This is a sweeping fantasy inter-cut with moments of humour, in the style of slapstick comedy and old comic strips. Such an intense contrast that somehow blends seamlessly together. This makes for both a laughable/humorous and scary/adventurous read. Phoney, Smily and Fone play off each other well and make interesting personas and caricatures. Phoney is the greedy, egotistical character, whose Mayoral run landed the cousins as outcasts. Smiley is the jokester, musician, non-intellectual, who is easily roped in to Phoney's schemes. Again, Fone is the everyman, cautious of everything Phoney says and plans, caring for those he meets in the valley (especially Thorn). The three are so different, yet completely loyal to each other. Thorn is also a strong character, she is resourceful, caring, and respectful of those she loves. Fone falls immediately in love with her, and is determined to show his "manliness" to her. However, she is perfectly capable of caring for herself and has no desire or need for him to show he can do things for her. She also seems to switch the normal gender roles by continuously saving Fone, who has become the "damsel" in distress. Love the reversal and I am very intrigued by her history, which was hinted throughout. The colours of the graphic novel are sometimes vibrant, in tune with comic strips and humour, and sometimes the pages are dark and dingy, in tune with a dark fantasy story. Sometimes the two bleed together, leaving the reader pleasantly surprised and disoriented. An interesting take on the epic saga, drawing on several tropes, but also creating new ways of telling twisted tales. I remember reading this a bit when I was younger, but very happy I returned to this world with more maturity and sharper eyes. Lots that I had missed in youth, double entendres, risky situations, fear and more.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Currently ReadingGraphic Novel
Romance Audiobook
Archives
April 2024
|