Action Lab Danger Zone 2017
Written, Lettered & Designed by Brendan Cahill
Illustrated by Jason Federhenn
Coloured by Josh Burcham
The family makes plans for the estate, and Violet tries to learn everything she can from Edward in the time they have. But Edwina may yet resort to darker means of securing the magical legacy for herself. In the midst of grief, subtle battle lines are drawn.
Sister, mother, grandmother Edwina is a lot of things but what Brendan has in store here after the glimpse of what saw last issue will shock and amaze you. Brendan really delves into a story here that has both the light and dark sides in full view. Violet represents all that light and goodness in her Boppa, Edward, and Edwina all that is dark and corrupt. It has all those slices of life that represent the lives of people today, families on the brink and it feels like it could be from anyone, anywhere and that it has that kind of honesty at it’s core is why I find it so powerful.
Family dynamics are hard at best but when you’ve got a house full of them things are bound to get messy. All the pent up frustration and anger that’s been bubbling below the surface can explode when you are around your entire family. Heck it’s why we make fun of the holidays so what we see here well you’ll see for yourself but trust me when I say you will totally relate.
The writing here is incredible through how the book is structured the ebb & flow of information that is given and how we see it processed. The characterisation is phenomenal and our like and dislike of the people that we see is wholly intentional. There will always be those we like and dislike, some more than others as it is in real life so that is the case within these pages. For it me it means I’ve become personally invested in the story and those within it. So let me say this to you, how long will take you to become invested in the story? I think you should find out.
I do like the interior artwork here. Jason and Josh do a very nice job and the way that they take something as innocent as an all-ages style of work while still maintaining some wonderful emotion to them. Here is where facial expressions come into play because without effective use of them the moments lost and Jason gets it. The use of page layouts along with the angles and perspective we see in the panels shows off a strong eye for storytelling. Also the use of backgrounds while seemingly simplistic is actually well utilised to expand the story.
So I like the fact that Violet and Edward get to spend some time together here. Also the connection with Hindenburg Black that bonds them, aside from smoking that joint, while the bands lead singer is the man who wishes to buy the house and all it’s contents. There’s a swirling of activity that’s going on here that is like a hurricane, the family argues and is divided about the sale of the house, infighting with each, or a second wife being out in the cold and the eye of the storm, that calm centre is Violet.
With shades of the Addam’s Family and House of Anubis the potential here is outstanding. Violet’s story and her journey are only beginning. I can honestly say that this is among the best of reasons why you need to know about smaller press companies. This is the kind of storytelling that will pull you in, captivate you and make you wish this happened to you.