This trade paperback has been available at a number of comics conventions in the past few months, but this week marks its release through comics distributors. Those who weren't lucky enough to get one directly from the writer/artist would be well advised to take the chance now to pick it up. This black-and-white book boasts a quality that not many other comics can: it comes off as new, different and fresh. Though a bit sad in atmosphere overall, it seems to be appropriate for a variety of ages as well.
In a small, drafty apartment, an old man lies dying with no family, no lover at his bedside. But he is not alone. That old man took care of a special little creature named Vogelein (pronounced Pfeu-ge-line), and now she's without a keeper. She ventures out into the strange world of today, encountering kindness from strangers and bitterness from a strange being not unlike herself. But even the kindness she's shown has its limits, and she feels trapped in the modern world, finding freedom only in memory.
Though her figures are a bit stiff in the earlier chapters, the artwork overall here is quite strong. Irwin achieves an interesting dichotomy here. The darkness of the backgrounds contrasts with the more positive tone of Vogelein's encounters. It keeps the reader off-balance, making for an unpredictable read and an original tone. The black-and-white artwork maintains a grey atmosphere in the book, reflecting the melancholy aspects of the story. There's remarkable depth and detail in Irwin's work, but there's also a lighter, simpler tone that reinforces the elements of innocence that are key to the story.
This indy comics release boasts a great deal of strength. There's a quiet, serene tone to this book, but there's a sadness that permeates it as well. Vogelein is well served by a slow pace, and the peaceful yet uncertain atmosphere envelops the reader. Despite the title character's predicaments, fear and confusion, there's an uplifting tone to the story. We're set up to expect people to abuse or take advantage of Vogelein, but instead, she's met with kindness, or at the worst, indifference. Irwin seems to be saying that most people, at their core, are decent.
I think the theme that's at the heart of Vogelein is learning. The flashbacks are all about Vogelein learning about the world, inquiring about her origins and about the nature of life, and the scenes set in the present is about the title character learning a new way of life. Clockwork Faerie seems to be the story of Vogelein's transition from childhood -- a lengthy one at that, at 300 years -- to adulthood, to independence. It's a unique and thought-provoking experience that will challenge younger and older readers alike.
Note: Some of the comments in this review were reproduced from a previous feature on the website.
