Boom! Box 2017
Created & Written by C.S. Pacat
Created & Illustrated by Johanna the Mad
Coloured by Joana Lafuente
Lettered by Jim Campbell
Technical Consultant Pieter Leeuwenburgh
I really am liking this far more than I had thought. This issue actually utilises Pieter's knowledge and it’s translatable to the page showing technique and style in ways I was hoping for but didn’t think we’d get. So yeah with each issue we learn something new about the sport and it makes more than just an Olympic event. That the story has this kind of strength and power to it that makes it completely relatable to.
Well what a boarding school be without a little boy on boy action? While part of me was thinking that Seji and Nicholas would have that awkward moment but I am not sure that would be appropriate but it is still one of those things that as a reader we want to see. Still that we do get to see to a boy in that position (read the book and you'll understand) is nicely done and for a change. Actually the way that we get to see the characters grow and evolve is nicely done. The way the book is structured is fantastic as we see the ebb & flow of the information and story development move forward. We are getting some interesting looks at how people think and behave and it extremely well done.
When you think of competitive sports Fencing isn’t one that comes to mind but maybe it should because the way that they are making this out feels like it could rival gymnastics. Making the team is the goal and they are willing to use whatever they can to make sure they do. There are some very ruthless tactics and attitudes on display here and it takes being a friendly teammate to a whole new level when your teammates are your competition.
The writing has a few other elements to it that have impressed me a lot here. The way the story and characterisation seem so straightforward and yet is as complicated and has all these twists and turns help make this what it is. As Nicholas takes us through the school as it concentrates on his teammates was a nice way for us to see them from his point of view. Also we finally get to see more of a point of view from Seji well that was all bonus baby.
Johanna’s interiors are pretty solid as far as all-ages books go. However blank faces that are kind ovals with a line for a mouth isn’t going to cut it (see page 16 for reference) with me. Yes there are hairstyles that are now and current and it helps that they have to wear a uniform so the hair expresses individuality. As with most all-ages books there really isn’t much use of backgrounds and that needs to change. The use of page layouts with their angles and perspective are nice to see and fit with the theme.
I like that this is about acceptance and personal growth as it is about the sport itself. I mean Nicholas has a chip on his shoulder and yet at the same time he’s being exposed to something he’s never had before in friends and rivals. I love his determination and desire and the fire that he shows as he’s willing to learn and put in the extra work to be better.
This is a fantastic book and that it transcends everything you might think it is.