John Layman is perhaps best known as the one-time editor at Wildstorm Productions, guiding landmark projects -- such as the original Authority series -- through development. His departure was a creative loss for Wildstorm, but not for comics readers. Layman's been keeping busy as a letterer, but here, we get a glimpse at his writing chops as well. This story, sure to appeal to fans of such other creators as Kevin Smith and Garth Ennis. Puffed is unconventional, edgy and morbidly funny.
Aaron has a rotten job at Story Book Land, and today, it's even worse. He's been saddled with the worst job of all: he's ordered to don the ridiculously uncomfortable Puff dragon suit in order to entertain the kiddies at the amusement park. What he doesn't realize, though, is that his day is going to get even worse, as his arch-enemy for the affections of an attractive co-worker has decided to teach the young minimum-wage earner a lesson he won't soon forget.
Crosland's name is a new one to me (I think... memory's not what it could be at times), but I'm pleased with what I find here. His work reminds me of a cross between the styles of Jim (Grrl Scouts) Mahfood and Marc (Tug & Buster) Hempel. His thick-lined, angular approach brings an edge and tension to the story and characters that's in keeping with the off-kilter nature of the property. I love his sense of design, and he makes the most of the black-and-white format. There's a raw, unrestrained quality in the art that's unsettlingly appealing.
Aaron is an unusual protagonist. He's the one set upon by corrupt forces. He's the one who needs to make the transition from victim to hero. But I don't feel the need to cheer him on. Aaron is rather pathetic, seemingly unwilling to assert himself in any scenario, violent or mundane. It's a different tack, and I'm intrigued. He's something of a whiner, an amusement-park counterpart to the Dante ("I'm not even supposed to be here today!") Hicks character from Clerks. The conflict isn't about Aaron's survival, but his need to develop a backbone. As a result, it's easy to see oneself in the ridiculously-garbed main character.
What makes this book work is the juxtaposition of wondrous, innocent elements -- namely, the magic dragon image -- with the ugly pettiness of the real world. These contrasting tones -- fantasy and gritty urban crime -- make the reader ill at ease... but in a good way. That's the goal, to get the audience off-balance. The story is completely unpredictable, and aside from black comedy, I'm not entirely sure on the genre or direction Layman has in mind. And in this case, it's one of the first issue's greatest strengths.
