Kingbeast's Lair

-== Dotter Of Her Father’s Eyes ==-

Author: Mary Talbot
Artist: Bryan Talbot
Layout: 6″ x 8 1/2″, 94 pages, hardcover, with a color cover and interior.
Publisher: Dark Horse
Year Published: 2012

-== What is it? ==-

Dotter Of Her Father’s Eyes (DOHFE) is the story of Lucia Joyce, the daughter of James Joyce, and Mary Talbot. Mary Talbot is the daughter of a James Joyce scholar and the author. The story switches back and forth comparing and contrasting the lives of these two women. Each story takes place in different times as well.

-== What I Like ==-

The artwork in DOHFE is done in a simple style that reminded me of Maus. The coloring switches between blues for Lucia and browns for Mary. Although the artwork is not detailed it does a great job keeping the focus on the story.

DOHFE is a powerful narrative of growing up under a controlling parent. The graphic novel does a great job following the two women as they try to make their own way in the world. As they work their way into adulthood they encounter many emotional encounters that shape them. The writing in DOHFE is exceptional.

-== What I Don’t Like ==-

The story is definitely stronger if the reader knows at least some basic facts about James Joyce and his works. Those unfamiliar with Joyce can still enjoy the story but it helps to have some background.

The artwork quality can vary. In some areas DOHFE feels “sketchy” instead of crisp and clear.

-== Summary ==-

DOHFE is a very different graphic novel. I think it shows the emotional power that can be carried in the medium. For a price of $11.77 this is a no brainer…go check it out. 😉

I give it 8 out of 10 paws.

Amazon has copies of the graphic novel for $11.77 at this URL.

-== Pariah Missouri ==-

Author: Andres Salazar
Artist: Jose Luis Pescador with coloring by Andres Salazar
Layout: 7″ x 10″, 112 pages, softcover, with a color cover and interior.
Publisher: SE Studios And Decade Brothers Studios
Year Published: 2013

-== What is it? ==-

Pariah Missouri is a wild west tale set in a city that is being infected by evil creatures and men. The first book revolves around a set of characters that are gathered together to fight back against the darkness. I am reading a copy that I purchased through the initial Kickstarter. Pariah Missouri is now released through regular comic distribution channels and can be found or ordered at most comic stores. You can also get copies of book one as part of the Kickstarter for book two.

-== What I Like ==-

The line work in Pariah is wonderful. Pescador has a thin line technique that shows lots of detail without making it feel cluttered. The lines are precise and strong. I particularly like the costume and accessory designs which really fit the wild west setting perfectly.

Salazar does a masterful job on the coloring. The coloring uses watercolor like washes in predominately orange/sepia or blue tones. The coloring really enforces the mood of the story as it moves along. I was particularly entranced by the thought that went into the color choices on each page.

I really enjoyed the characters in Pariah. There is a handsome card sharp leader, a beautiful call girl with a caring heart, a black voodoo practitioner, an Indian bounty hunter, and a crackpot Indian shaman. The group really feels like a well crafted RPG team. 🙂

-== What I Don’t Like ==-

One of my only complaints is with the cover. I really think it could be enhanced so that it really pops when put on the shelf. Maybe a bit more action would also be good.

-== Summary ==-

Pariah Missouri feels like a mashup of the A-Team, Supernatural, and Wild Wild West. The feel is light and fun. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book! 😀 (You can order book one and book two right now through the Kickstarter. Here is a link to that campaign. I was very excited to learn that as part of the Kickstarter for Pariah Book 2 there will be an RPG! Hot darn! See the Kickstarter for details.)

I wanted to send a special thanks to Andres Salazar. When I got book one from the last Kickstarter it was badly creased through the spine. It honestly looked like someone bent if over a curb. Andres sent me a new copy with a nice signature at no cost. Awesome customer support is a good thing. 😉

I give it 9 out of 10 paws.

Right now the only place to get it is through your local comic book store or the Kickstarter for book two. Most friendly local comic stores have it for around $20.