KaBoom! Studios 2017
Created & Written by Tom Taylor
Created & Illustrated by James Brouwer
Lettered by Wolfgang Byisma
I don’t care who you are or hold you are this is bloody fantastic! Read this then go watch the series on Netflix, spoiler I did and i’m glad I did too. The creativity and imagination on display here is amazing to see. Anything that can stimulate the mind in an all-ages setting is one that should be shared by all! I’m a huge fan that this series so far doesn’t just spark that need in kids to explore what they wouldn’t normally but it does that for me too and after reading this I have this strange need to seek out documentaries on ocean life.
Tom’s writing here really is something special. The way the story is structured and the characterisation including the dialogue is spot on brilliant. The fact that this reads as well it does for any age group to enjoy for totally different reasons is extremely impressive. Also that this is a far cry from you typical family doesn’t hurt either there has to be something about them that seems almost too good to be true. Also it’s got that factor where you wish you grew up like this!
In this issue the Nekton family heads to Greenland to investigate a sea monster. While interviewing the locals we’re introduced to a new character Trish who is this unscrupulous sensationalist reporter. It’s clear to me she’s out for ratings, to be famous and not really a serious journalist but I could be wrong. Still if she’s going to keep popping up like some thorn in the family’s side i’m all for it. More so after what we see this issue.
When the family is inside the sub and talking about strategy and what to do next is when we see both way Tom thinks and how educational this can be. From dad’s use of maps, to the art of listening to thinking through your situation and coming up with solutions through talking back and forth it’s got a really good strong message. The plan they come up with makes sense and the entire family is involved it’s not just one person saying we’re doing this, which is more like a Democracy than the current American political climate.
James impressed me last issue and he continues to do so here. I love the fact that while he’s mimicking the show it’s not the same work that is on television. This is a more pure form of art than the animation that we see on the small screen. I think this has more depth, detail and feeling than the cartoon does and the subtlety that we get with the colouring and the facial expressions are splendidly done. The use of page layouts with the angles and perspective work well for this series.
Also i’m fairly impressed that this being a story about a family that we still see the relationship between Fontaine and Ant be like normal siblings. Ant being younger and had a turn out in the last issue so that means that Fontaine gets to go out this time. It’s fair and balanced but that he’s sulking and complaining makes him seem like normal boy. Plus a little jealousy never hurts things at times it can breed healthy competition.
Get this read it, share it and just have some pure unadulterated fun because that’s what this brings.