weaving in even more concerns and subplots. I honestly have no clue where this series is going to lead in the long run, and I couldn’t be more excited about that fact. And there’s no way I’m the only fan feeling that way.

Art

Do you remember all of the vibrant artwork present in the first issue? Well, it’s back again for b.b. free #2! There’s just something so endearing about this whole art style. Everything from the way the characters are drawn to the color palette of the series feels so light and yet so welcoming. It’s really perfect for the plot when you think about it.

Royal Dunlap was the lead artist for this issue. They’re the ones responsible for those characters we love so much and for many of the other details that make the series thus far. Their expressions are endearing, and the sense of movement is engaging.

Then there’s that color palette! The series bounces back and forth between several dominant colors, all of which alter the tone of each panel. Kieran Quigley, Sarah Stern, and Jeremy Lawson all worked on the colors together, and it shows.

Finally, there’s the lettering. Jim Campbell was the letterer for this issue, and you can see his style here. The lettering is a bit smaller, trying to take up as little space as possible. But the sound effects don’t have that fear. The combination is intriguing, but also the right balance.

Conclusion

b.b. free #2 was another unique and fascinating read from this series. It’s a charming read, one that gives us a glimpse into the life of Chulita while also building up other elements along the way. It almost felt like this issue spent most of its time setting up for something else, which should make the next issue fairly dramatic.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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Review – B.B. Free #1 (Boom! Box)

B. B. Free #1: A Charming Tale About A Girl Who Just Wants to Be Free

Alright, everybody, if you’re looking for a comic series that celebrates LGBT children and everything they can give to this world, you’ve got to check out b. b. free #1. Enter b.b., she’s just a fifteen-year-old girl who desperately wants to be free – free to be who and what she is, without any shame. Or without being told to ‘be a good girl.’

All b.b. really wants to do is be able to travel the country – as broken as it is – and broadcast her free radio station. One that is as cheerful and free and she someday wants to be. But there are forces in her life that refuse to ever let that happen.

This series takes all of society’s expectations of young ladies and brings that discussion to the forefront. All the pressure it brings with it and how dehumanizing it can feel when repeatedly told to be something you feel like you’re not.

Writing

Written by Gabby Rivera, b.b. free #1 introduces us to a fascinating new world. It’s a world in which the country has fallen, risen back up, and altered. This is the world that young b.b. was born and raised in.

This series directly confronts all of the oppressive expectations thrown onto younger generations by their parents and elders. Constantly being told to ‘be good girls’ makes us question what that means – and what the cost is. It’s a hurtful phrase to many, as b.b. herself addresses.

This series may only be one issue, but it’s already proving to be a powerful and moving one. Here’s hoping that it helps to free somebody else along the way. After all, that’s all b.b. wants out of her life. Well, that and her radio station.

Art

The artwork behind b.b. free #1 is vibrant and full of life. Being a series that celebrates LGBT youth – it is unsurprisingly full of a rainbow of colors. And it is delightful. The series has somehow made a swampy biome look colorful and bright. It’s an interesting and unique take, but one that fits the series nicely.

Even in these few pages, b.b.’s character has been made clear. She’s full of life and passion, and yet she’s also at that awkward stage as a teenager. This awkwardness is exacerbated whenever she’s forced to wear clothing her father picks out. The fact that it’s shown and not said adds to the impact tenfold.

Royal Dunlap was responsible for most of the artwork in this issue. And it shows. You can tell that one artist’s vision was brought to life here. And it gave the series a distinctive look. However, Jim Campbell stepped up to provide the lettering. And their work helped enhance the story being told.

Conclusion

B.b. free #1 was a great start to a new series. It was emotional and intelligent, and it wasn’t afraid to allow subtlety to tell certain elements of the story. And let’s not forget the conclusion of this issue, which will leave readers anxious to get their hands on the second issue.

There was something so uplifting and liberating about b.b.’s story, even though it has only just begun. Perhaps that is because, while it is a dystopian world (sort of), there is something here that many readers can relate to. And it’s just so beautifully human.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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Review – Bone Parish #11 (Boom! Studios)

Bone Parish #11 Brings Us Closer to the End

Bone Parish #11 is perhaps the fastest-paced issue in the series to date, which is saying something. You can tell that the series is nearing its end because they’re starting to weave everything back around. Not that we’ll be happy to see this one go.

This issue is actually the second to last issue in the series. That means that everything needs to be tied up in a neat (or bloody) little bow before things finish. I think they can do that – especially considering all of the progress made during this issue.

Bone Parish #11 lives up to the expectations laid upon it from past issues. It’s intense, brutal, and has so many intricate plots and schemes weaving in and out of each other. The brutality at points is borderline grotesque, but it fits the tone of the series perfectly.

Writing

Now that the series is nearing an end, you can really see everything that Cullen Bunn was building to. There have been many twists and turns throughout the series, but none like what happened in Bone Parish #11.

I’m still reeling from some of the twists in this issue. Several of them Bunn had been building to for a while. So they weren’t precisely shocking…but they were shockingly dramatic despite that. Other twists lived up to their namesake.

This issue was all over the place – but in a good way. Every plot that has been in progress was touched upon here. From the stories covering the past to the plots happening in real-time. From the main plot to all of the subplots. It’s easy to forget how intricate this series had become until it was all placed neatly in front of us. Okay, the events themselves were anything but neat, but you get what I’m saying.

Throughout all of this, the tone for the series held true. It still read like a modern horror, with elements from the drug trade and the supernatural seeping in. Since it was the tone of the series that sold me, I’m grateful for that fact.

Art

Due to the fast-paced nature of Bone Parish #11, there were several changes in scenes and main perspectives. That would have been difficult to keep up with, but the creative team did a brilliant job of always making it clear when the setting had changed.

Jonas Scharf provided the lines for this issue, while Alex Guimaraes did the coloring, and Ed Dukeshire provided the lettering. Together they made this entire tale possible. They really pulled in the darker tones of the series – sometimes literally.

I loved the gothic influence in this issue. It combined well with some of the more graphic scenes. It made for an exciting duality, if nothing else. There were other, trickier things the artists had to portray in this issue as well. But talking about them would be spoilers.

Conclusion

Bone Parish #11 did a brilliant job of moving the plot forward. It’s begun to weave all of the plot lines back in together. Surely setting up for a theatrical conclusion to the series. I still have questions, and I sincerely have no idea what is going to happen before it ends. And I couldn’t be more excited to see what happens.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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Review – Bone Parish #10 (Boom! Studios)

Bone Parish #10 Takes the Series Down a Dark New Path

It may be hard to believe that Bone Parish could get any darker, but that’s certainly how it felt in the latest issue. It continues onward with all of the themes and plots already introduced, but it ratchets things up a notch or two.

The last issue left us with a bit of a cliffhanger. One that, thankfully, Bone Parish #10 resolved. And man did it live up to the wait. I was feeling pretty anxious about what was going to happen. And if it’s possible to feel both relieved and shocked, that describes my emotions perfectly for this issue.

Writing

Cullen Bunn has a way of weaving these dark and fascinating plots into something that leaves his readers eager for more. While the series is graphic and morbid, there’s also this odd sort of elegance to it. Perhaps it’s the characters. Perhaps it’s the art. I personally think it’s the writing style.

Like all of the previous issues of Bone Parish, this one had some relatively graphic moments in it. But they also fit in so perfectly with the story being told. Remember, we’re talking about a family that is making their name off of selling drugs made from corpses. I feel like that alone should set some expectations.

Bone Parish #10 was an intense read, even by those standards. There were a couple of dramatic reveals, as well as one truly anxiety-inducing moment in the beginning. Combine that with an ever-progressing plot, and you’ve got a fast-paced issue to read.

I love that they’ve been weaving in some more of the past as well. These transitions to the past are subtle, leaving us with a moment of hesitation while adjusting to the time period. It does a good job of throwing us off balance, which can only enhance the telling.

