Christopher's storytelling in this unusual and touching comic book reminds me of the works of many other creators before him, and not just in comics. Fans of Ted Naifeh's Courtney Crumrin comics will enjoy this, but it compares more to the works of such artists as Dr. Seuss and Tim Burton. Hell, some of the art here even reminds me of Art (Maus) Spiegelman's pencilling style. As inventive as the visuals and narrative are, though, it's the melancholy and hope at the heart of Zombie Boy's story that really draws one into his unusual world.
Somewhere, in a swampy backwater place in America, a boy and his mother live in happiness. She earns her living as a fortune teller, forever warning her clients that the gifts she bestows always come with a dark price attached, a cost exacted by the black magical spirits that surround us all. The fortune teller pays such a price herself when she uses her knowledge of magic to resurrect her son after a tragedy, only to condemn him to a life of loneliness and sadness. The boy, dubbed Zombie Boy by other children, does manage to make a friend, though: a young bat who is treated like a pariah, much like himself.
The black-and-white format of this comic book suits the characters and atmosphere of the story quite well. Christopher incorporates a delightful mish-mash of styles here. There's a gothic feel here, but also a pulp/pop quality in the portrayal of Zombie Boy's mother. The main character's look combines sweetness with a gruesome quality that's oddly charming. Fat Bat reminds me of Goldie from DC's Sandman and The Dreaming, and I don't think there's any comic-book reader that didn't adore Goldie.
The Seussian quality of the narration in the opening scene is realy quite enjoyable. I found I couldn't help but read it aloud so I could enjoy the meter. Christopher also offers up a thoroughly one-dimensional character in Miss Sneery, but the twisted "origin" he comes up with for the old crone is a lot of fun. It's quite easy to relate to Zombie Boy here, as Christopher captures that sense of loneliness, isolation and a lack of belonging that we've all felt from time to time.
The main character here is remarkably innocent, and the same can be said of his bat pal. One could easily se kids enjoying this comic book, but there's something oddly mature and adult about it at the same time. The air of melancholy that permeates the bulk of the book is really what makes this property stand out as unique. The optimism that arises at the end of the issue is heartening, yes, but I found there was something oddly comfortable in Zombie Boy's unfortunate life.
Note: This comic book was not among this week's new releases.
