“We all lose that innocence when the dream ends. It’s time she woke up.”
Tomboy #10 is one of the most refreshing reads I’ve had in quite some time. What’s strange is that even though I was lost for most of the adventure (this is my first time with the series) there’s something about it that demands your attention and just won’t let you go.
The story that writer Mia Goodwin weaves is one of two very different worlds between the living and the dead. It seems that both of these groups can interact with each other, or at least with people tied closely to them in some way and there are forces messing about with this. Look, I’m new here, so I’m trying to play catch-up the best I can. Just know that regardless of the backstory, Goodwin crafts an excellent tale that needs to be read. It’s easy to follow a comic book from the beginning, but it’s when you are knee-deep into your arc and can still find ways to capture the attention of new readers, well, that’s when you know you have something special. And Tomboy is clearly something special.
“I feel like we’re standing on opposite sides of the river and I can’t find the bridge to get back to you.”
Comics are a disposable medium, and that’s not a knock on the industry; that’s simply what they were always meant to be. There have been hundreds upon hundreds of issues of Spider-Man out there and comic fans have read a lot of them (or insert you favorite comic hero here), but how many lines of dialogue can you recall? How many actual arcs can you call back? In a single read, Tomboy #10 has given me the former (see the quotes throughout this review) and after going back through this series it might also provide the latter.
Tomboy is published by Danger Zone, the mature imprint of Action Lab Comics, and it shows. Where the last book I covered relished in the blood and sex aspect most would assume a mature imprint brings, Tomboy instead chooses to use the imprint to tell a more adult narrative. One in which the words on the page go beyond simple entertainment and take on a deeper meaning.
“Fate’s not playing in your favor…”
But for every great story there likewise needs to be great art, and Michelle Wong handles things beautifully. Characters all look realistic, but still have a sort of cartoon like innocent to them. It’s all top-notch work from beginning to end. The colors are what really stood out for me as they really help set the mood for each scene in fantastic fashion, but also give a distinct look to those alive and those from the other side.
After reading the book a few times I’m still lost about a lot of the details that seem to be leading up to the end of this arc, but you know what? I’m beyond hooked, even as an outsider. When a book makes you want to know what happens next is one thing, but when a book makes you want to call up every local comic shop and find every issue of the current arc you have something special.
“Tomboy is a series that demands to be read!”
Final Score:
4.5/5
Action Lab – Danger Zone: February 8, 2017
Writer: Mia Goodwin
Art: Michelle Wong
Cover: Mia Goodwin
Cover Price: $3.99
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