FRAYED ENDS #1
"Long Time in Coming, Part 1"
Recommended (7/10)
|
Writer/Artist: Jason Brightman
Price: $2.95 US/$4.00 CAN |
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.
Paul is a young 20-something 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 -- Edward -- re-enters the picture. Just as Paul has a hole in his heart, so does Edward, only his hole is a literal one.
Brightman's 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, Wolverine/Hulk) Kieth and Paul (Kane, Jack Staff) 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.
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.
Frayed Ends is an impressive debut from a creator with the down-to-earth sensitivity of Andi (Dumped, Slow News Day) Watson and the unrestrained imagination and weird perspective of Mark (Akiko) Crilley. He offers up a simple yet challenging story that's unpredictable yet easy to relate to.
Note: Some comments in this review are reproduced from a previous feature on the website.
Email Don MacPherson comments about this review, or discuss it on the Fourth Rail message board.
|
