The creative team behind The Castaways reunites for a new project. It's similar in concept, as it is a period piece that's about life on the road, but when they explore such material this well, it's hard to begrudge them for revisiting it. Collmar does an excellent job of characterization and dialogue, but what's really impressive about his writing is how he establishes a strong sense of history and culture. The black-and-white format of this rather significantly sized, square-bound first issue suits the historical fiction incredibly well. It probably conveys that sense of the past better than a color project could have. And Pablo Callejo's heavily thatched artwork reinforces that yesteryear feeling incredibly well.
Young blues guitarist Lem Taylor accompanies an old piano player, Ironwood Malcott, through the U.S. South in the 1920s, going from town to town, looking for a place where they can perform and earn some money. It's a living, but only barely, as they often have to go without food and resort to sleeping in boxcars and barns. In the town of Hope, though, their lives take a turn for the better, as they find a country bar where they're a smash hit... so much so that a well-respected businessman makes them a proposal that could completely change their lives. A young woman makes another kind of offer to Ironwood, one that will change their lives, albeit in a much different way.
Callejo makes the most of the black-and-white format, using inks to bring out subtle textures in the characters' faces and in the backdrops. There's really a strong sense of place here; it feels as though Hope is completely real instead of fictionalized. Callejo does an excellent job of differentiating between the two main characters. The softness of youth and air of concern in Lem's face sets it apart easily from Ironwood's more carefree nature.
One of the most impressive aspects of this comic book is how the creators make the music come alive. This is a silent medium; so much is left to the reader's imagination. But it's so easy to imgagine the fun, the revelry and the slightly naughty tone with which the two musicians fill up the room.
Vollmar's script is an educational one. I loved the history text excerpts in the narration; they really reinforced the reality of what was going on. The plot and script make the nomadic lifestyle of these musicians really come to life. I've never slept in a barn, but Vollmar allows his readers to share in the characters' experiences here. I could almost feel the discomfort, the fatigue and the hunger along with them. 9/10
