Self Published 2016
Created & Written by Ryan Ellsworth
Illustrated by Rob Carey
Coloured by Dee Cunniffe
Lettered by Thomas Mauer
This is one of those bittersweet books for me because it makes me glad i’m a reviewer that people turn to to review their books but it isn’t available in a hard copy at least until the second issue kickstarter goes live and is funded. Though i have to say I hope beyond hope that it does get funded when it hits because not only is the talent here well known and strong in the industry but this piece of work is spectacular.
I like the way this story is structured as we open up with a lawyer talking to his client. It’s interesting in the fact that this lawyer doesn’t seem to realise what his clients name is at first and then we see what is going on with him. He’s either Brendan or Ray take your pick, he could be both we aren’t all that sure right now.
So how did he get to this point? We have to go back two years for the story of his life to unfold for us. I do like that Ryan isn’t pulling punches with this either because I am not a fan when writers use science in any way shape or form and then abandon it because they think their readers won’t understand or appreciate the intricacies of it. We like to read and we know a lot more about a myriad of subjects than most give us credit for.
I’m also rather impressed with Ryan’s ability to do the then and now storytelling. Sometimes it can be distracting or messy in how it comes across. Though in reality with Rob and Dee on board it makes it easier since the backgrounds, face and feel of it all changes so dramatically. There is more to this story too than simply the origin of what transpired to get him here there are other instances that we see as well. It’s like Ryan is giving us pieces to a jigsaw puzzle and says we’ll find where they fit just give it a few moments.
While I have said that Rob and Dee do some really good work here there are times I wish we did have more backgrounds in use. Otherwise I think the way page layouts are utilised with their angles and perspective are extremely well done. Faces, facial expressions and body language help tell the characterisation more than just the words alone. The whole tone, mood and feel of what they bring is pretty strong and remarkable.
I like the energy of the book the whole ebb and flow of what we see is extremely well done. This is an easy story to follow and it’s got some very likable characters. It piques the curiosity and leaves us wanting more it does everything that a well written, solidly thought out and executed book needs to be successful.
This folks is why we support self-published books because the stories they offer are far better than anyone tends to realise.