Two-in-One Review: Vogelein She's a 400-year-old clockwork fairy in an uncaring modern world. She's Vogelein. Randy: I'm honestly not entirely certain how I missed this one, because it had all the ingredients I would have found intriguing in a project. Fortunately for me, Jane Irwin sent review copies of Vogelein #1 & 2 along for Don and I to peruse. Don: This black-and-white book boasts a quality that not many other comics can: it comes off as new, different and fresh. And after two issues, it seems to be appropriate for a variety of ages. Vogelein #1-2 published by Fiery Studios Inc. written & illustrated by Jane Irwin Don: In a small, drafty apartment, an old man lies dying with no family, no lover at his bedside. But he is not alone. That old man took care of a special little creature named Vogelein (pronounced Pfeu-ge-line), and now she's without a keeper. She ventures out into the strange world of today, encountering kindness from strangers and bitterness from a strange being not unlike herself. Randy: Vogelein is a revelation, a story that has the same magic and sense of wonder that Neil Gaiman brought to Sandman. Irwin's ideas in the first two issues of Vogelein are fresh and enthralling, from the idea of a clockwork fairy who has passed from guardian to guardian over the years to a fairy who has been darkened by living in the modern world. Vogelein's journey is one of discovery less than distance, as she is forced out into the world she has been hidden away from for about ten years, forced to find a new guardian and discover that the world outside can be cruel... as well as kind. Don: Well, I don't see the comparison to Sandman to be honest, but I will agree that this small-press books a great deal of strength. There's a quiet, serene tone to this book (unlike Sandman's more foreboding atmosphere). At this early juncture, Irwin isn't preoccupied with plot and instead gradually introduces and expands her cast of characters. That's not a problem, though; Vogelein seems to be served well by the slow pace, and the peaceful yet uncertain atmosphere envelops the reader. Randy: There's a magical viewpoint going on in Vogelein that I found captivating. While there are certainly dangers about, including not only the "duskie" but also the implied threat of what might happen if a curious but unscrupulous human got a hold of her, Vogelein meets with a fair amount of kindness in her travels. Jay comes across as a quiet and reserved, but not socially awkward, young man who may yet serve as a decent guardian to Vogelein, and Ezrael is one of the most likable characters I've come across in any fiction for some time. Vogelein herself is a mixture of naivete and a clear, sharp intelligence and independence, and within a few silent pages of her plight in the first issue, I was hooked into the character's dilemma. Don: Despite the title character's predicament, fear and confusion, there's an uplifting tone to the story. We're set up to expect people to abuse or take advantage of Vogelein, but instead, she's met with kindness, or at the worst, indifference. Irwin seems to be saying that most people, at their core, are decent. Randy: In terms of artwork, this book is also a treat, although my mind reels at the possibilities if the economy allowed for this book to be presented in fully painted color. As is, Irwin paints with a sort of ink wash, and the results are impressive. There's plenty of shading and detail to be found, particularly in the faces of the characters, and her character designs, especially for the threatening "duskie" and the lithe and strange Vogelein, are equally impressive. Don: Though I thought the figures were a bit stiff in a few spots, the visuals are strong overall. Irwin achieves an interesting dichotomy here. The darkness of the backgrounds contrasts with the more positive tone of Vogelein's encounters. It keeps the reader off-balance, making for an unpredictable read and an original tone. Irwin's art also reminds me of that of Pablo Callejo's work on The Castaways from Absence of Ink Press. Randy: Irwin has put together a fine book here, as well, not just a fun story. Like some of my favorite independent creators, she fills the last couple text pages with interesting tidbits, including explanations of certain storytelling moments, annotations of her research and stories both personal and anecdotal. The story of the real-life "Ezrael" in particular was charming, and showed me where Irwin got the magical view of the world that is so prevalent throughout Vogelein. This book has been garnering rave reviews from everyone who has seen it, and now I suppose you can add ours to the mix. Vogelein is well worth seeking out. Don: The timing is perfect to check it out as well. This week will mark the release of the third issue of the series, and I suspect the previous two that we covered here are still available for order. For more information on Vogelein and Jane Irwin, visit www.vogelein.com. Email Randy and Don comments about this review, or discuss it on the Fourth Rail message board.