Tooth & Claw #1
Kurt Busiek makes his image comics debut this week with Tooth & Claw #1. This is a very strange and well-crafted tale that is sure to captivate fans of fantasy, magic and rich-mythologies.
It was evident from the outset that Busiek poured his soul and imagination into this issue. This mythology is rich and layered, however Busiek doesn’t waste any dialogue on overloaded exposition. Whereas a comic like Low #1 took a few pages to explain what happened to the world and its characteristics, Busiek creates a nice mysterious feel to the comic without creating a sense of unnecessary secrets. There will most likely be hints of explanation in the coming issues which is a much more effective way of revealing the depth of a fictional universe. Busiek has spent a lot of time creating this mythology and it’s obvious despite the modicum of exposition.
We’re dropped into the world through the eyes of a young pup named Dustan who is the main-trader’s son, getting ready to someday take up his father’s mantle. This represents my main problem with this comic. The characters are slightly underdeveloped (Dustan especially, despite his youth) in the first issue and I don’t feel as invested in their story as the actual world’s story. Busiek writes very strong character-driven dialogue but there doesn’t seem to be much hook with the characters aside from one Petyr Baelish type who will most likely be a deceitful and treacherous antagonist. His talent seems to be undeniable but his ego will surely prevent him from aiding the world in their current predicament.
Rising star Ben Dewey pencils this issue and he is by all means a star. His art is extremely fluid and emotional when it needs to be. Capturing the smaller and quieter scene with perfect character expressions and postures. He can also bring Busiek ambition to life perfectly with the action scene and designs of the island in which the main characters inhabit. I’m beyond impressed with this artist’s extremely detailed work. My amazement is enhanced by the fact that all 44 pages of comic hold up the beautiful work showing how dedicated this artist actually is.
Tooth & Claw #1 is a 48 page comic for $2.99. If you’re not already considering the purchase, then I can reassure you that this book is a great debut for an ambitious, layered and imaginative story that is bound to grow into a great one. It has its issues but they will most certainly be addressed in the coming month so go out and pick this one up if you haven’t already!
It was evident from the outset that Busiek poured his soul and imagination into this issue. This mythology is rich and layered, however Busiek doesn’t waste any dialogue on overloaded exposition. Whereas a comic like Low #1 took a few pages to explain what happened to the world and its characteristics, Busiek creates a nice mysterious feel to the comic without creating a sense of unnecessary secrets. There will most likely be hints of explanation in the coming issues which is a much more effective way of revealing the depth of a fictional universe. Busiek has spent a lot of time creating this mythology and it’s obvious despite the modicum of exposition.
We’re dropped into the world through the eyes of a young pup named Dustan who is the main-trader’s son, getting ready to someday take up his father’s mantle. This represents my main problem with this comic. The characters are slightly underdeveloped (Dustan especially, despite his youth) in the first issue and I don’t feel as invested in their story as the actual world’s story. Busiek writes very strong character-driven dialogue but there doesn’t seem to be much hook with the characters aside from one Petyr Baelish type who will most likely be a deceitful and treacherous antagonist. His talent seems to be undeniable but his ego will surely prevent him from aiding the world in their current predicament.
Rising star Ben Dewey pencils this issue and he is by all means a star. His art is extremely fluid and emotional when it needs to be. Capturing the smaller and quieter scene with perfect character expressions and postures. He can also bring Busiek ambition to life perfectly with the action scene and designs of the island in which the main characters inhabit. I’m beyond impressed with this artist’s extremely detailed work. My amazement is enhanced by the fact that all 44 pages of comic hold up the beautiful work showing how dedicated this artist actually is.
Tooth & Claw #1 is a 48 page comic for $2.99. If you’re not already considering the purchase, then I can reassure you that this book is a great debut for an ambitious, layered and imaginative story that is bound to grow into a great one. It has its issues but they will most certainly be addressed in the coming month so go out and pick this one up if you haven’t already!
A Look Inside
