My fourth round up of ECAF goodies! Today I’m looking at my purchases from Panels Comics: Meteor and Cosmic, though more so Cosmic as Meteor is on haitus.
I first came across Panels Comics in MCM Glasgow earlier this year, they were across from us (Frisson Comics) in the Comic Village which meant that I got to gaze at their lovely work all weekend, I ended up buying a pack of zines from them which I enjoyed immensely, they were experimental and full of interesting concepts. I started following Faye Stacey and Letty Wilson on Instagram and decided that next time I saw them at a convention I’d purchase some bigger books.
Both books I bought ended up being illustrated by Wilson. I was drawn to the retro colouring and the intricate covers of the books initially. Meteor is both written and illustrated by Wilson and Cosmic is written by Erin Keepers. I would like to say before I talk properly about Cosmic, that Meteor even though there is currently no new content is definitely worth a read, the writing is funny and dark and the art is full of beautiful details. It reminded me of Big Hero 6 in a way thematically (well if Big Hero 6 was set in a dystopian future and merged with Akira) If you can cope with the Firefly effect of needing more when you’ve finished, definitely grab a copy!
Now onto Cosmic, just wow. The story is centred around a young woman who wakes up in the centre of a crater with no memories but with a sense of purpose. The storytelling and pacing are phenomenally well done, the reader is introduced to the protagonist as she starts to learn about herself, Wilson art conveys the sense of wonder and innocence that the character must be feeling quite well. The story progresses in a fairly natural way, with the unnamed character learning about her environment and trying to find her way to the city.
The characters we meet on the way are likeable and as a reader I got very attached (a very SPOILER event happens in the story that I can’t elaborate on but left me feeling emotional and shocked)
Wilson’s beautiful artwork compliments Keeper’s intriguing tale perfectly. The aesthetic of the work and the intrigue at the end of the first issue has left me wanting to know more. As with NYX Cosmic will definitely be a regular purchase at future conventions (along with other works offered by Panels Comics)
The Art of Katie Whittle 