Comics / Comic Reviews / More Comics

Ravenous

By Hervé St.Louis
August 14, 2005 - 16:00

Ravenous is a new original graphic novel by Hollywood set designer and Xeric grant winner Dawn Brown about a serial killer that slices his victims in two in the small town of Good Fortune. A young detective, transferred from another precinct earlier is part of the investigation. Inspired by the work of crime author Edgar Allan Poe, the back of the book features reprints of some of his short stories with additional illustration by Brown.

Brown tells the story from the point of view of Mason, the young detective. We discover much about Mason life in the process as the investigation helps him put his own demons into perspective. The theme of the ravens is not exactly clear. They are omnipresent observers of all the activities in Good Fortune, but beyond that, they seem cosmetic additions. Brown adds a twist of magical realism in the story, making it connect better with the Allan Poe influence.

Art-wise, Brown is a fantastic storyteller. She has a pencil quality line offset with realistic painting that give three dimension qualities to her work. Her painting has hints of water colours. The combination of hard edge pencils with water colour washes is the perfect mix to render a painted comic book, while keeping the dynamism of the storytelling. Brown borrows many comic book storytelling tricks, making her more than another illustrator, and a bona fide comic book artist.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12