Sitcomics 2018
Written by Darin Henry
Illustrated by Craig Rousseau
Coloured by Glenn Whitmore
Lettered by Marshall Dillon
After a humiliating rescue by a super-hero on live TV, 300 pound single mum Renee Garcia-Gibson agrees to try an experimental diet drug to reduce her outward appearance. But the change to her metabolism comes with the unexpected side-effect of giving her super-speed! Moments after her transformation, Renee must use her amazing new powers to tackle the mob muscle-man known as Glut as well as a nefarious anti-hero army called The Cloud!
Alright people I have to say that Darin has used his talents to build up this absolutely wonderful new universe. While I love the Blue Baron Startup and her family may just eclipse him and it’s because of how Darin is able to bring these characters to life. The writing here is exceptionally well done so that we see not only the birth of a hero but there are life lessons and an overall good feeling about the book. This is what I loved about comics in the 80’s they were bright, interesting and full of hope not this dark angst we see so prevalent in what the so-called “Big Two” are releasing.
This is a huge first issue and you’d think it would take a while to read a 68 page book but nope Darin manages to really nail the way the book is structured with the pacing creating this incredible ebb & flow. The result of that is you read and suddenly your done and like wait what and it definitely leaves you wanting more. I am so impressed with the overall tone, mood and feel of this book and the fact that Renee and her son have that normal relationship where he’s embarrassed by her in public it all just fits perfectly into place here.
I like that after the events we see unfold and the fact that she is day in and day out ridiculed for her weight which she lets get to her is some damn fine characterisation. No one who is overweight like that isn’t self conscious about it as in their minds they obsess over it. Using that fear and shame to decide to go with the strange doctor and partake in his unorthodox experiment well the way we see it unfold and play out is pretty damn magnificent. I cannot get over how much thought went into the story and how delicately it is handled so as not to be cliché or demeaning to those who are overweight. It finds a balance that I wasn’t sure would be possible and yet here it is.
The interiors by Craig and Glenn are wonderfully suited for this type of story. There is a great comic book feel to the work that they do and the taste level here if off the charts. That they can make Renee look as cute as can be when she's overweight then portray all the facial expressions that show us so much emotion is fantastic. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a solid eye for storytelling. I do wish that backgrounds were utilised here because there is a lot empty space going on that could be used to expand the story. I am impressed with how we see the speed effect when she’s in action that whole blurred thing works well.
This oversized first issue is a great way to get to know the character, her life in the world in and out of the costume and what drives her to be the hero she’s becoming. Along the way we get to see her supporting cast as well as the formation of her new arch-nemesis. In my humble opinion this is what comics used to be, fun, light-hearted affairs where there were good guys and bad guys and some interesting story’s being told. Welcome back to an almost retro style comic that should be in everyone’s reading list.