Two-in-One Review: Frayed Ends Don and Randy examine Frayed Ends, where imaginary childhood friends and real-life adulthood traumas collide. Randy: Every month, when going through Previews, different indie books catch my eye and tempt me to order them, and for the month of April, Frayed Ends was one of those books. Happily, I got to take a look at the first issue a little early, as Jason Brightman sent the first issue of the book to Don and I for review. Don: Independently published books tend to be a haven for experimental storytelling, for stuff that's well outside the norm. That holds true in this case as well. Though weird, Frayed Ends is a thoroughly accessible and entertaining small-press title. Brightman has really piqued my curiosity. Frayed Ends #1 published by Alebrije Press written & illustrated by Jason Brightman Randy: Frayed Ends occupies that genre known in comics as "slice-of-life," but like many of the more successful comics of that stripe, it also includes some fairly fictional elements. In particular, the presence of an imaginary friend and some surreal imagery leads what is a fairly simple story of a hard break-up down some very unusual paths. It's possible, of course, that the lead character is simply cracking up, but it's more likely (and more interesting) that his childhood imaginary friend has come to him as an adult looking for help. Don: To be specific, Frayed Ends tells the story of Paul, a young guy whose girlfriend left him months ago, but he just can't get over it. Even Jelayne, his ex's sister, thinks he's better off, but he can't deal with the loss. And that's when his old imaginary friend re-enters the picture. Randy: The idea of a childhood friend coming back in adulthood has been seen before, usually in remarkably bad movies like Drop Dead Fred. However, Brightman is playing this return less for laughs and more as something that will have a fairly deep impact on his main character. That character, Paul, is developed first as a regular guy before any of the weirdness is dropped on him, and that's what makes the story work. Paul's feelings of loss and morose attitude after the break-up with a girlfriend are something most of us will be able to relate to, and the friend who is frustrated by the inability to move on is also something that I think most of us have experienced at least once in our lives. Don: The most powerful element in this script is how Paul is lost within himself. Brightman has captured a feeling that's thoroughly universal. We've all felt like Paul feels here... maybe not as a result of a breakup, but that sense of being lost, of being stuck, is a place we've all been trapped in within ourselves. It's also easy to identify with Jelayne. She definitely wants more out of her relationship with Paul, and she's frustrated that he's still hung up and is completely oblivious to her. Randy: Just because the story isn't largely played for laughs doesn't mean there isn't fun to be had, however. The interaction between Paul and Jelayne is terrific, and after only a few panels, I was completely enthralled by the down-to-earth, witty and smart Jelayne. In addition, Paul's morose state makes his reactions to the re-emergence of an imaginary friend more subdued than you would expect, which is actually funnier than the slapstick approach. However, Brightman is unable to resist at least one slapstick gag, as Paul trips himself up on the sidewalk, and that element of comedy works as well, since it isn't overplayed. Brightman's interior artwork is a little rougher than the cover shot, using a sort of ink spatter for shading and background. It actually works pretty well, and I'm impressed with the backgrounds of the story, which are very simple and realistic while being detailed enough to give the reader a sense of where the characters are. Don: His designs are simple and striking, and he has a sharp eye for perspective and panel layout. I see influences of such comic-book artists as Sam (The Maxx) Kieth and Paul (Kane) Grist in his work, but he's definitely got his own unique style. The main characters boast simpler designs than inconsequential characters, and that odd approach reinforces the surreal tone of the book. Randy: Frayed Ends is a little short, tantalizing the reader rather than revealing too much, but it's got enough information and entertainment value to hook me. In addition, Brightman blends strong professional work with excellent production values, including a cardstock cover and nice quality paper, so that the art reproduces nicely and the colorful cover will stand out on the rack. For more information about Frayed Ends, visit www.frayedends.com. Email Randy and Don comments about this review, or discuss it on the Fourth Rail message board.