#Review: Girl Genius Web Comic Review Volume #1
#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @ashleighmayes
Just recently I’ve discovered the digital world of comics, so, needless to say, I’ve never read a web comic. Many people have suggested them to me, but I like the feel of the papercuts traditional comic books give me. Ok…totally joking. But really…there’s just something about turning the pages and their smell that I love.
Back to Web Comics...I’ve decided to give them a chance. Browsing search results, I stumbled upon “Girl Genius” (story by Kaja and Phil Foglio, Drawings by Phil Foglio, and Coloring and Inking by various artists ) and boy, am I glad I did! This is seriously an interesting read. Not only is the story unique, but the art is as well. The comic is illustrated in a Steampunk style (don’t know what Steampunk is? Tsk, tsk. Google it! ;) ) and the story perfectly compliments it.
From what I’ve gathered from reading Volume 1, the story is about a world full of tension. Lands are in ruins, people are out of touch, and all the progress the “Heterodyne Boys” have made…gone. The story follows a main character “Agatha” and her day-to-day life. In one page, she’s late to school. In another, she’s being forced to clean up an impossible mess in half an hour.
My critique is this: I don’t know what the heck is going on. It doesn’t seem like the pages go together and the story seems to jump around a lot. It might be the nature of the Web Comic (since a page can be posted once a week, month, or whenever!), but it seems to me like things should run more smoothly. Maybe it’s because I’m just starting the story, or maybe my attention span just isn’t what it should be, but I found it hard to read. I love the art. It’s beautiful with it’s Steampunk style (which, by nature, has muted, neutral, bronzy colors) that incorporates bright colors. I definitely prefer the style of inking in the first volume as opposed to the later volumes (it has more fine-line detail). I will keep reading this Web Comic, because I believe that nothing (no matter what) should be given up on based on its impression. If you’re interested in action, Steampunk style, or mystery, check out Girl Genius!
Until the next Comic, Nerdlings! XOXO Ashleigh
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