This issue didn’t leave off in a cliffhanger. But it still managed to leave off on a dramatic moment. And it left us with many questions hanging in the air. I’m looking forward to getting some answers.

Art

As always, the artwork behind Bone Parish is phenomenal. The color palette perfectly complements the darker tones of the series. While also supporting some of that elegance I was talking about earlier.

Jonas Scharf and Alex Guimaraes are the artists behind the series, and they’re just amazing. They manage this fine balance between graphic and gory. Too little, and it won’t have the right impact. Too much, and it becomes distracting.

Then there are the rest of the details in Bone Parish #10. Not to mention the sheer number of individual characters that need to be portrayed (and memorable). I’m usually pretty bad at immediately remembering side characters, but I honestly haven’t had an issue with this series.

Conclusion

Bone Parish #10 has lived up to the expectations set on it from the rest of the series. It moved the plot forward at a steady pace. But it also didn’t reveal too much. In short, it once again has left me eager to learn more about what is happening behind the scenes. At least this time around, I feel like I’m really starting to put the pieces together.

I still love the tones of the series. And while this issue was slightly more graphic than the last couple, it didn’t hit that point of being overly gory. It’s a tough balance and one that I respect. And of course, now I’m looking forward to seeing what the fallout will be in the next issue.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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Review – Bone Parish #9 (Boom! Studios)

Bone Parish #9 Explores the Age-Old Adage: Is Blood Thicker Than Water?

Bone Parish is, without a doubt, one of the darker series available right now. But it’s also intricate and surprisingly subtle in the way it handles all of the secondary plots in the series. The Winters family business isn’t new, but it sure does have a unique spin on it. And that’s what keeps it interesting – and part of what makes the series so dark.

Bone Parish #9 was surprising for many reasons, but that just made for a better read. They’re progressing with the story, but the direction is not the obvious one, and I have to respect that. While this series came off as somewhat blunt and brutal (but in a good way), it’s becoming more and more clear that there is so much more going on beneath the surface.

Writing

Bone Parish #9 is quite possibly one of my favorite issues in the series so far. Okay, the top two or three is probably more accurate. The series has started to settle in, and that means we can finally start digging deeper into all the elements already introduced. From the family business to family dynamics, I want to read it all.

Cullen Bunn did a great job with this issue. He wrote the issue so that it bounced back and forth between two points in time. But the reason for the bouncing created a nearly seamless ebb and flow. It was really clever. And, of course, it further added to the intrigue of what was going on.

I absolutely love the twist that was revealed in this issue. It was one of those moments where you just sit there going, ‘wait, did they just say what I think they said?’ That alone is a great find, but then to be able to look back and have it make sense? I couldn’t ask for more.

The secondary plot in this issue helped keep things moving and also provided outlets for more of the graphic elements the series is becoming so well known for. I think it’ll end up becoming something larger in the long run – I do not see any room for wasted storytelling opportunities here.

Art

I’ve enjoyed the art style from Bone Parish since day 1, and with good reason. The series hasn’t been afraid to be graphic when needed – which is a requirement for this plot. It also has a great sense of style. The aesthetics of the style are so appealing and a perfect match for what we’re being told.

Bone Parish #9 had a lot to accomplish here. Jonas Scharf and Alex Guimaraes had to draw two points in time and have them be immediately clear which was which. There was never a point where they flat out informed us that it was a flashback. But it wasn’t needed either.

The grotesque images in this issue were exceptionally well done – they could have fit into any crime drama out there, even with the personal flair and thrown into the mix. The color palette is also worth commenting on – blending darker tones with brighter moments, both matching what was happening at the time. It’s a hard mix, but they managed it here.

Conclusion

Bone Parish #9 managed to up the ante in ways that I did not expect. They’re turning the plot inward, but it’s making everything significantly more complex. The result is a fascinating plot that has plenty of room for exploring – and I’m sure I’m not the only one looking forward to that moment.

This issue was one of the obligatory setting up issues. They still managed to make it an interesting read and even managed to fit in many of the elements we’ve expected. And it’s all surely going to lead to something bigger and more dramatic. Something I’m personally excited to see.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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