Advance Review: Olivia Twist #1 (of 4)
They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery. What then is imitation with a touch of a, pardon the pun, twist?
Berger Books are seemingly going out of their way to provide an eclectic range of books as maybe AfterShocks, with the main difference that that there appears to the be a literary connection to the former that is missing from the latter. Case in point, a reworking of the classic Oliver Twist, as new as it is consistent, right down to the “please sir, can I have…” intimation.
If you know the original book, or seen the movie or even the musical, you will get an idea of the beats of this story. Set against a dark future, whose seeds could been seen as sown in today’s fearful world, Oliva is practically a child work slave, serving the machinations of society in the workhouse. As she she ages out, it seems that she may well have the life she dreams. But the reality is even more time spent in fruitless labour in a stagnant world of no rights and definitely no freedoms. On her birthday, she makes a choice and by doing so finds herself in the company of, well, you know the cast of characters already, right?
This series is co-written by Darin Strauss, an internationally best selling author and Adam Dalva whose work has previously been seen in the The Guardian and Tin House. The pair go someway in setting up their version of the squalor of the original, giving it the old dystopian future vibe. As with most new pairings, I would like to know who was responsible for what; was one on dialogue and the other on setup or was the whole piece conjured up organically, with both contributing to a great whole? As it stands, the book reads well, with the monologue explaining the world through Olivia’s perceptions. There are a number of stereotypes in play, the friendly guard for example which at times feels a tad convenient. But on the whole, the book works, as the setup piece of the four issues. It will be interesting to see how subsequent issues with either fall in line or differ from the original book.
The art is provided by Adventures of Supergirl and Dr. Who artist Emma Vieceli, who seems like a good fit for the book. Through her previous work, she will have had to contend with different civilisations and worlds, which is practically what we have on show here. The action elements may be missing, especially if you expect superheroes, but Vieceli shows some strong pencils, depicting a young woman who is sick and tired of all that the life she knows has to offer in the shape of Olivia. The emotional aspects of the story work well, thanks to some great facial panels. If I was being critical, there is one bit that kind of confused me at first, the similarities between characters threw me for a loop. On second reading, the reason makes a little more sense. The colouring of the book, from Lee Loughridge, is grim, as you would expect where even the alleged bright environs, on show later in the book, carry a muted texture.
I am not sure of the validity of reworking classic books. If I wanted to read Oliver Twist, I would do so. On the other hand, I guess a lot of the fun is seeing the old story in a new way. Whilst not a book I would rush out to buy, the standard of the writing, the art and the infusion of quality from all those involved, make this an interesting read.
Olivia Twist is available from your LCBS on 19th September.
Writing – 4 Stars
Art – 4.5 Stars
Colors – 4.5 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Written by; Darin Strauss & Adam Dalva
Art by; Emma Vieceli
Colors by; Lee Loughridge
Published by;Â Berger Books Imprint via Dark Horse Comics
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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