Boom! Studios 2015
Written by Ollie Masters
Illustrated by Tyler Jenkins
Lettered by Colin Bell
I’m a huge fan of this story. It really isn’t quite definable in any one genre for me but it is a story of discovering oneself. It isn’t easy being a teenager as we can all attest to but for Teddy it’s especially hard. He feels out of place in this Alaska town and with everything he’s learned about his family up to this point has forever changed him. Though he isn’t done with his learning experiences as we see this issue. Sometimes the truth may be what you want to know but it’s also the worst thing you can learn. Ollie has told this story with such exceptional skill, the characterization and circumstances have all combined to create this wonderful and scary coming of age journey.
Equally as important is the way Tyler brings that story to life. His work is decidedly unique, expressive and both detailed and yet with the water painting aspect really gets to you. The way the detail bleeds into colours really creates quite an impact. I have to say too that wolf whatever it is supposed to represent is quite the character in it’s own right and gorgeously done. His use of pages and panels to control the flow is amazing to see and it really helps make this so more powerful.
There’s a huge amount of characterization that goes on this issue and many aspects most of it pretty draining, in a good way. Teddy has to come to grips with the events he’s set in motion from that facebook post and the fact that he’s brought all of this upon his family. At the same time he also has to come to grips with who his parents really are. His mother is more devoted to her husband than her child and dear old dad well he’s a piece of work all his own.
Trent’s arrival is the catalyst for all the action we see in this issue as well as Teddy’s own choice in becoming the man he wants to be. I do have to say Trent having lost his family because of what Teddy’s father did is reason enough to seek justice though going all vigilante may not be the smartest move around. Still Teddy’s dilemma of seeing both that side and how he feels about his family causes a nice contradiction for him. Though ultimately what he hears and learns will be what changes him forever it’s still one of the more powerful experiences i’ve had watching someone come into their own.
Gut Wrenching, emotional and in the end full of hope and promise this is one rollercoaster ride that is well worth getting a ticket for.