S'up, dude? Randy and Don get down with some hip-hop slackers, who share their stories of Suburban Folklore.
Don:
Man, I feel old. Writer/artist Steven Walters tells stories of fresh-out-of-the-bo adults trying to figure out how they fit into the grand scheme of things... and into each other's lives. There's some strong, down-to-earth storytelling here, but it can be a bit hard to follow at times.
Randy:
Don's thoughts echo my own, but in revisiting this black and white book, which I first reviewed after San Diego 2002, I found that some of Walters' strengths had increased while his weaknesses had decreased, and though Suburban Folklore is not quite a polished book, it definitely has its high points as well as its rougher spots.
Suburban Folklore #s 1 & 2
written & illustrated by Steven Walters
Don:
In suburban America, a group of friends exchange stories, jokes and insults. Nate's head over heels for his best friend, Samantha, who's dating another guy. Yessnia -- who's dating a guy who's all wrong for her -- crashes at Nate's place sometimes, but only to avoid her mother. Most of them -- including friends Rob and Ashley -- are into comics, and some dream of lives outside of their small hometown.
Walters's characters, dialogue and plotting reminds me a great deal of Kevin Smith's earlier work, only without the jokes. Suburban Folklore is a slice-of-life drama that explores that awkward phase after adolescence, the beginnings of adulthood during which one's sense of responsibility is easily shunted aside in favor of pleasure and procrastination. Walters taps into universal experiences here, and as such, his work -- even presented in this hip-hop slang that sometimes left me scratching my head -- rings incredibly true. It's remarkably easy to relate to these characters.
Randy:
It's interesting that you note Kevin Smith as an influence, because I can see it, but I'm also reminded of creators like Richard Linklater and even Ben Stiller from his earlier days. Which is to say that, in approach, Suburban Folklore reminds me of more personal, independent film. And you're right, probably the strongest aspect of his work is how approachable and sympathetic these characters are.
Don:
While it's easy to identify with the characters, just plain identifying them is a bit more of a chore. Part of the problem -- especially in the first issue -- is Walters's awkward attempt at computer lettering. It's often impossible to figure out which characters are saying what in the first book. Those lettering problems are addressed in the second issue, but there's also a problem with character design. Two of the male characters look incredibly alike, and it's easy to get them mixed up (again, especially in the first issue).
Randy:
Can't disagree here, either. The lettering was the thing that jumped out at me the most when I read the first issue, and I was pleased that in the second issue Walters went with a more traditional "balloons with tails" approach to the lettering. You're also right that two of the lead characters (Nate and Ashley) look wayyy too similar. Fortunately, their personalities are different enough that after rereading issue one and then reading issue two, I could generally tell them apart, but for the third issue, it'd sure be nice if one of them would either lose the facial hair or grow their hair longer or both.
Don:
Walters's art style reminds me of those of Michael (Alias) Gaydos, Arthur (Kissing Chaos) Dela Cruz and Steve (Mek) Rolston. Walters captures a tenderness in the characters, but overall, his work is somewhat crude. He doesn't have perspective and anatomy down just right yet, though one can clearly see an improvement between the first and second issues. I think his work would benefit from coloring, as his shading just doesn't convey everything I think it's meant to.
Randy:
Actually, I think this is one of those books that works much better in black and white than it would with color, and if it did work in color, it would require one of those A-list colorists who most self-publishers just can't afford. I definitely see the similarities to the artists you mention, and overall Walters's work reminds me of a lot of small press comics that I've enjoyed, very rough around the edges but generally solid enough to tell the story. There's also a noticeable improvement, as you note, in between the issues, and I suspect that Walters will continue to grow as an artist and a storyteller with each issue.
Don:
The greatest strength of Walters's work is that it's entirely based on characterization. He has a clear vision of who these people are, what they desire and what they regret. The writer makes the characters come to life through the dialogue. There's a believable quality to the pacing and the tone, but his visual communication of those words just needs some work. I'd be curious to see what Walters could achieve if he paired up with a more polished artist and entrusted his script to someone else. Collaboration could help him to shine.
Randy:
Suburban Folklore has a likable and real quality to it that makes me enjoy it despite some of the rougher aspects of the work, and you're right that the characterization is a big part of that. I want to see what happens with these characters, even though the stories of their lives don't really depict earth-shaking events but just everyday moments. I'm with you in that I think Walters is a stronger writer than artist, but overall, I'd definitely say this is a project worth checking out, and a talent worth keeping an eye on.
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