Redchapel #1

Posted: Wednesday, July 26, 2006
By: Darren Schroeder

Cover of Redchapel #1 Creator(s): Caleb Monroe (w) and Noel Tuazon (a) on First day Back and Scamp’s Present, Jason Rodriguez (W) and Jacob Warrenfeltz (a) on The Curse
Publishers: Redchapel Comics (Self Published)
From: com
Price: $4.50 US

In which we encounter two comics and a short story with illustrations. I wasn't expecting an anthology when I fist started reading this comic. It doesn’t seem thick enough for that, and the cover gives no clue to, especially seeing the cover ties into the first story.

The opening tale deals with a girls' school for those interested in the art of magic. Yes, that is a fairly derivative setting sure to remind you of a few novels and another comic title of a few years ago. But hey, if it works don't knock it, and this story certainly makes an impression. The girls of this school are sad, bratty, and all the other things a bunch of little girls can be. The teachers are all charming young women drawn in a style that is both sexy and modest. It's not what is on show, cause they don't show anything, it’s the way they move and hold themselves. Noel's Artwork is lose and spare, with minimal fluid lines used to create characters that possesses a great deal of charm. They are full of life, with personalities that leap off the page.

The plot introduces us in gentile way to a group of the pupils and teaches with a minimum of exposition. The story telling seem effortless but in no way sloppy. It's a preview that leaves you wanting to read more.

Next up is a longish short story. I started reading it but it seemed a bit too much like a kids bedtime story to interest me apart from the cute illustrations. It was really fighting an uphill battle, as I can't be bothered with text pieces. I read comics for the mix of text and images and how they work together.

Finally we get an enigmatic story about a person who watches a lot of baseball games looking to solve some mystery. His love of the game over close to 90 years has gotten him into trouble with his superiors. The plot didn't make much sense. It hints at events and the reasons behind them, presenting the theme of a love for the game rather than explaining the actions of the character. I felt dissatisfied with the sudden revelation at the end. Jacob's artwork is proficient, but looks dead in the water in comparison to Noel's entrancing work.

In a Word: mismatched..



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