The Lettuce Girl #2by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 9 This second issue starts by going back to Rapunzel's beginning. Of course, she's not called "Rapunzel" here; in fact, she doesn't have a name yet, but from the title we gather she's the "Lettuce Girl." We see lettuce planted and growing, and a pregnant woman watching it from next door. She craves it so much she tells her husband to get it for her or she'll die, and when he gets caught he swaps his own life for the unborn child's. Typical fairy-tale beginning. I like that this takes it one step further and shows a brief scene between the husband and wife after their child is taken. It's a powerful scene, and it makes me dislike the woman as much as the man (after all, she was the one threatening to die if he didn't steal for her, then blames him for the poor outcome).When the story switches focus to the now-16-year-old girl in the tower, a new element is introduced. Much like issue #1, which included the old witch from the gingerbread house, this issue includes an Ula, an ancient sea serpent. I'm intrigued. Especially since, when we first see the Ula, it looks like a snake. However, it soon becomes clear that it's much, much bigger. The cover of the comic also shows this, but until seeing it in the story, I wasn't certain what exactly to make of the cover. I love the design and the way the panels follow the Ula's movements. During the conversation between girl and Ula, two strange things happen. First, it's said that this is her fourth Spring … but she's 16-years-old. Something is funny with that timeline (or this world is not the one we know). Second, in a very unusual manner, while talking and petting, the girl ends up astride the Ula's back like she's riding it, and I can't help but think about the sexuality of a naïve, virgin girl with a big serpent between her legs. It's just a little ... odd. However, the stage is set for this girl to leave to tower, joining the Ula in friendship and quest, making me quite curious to see where this story goes next, especially after the insight into the witch's life from the first issue. Sophia Wiedeman's art is simple but full of life. There is a gentleness to it that is a wonderful complement to her stories. The panel layout and artistic details are all just right to frame the story visually. The book itself is of beautiful quality, and the cover paper gives it that handmade quality while still being professional and durable. The $6 price is not bad considering the quality of art, story and binding. Plus it truly looks like this creator put a little extra effort into making it look good and be personal at the same time. If you haven't had a chance to check out any of Wiedeman's comics or art before, you're missing out on something great. I always look forward to new pieces and stories from her, and The Lettuce Girl is shaping up to be a twist on the whole fairy tale concept. Written: February 18, 2012
|
|
|
Home |
Features |
Columns |
Culture Vultures |
Report Card
Indicia | Contact | Archives © Sequential Tart, 1998 – 2021 |
