At first glance, this book looks to be in a genre that rarely appeals to me: furry. I've never really understood the small niche market for "furry" comics and the diehard fans who follow it. I honestly don't know if Mia officially falls into the furry category or not, and honestly, I don't care. All I care about is the energy and innocence that make this comic book such an immediately engaging and delightful read. Richly detailed and wondrous art, an adventurous plot and dialogue that tickles the brain are to be found in this unusual but thoroughly worthwhile small-press title.
It's 1931, and the time has come once again for a small Italian coastal town to host the Schneider Cup, an aviation race that attracts the best -- and most boastful -- in the world. Entering the race for the first time this year is a local girl named Mia, attracting the attention and ire of the odds-on-favorite, who's none too pleased a female has qualified for the race. Mia has skill and passion on her side, but working against her is his chief opponent's unscrupulous nature.
There's a clear manga influence at play in Cararosa's artwork, but there are others at play as well. I'm immediately reminded of Stan (Usagi Yojimbo) Sakai's style, as well as that of Paul (Kane, Jack Staff) Grist. The character designs are simple but striking, but the background detail is remarkable. I also love the fanciful aircraft designs. The artist brings a rich, cultural and historical setting to life while making room for wondrous visions of imagination.
The plot here is rather basic. We've seen it before; one example (an inferior one, mind you) that comes to mind is the pod race scene in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. While the plot is simple, the backdrop against which it is set is well realized. Casarosa has clearly put a great deal of thought into the historical setting and the culture that's arisen around these aviation races. Despite the anthropomorphic nature of the characters, Mia's world seems real, rich and exciting.
The dialogue brings the title character's energy and exuberance to life just as vividly. The backup story featuring how she came to be so passionate about aviation may be brief, but it goes a long way to convincingly convey why she loves being a pilot so much. I pray Cararosa finds a wide audience with this small-press book. Fans of Akiko, Bone and Leave It to Chance would be well advised to check out The Adventures of Mia.
Note: This comic book was not among this week's new release.
