Finder #22 - Mobile Edition

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Finder #22
By Leroy Douresseaux
November 2, 2003 - 10:25

Lightspeed Press
Writer(s): Carla Speed-McNeil
Penciller(s): Carla Speed-McNeil

Praise from Warren Ellis and some Eisner Award nominations have brought the work of Maryland cartoonist and comic book self-publisher CARLA SPEED-MCNEIL to light, but a little is not enough. Her comic FINDER should make any serious short list of best comics being published in the U.S. Any list that leaves Finder off is made only of books from Diamond's "premier publishers," and that is an unfortunate list.

Finder is very hard to classify, although its setting could be described as science fiction. After the first 22 issues, the storylines have encompassed issues of art, culture, conformity, familial obligation, history, pop culture, self-determination, and societal obligations and ties. Finder is, plainly and simply, fine drama with all the dressings of comedy, romance, tragedy, and satire.

Issue 22 is a stand-alone issue in which the author unveils with relish a detailed series of flashbacks that cover the history of the titular lead, Jaeger. It's a wonderful and rich coming of age, father/son tale lavishly told in a brief 31 pages - an epic tale most mainstream writers would have made into a 12-issue two-trade paperback arc.

It's fun to read Ms. McNeil, as she engages the reader with her richly detailed, sumptuous world, and she never leaves the reader feeling left out. Oh, the art is simple, yet ornate, and keeps getting better. Visit Carla at http://www.lightspeedpress.com