Dark Horse Comics 2016
Written and Illustrated by Gene Ha
Colour Assistance by Rose McClain
Lettered by Zander Cannon
Mae’s prodigal sister Abbie is running from her past. She was the heroic savior of a fantasy world that is, until it all came crashing down. Now she’s trying to pick up the pieces of her old life and help Mae take care of their sick father. But sinister creatures have followed her home, and they’re determined to get revenge.
This series really is cute. Aside from Gene’s amazing illustrations which really bring these characters to life it’s really the storytelling and the imagination behind the premise that holds so much appeal. It combines so many elements and mythologies together into a story that shouldn’t work but seems to extraordinarily well. From the Wonderland/Oz aspect to the steampunk clockwork characters to the whole on the run from those wanting to kill them this has literally everything in it including the kitchen sink.
As we open up this issue it’s really the dialogue that grabs your attention. Mae should be freaking out and thinking she’s going all crazy after how last issue ended and instead she’s just as calm as the eye of a storm. It’s like she and Abbie have fallen back into this sisterly routine that they’ve never really had and it’s almost as if it masks the feelings behind what’s actually happening. Meeting their father this issue well that’s another can of worms. I’ve a feeling he knows more than he’ll tell and it all has something to do with their mother whom he won’t speak of. Yeah dialogue people it’s not only essential for great characterization but it’s important for setting the stage of the story’s revelations too!
If you ever wonder the importance of storytelling and dialogue and how characters are introduced and if they could possibly play roles other than happenstance, because we all know there are no coincidences, than read this book and see what happens. Mr. Seagull for instance he’s an interesting one and his comments, question and lack of shock to seeing her back and alive after all this time well it makes you wonder. So my mind’s engaged fully with this book and that’s what good dialogue, writing and characterization does it makes you think, wonder and experience what’s not even there… yet.
Gene’s imagination and creativity have never been in question and this story has it all wonderfully on display that it’s as good as it ever was. The creatures from the other dimension are brought to life wonderfully. The girls and beautiful and even Colt, what cameo we see, is a handsome guy. Plus the dad is animated and alive visually and it’s just incredible to see him do all this with a passion and zest that is quite infectious to me as a reader.
Creative, different and unique with a world full of colourful characters woven around a surprisingly fun story this series does what few others can, it ignites your imagination and mind! As we explore our world with Mae and then the next as well it’s the kind of adventure you thought only happens once every so often.