Welcome to the latest installment of Preview Reviews.
This week we have two books to review for you. The first is Alice Ever After #1 from Boom! Studios, and the other is G.I.L.T. #1 from Ahoy Comics. Both of these comics are great debuts to interesting series. We are looking forward to issue number two from both of these stories.
You can find these books at your LCS on April 6, 2022.
Alice Ever After #1
Boom! Studios
Written by Dan Panosian
Art by Giorgio Spalletta & Panosian
Colors by Fabiana Mascolo
Letters by Jeff Eckleberry
Cover Art by Panosian
Original Solicitation:
Return to Wonderland in this twisted sequel by superstar artist and writer Dan Panosian perfect for fans of Mirka Andolfo’s Mercy and Luna.
Alice first visited Wonderland as a child. Now an adult, it’s her only escape from a cold, strange reality she finds herself living in.
But in order to return to her fantasy world, she’ll need something stronger than mushrooms that change her size, and is forced to resort to crime to feed her growing addiction.
Will Alice choose to escape from her uncaring family and childhood trauma in Wonderland, or find the courage to face her demons in the real world?
PCS Review:
This is the first chapter in what seems to be a captivating trip into the world of Alice in Wonderland, but do not be mistaken, this is no Disney story. Dan Panosian’s imagination of a troubled young woman searching to hide from reality and retreat to past fantasies is a treat. The time and techniques used to introduce the expanded characters feels smooth and natural. The story being told finds the place for exploring classic childhood adventures that exists between overtly exploitive titillation and childish fairytales in a smart and creative way.
The art in this book is lovely. The color pallet that Fabiana Mascolo has chosen lends itself to the fantastical story being told in another time and place. The layouts and line art are excellent examples of storytelling. This is not a highly action packed issue, but the facial and figure drawing enhance the story in magnificent ways that bring the story to life.
Jeff Eckleberry does a wonderful job lettering this book. There is a tag team of narrators and the clear and distinct delineation techniques he uses add another layer to the readers experience. The word balloon execution is excellent as well.
Overall, we highly recommend this book. It is adventurous and the danger to the protagonist that is presented in this first issue requires the reader to see it through. We are definitely on board.
G.I.L.T. #1
Ahoy Comics
Written by Alisa Kwitney
Art by Mauricet
Letters by Rob Steen
Cover Art by Mauricet
Original Solicitation:
Meet Hildy Winters, a tough, outspoken survivor of New York City’s Upper West Side-with her very own time-travel portal. For Hildy belongs to G.I.L.T., the Guild of Independent Lady Temporalists. Their prime directive: Do not alter the past without co-op board approval! A snappy, stylish urban fantasy by novelist/comics writer Alisa Kwitney and artist Mauricet.
PCS Review:
This comic is gorgeous. Mauricet is a master of the visual narrative form. We were easily captivated by everything drawn in each panel, from the lifelike facial expressions to the intricate background details. The vibrant color choices and smooth execution of shadows serve to highlight important story notes. Visually this book is something not to be missed.
The story being told in G.I.L.T. is clever and engaging. The slow build up to the revelation of the meaning behind the book’s title acronym serves to explore the main characters’ personalities and draw the reader in. Before they know it, a sit-com has become a time travelling magical adventure, and they are hooked. At least, we were. Alisa Kwitney has set up what seems to be a wonderful buddy comedy adventure. Her use of dialogue is a major plus in setting the realism behind the fantastical plot points.
Rob Steen, the primary letterer for Ahoy Comics, is a truly gifted letterer. He routinely delivers excellent work for the publisher, and this book is no exception. Wonderful execution on the dialogue word balloons and creative sound effects.
This book is fun and entertaining. We are super interested in seeing the protagonists deal with the situations that they find themselves in. On top of that, the art alone is worth the price of admission.
As a bonus, here are the first three pages of G.I.L.T.:
