REVIEW: Fence #4

This issue of Fence comes right after the tournament we witnessed last issue, however, it’s a much-deserved, relaxed entry into the story. In this issue, we are treated to a date/appointment between two of the male rivals and a little bit of lore about one of the coaches. Overall it’s a great entry, it’s an easy read, and whilst there’s not much action happening there is a lot of background development on the characters.

Some issues are simply there to tell you about the characters and get you engaged with who they are and why they are that way. This issue is very wholesome, and I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about the LGBTQ+ dynamics of this book. In general, fencing has been throughout the years been seen as either a rich snobby sport or a wimpy sport, which whilst completely false in many cases (which we can see here with the upbringing of one of the characters in a repurposed ballroom) makes complete sense that we would see these sorts of boy on boy dynamics going on. I consider myself to be a heterosexual queer man, and whilst I am part of the LGBTQ+ community I do not tend to gravitate towards this kind of entertainment myself, and yet I found this particular issue to be truly inspiring. It is beautiful to see nonheterosexual relationship dynamics being expressed in ways that are very wholesome and really just sweet. There are several moments of awkwardness that are truly emblematic of when two people like each other but are afraid of voicing it, and I just love to see this sort of representation in an indie book. It’s also very sweet to see that it’s in no way sexualized, or overly dramatized it’s just normal; Two people like each other and they don’t know how to express it but they go out on a date regardless, and they happen to both be boys. It’s sweet honestly.

This particular entry in the story has a very similar feel to Japanese manga stories of the Yaoi genre, also known as “Boy Love” stories. It’s literally a “Boy Love” story intermixed with fencing anecdotes and references. There is hardly any action in the book, but it’s still a worthwhile read. Speaking of Japanese cartoon entertainment, something about this story gave me My Hero Academia filler episode vibes, like let’s have a look at what the kids do during their time at school when they are not fencing, it was honestly great.

Despite not having many action panels, we still are met with beautiful colors, amazing backgrounds, and interesting character designs. Super lettering and fantastic panel layouts come together to tell a story of budding romance that fills your heart with hope of young love. We continue to see references to Japanese manga culture with their continued use of chibi character designs, and facial expressions that are very indicative of the manga influence on the artists working on this project. I personally like it when I see this kind of homage to the influences of the participants because it ends up feeling like a labor of love, and it is very difficult for something to fail when you are doing it with love and passion.

There was one moment in particular that I enjoyed greatly and that was the backstory of one of the fencing adversaries of King’s Row. During this brief scene, we are treated to a narrative of focus, dedication, and passion for fencing, which is a lesson that we can all apply to our lives. If you want to do something, it doesn’t matter where you are right now, but it matters that you start and give it your best and soon enough you will be able to get it. It’s all about beginning, and trying your hardest at it. Interestingly enough, I think is a great motto for the artists involved in this project because every page and every panel feels like they went at it with that mentality. They are doing their very best to tell a story that is unique in subject matter, shows different aspects of gender identity and sexuality, and combines different cartooning influences (Western, and Eastern) all whilst trying their best to not make it boring. In my mind, a story about fencing simply has to be boring, but this book is turning that idea completely upside down. I would not be surprised if the next comic they make is about golfing (another sport that seems highly uninteresting) and they turn it into a masterpiece just like this one.

Writing: 5 Stars
Art: 5 Stars
Colors: 5 Stars

Overall: 5 Stars

Written by: CS. Pacat
Art by: Johanna the Mad
Colors by: Joana Lafuente
Lettering by: Jim Campbell
Cover art by: Johanna the Mad
Varian Covers by: Magdalena Pągowska & Sweeney Boo

Published by Boom! Box

Reviewed by Antonio “Mabs”