Writer: J.M. DeMatteis
Artist: Mike Ploog, Nick Bell
Publisher: CrossGen
Synopsis:
A day at the street fair turns tragic. Kate's little brother, Matt, has gone missing. Five years later, the pain lingers on. Kate's grown into a troubled adolescent, who's failing her classes and seeking isolation by hiding in the closet. But there is mystery underlying Matt's disappearance.
An odd, elderly neighbor makes some fanciful claims to Kate over cookies and tea. The world of Abadazad, a fictional fantasy realm that featured in Matt's favorite stories, is real! But that's not all, Matt's been abducted into this wonderland, and Kate needs to go rescue him. It sounds like the insane ramblings of a demented old lady.
But later, when Kate receives a glowing blue orb in a package, the mystery of Abadazad cannot be denied. Seven times, the word "Abadazad" must be repeated. Then will she be carried to that "place where sorrow has no home -- where time has no meaning -- where joy lives forever!"
Critique:
"He gave us a couple of tickets -- and then he left. No big deal. . . right?"
This is an amazing comic. The plot is a powerful and traditional standard in children literature, the missing sibling. DeMatteis gives it emotional poignancy by creating a convincing and engaging character in Kate. Combined with the strong mood of modern fantasy and storybook fable, this issue is a winner.
The expert use of narrative creates a rich reading experience, with lovely prose that sets the imagination into flight. Moreover, it creates a narrative voice that captures the character of Kate, from her sense of uncertainty to her pain at the loss of her beloved younger brother. Yet, DeMatteis is by no means wordy; the narrative is used with precision. It is abundant when establishing those intangibles that cannot be conveyed by image alone, but is just about silent when drama can be most touchingly expressed by the exquisite artwork.
Let's not be coy about the art; it is spectacular. Ploog's compositions are inspired in their ability to capture both the innocence and freshness of a child's storybook as well as the sophistication of the best of sequential art. The detail is rich and nuanced, establishing mood by filling the setting with salient elements; the kitchen sink is filled with dirty dishes, old Mrs. Vaughn's apartment is smothering with assorted bric-a-brac and heavy furniture, and the fair is busy with games, food, and rides.
Then there is the expert pacing. Both in narrative and in composition, this story is a smooth but fulfilling read. The dialogue is lively, with an authentic-sounding voice for our teenage protagonist. This is true for the figural and stance depictions as well; the expressiveness is convincing and colorful. Put together, Kate is a wholly compelling character in a rich and captivating setting.
Finally, Nick Bell's coloring is outstanding. The colors reinforce the mood and bring the compositions to life. The colors at the fair are dazzling and hectic, contrasting with the dark and blue aftermath of Matt's disappearance. Especially noteworthy is the moment when Kate finally experiences the magic that leads to the fantastic realm of Abadazad; the colors capture a visceral sense of its otherworldliness.
Appraisal:
"You'll never find anything like it in this world."
Indeed! This issue is pure magic that will charm readers of any age. I'm a long-time fan of CrossGen's innovation in exploring diverse genres within the comic book format, but this is by far their best product yet. This issue offers up both exquisite writing and superb artwork, coming together in creating a powerful introduction to a series that promises to be a masterpiece of modern fantasy. I highly recommend this issue.
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