Kickstarter Alert: Start Again: Stories #1
Trauma comes in many different shapes and forms, from the ultra violent all the way through the emotional spectrum. Coupled with the weight of expectations of what you want and the splash in the face of the reality of other peoples perceptions and reaction, trauma can be devastating. As someone who has gone through a very personal trauma and loss over this last month, I can recognise the importance of starting again, be it starting over, starting living or even starting to put one foot in front of the other. This first issue is a collection of short stories featuring these brave souls who have had to Start Again.
First up is Victoria, a cosplayer how catches the eyes and the attention of the Twitter-verse in a way that is instantly recognisable to any and all who have dared to venture through the murky, opinion, love filled and hate filled waters of social media. Next up is Sarah, who with the guy she met up in the gym decides to try for children. Though it seems that previous hearts desires have an impact on both the present and the future. Jordan is starting over in a new city, with new friends. Finally, Mouthy has to deal with a serious loss, one that could of have possibly been avoided, or at least intervened.
All the stories are written by Kickstarter expert Jamie Me, who has successfully launched a number of projects. Me has developed over the last few years, never settling on one particular trope of style. This diversity serves him well as he captures four distinct lifestyles, with problems that seem so relevant in today’s world. A proponent of Mental Heath, Me’s observations around expectations and social Darwinism simply astound me. It a perfectly crafted and weighted book. Each story has resonance that has the power to move the reader, regardless of any lack of prior knowledge of a situation; that is how real the writing in this book is.
The art is supplied throughout by two artists. Unlike other art by committee books, Roger Bonet and Neri Rearte each take a couple of stories. Looking at the first two chapters, Bonet does a great job, especially on the first one in setting the scene. Victoria’s story works because of the reality that so many cosplayer report once they have attended a show. The second one features a couple of characters that find themselves in an awkward situation. This leads to slightly off perspectives atop Mark Bagely influences. Rearte’s first story, Jordan, is OK, but the last story regarding Mouthy is the better of Rearte’s work. Colors are supplied by Bonet, Rearte and Maury Tanaka, all of whom add to the vibe of the book. Maybe, its Rearte’s own coloring that helps deliver an emotional impacton the final story.
Start Again: Stories is great place to read a range of stories full of human beings, living full human lives with all the toils, troubles and traumas that can occur. Sometimes, it’s good to look at what you have lost and recognise those success in your growth.
Go check out the Kickstarter here. for a change to pick up this book.
Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 4 Stars
Colors – 5 Stars
Overall – 5 Stars
Written by; Jamie Me
Art by, Roger Bonet & Neri Rearte
Colors by;Â Roger Bonet, Neri Rearte and Maury Tanaka
Letters and Design; Jamie Me
Edited by; Archie Dait
Personally, I would like to dedicate this review to my wife, Mrs H, who has recently had to start again following the passing of her mom, during this last month.
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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