MIDDLEWEST ISSUES #1-5 review
(Reviewed by Melody Werner)
Middlewest is an ongoing fantasy series that began in 2018, written by Skottie Young and illustrated by Jorge Corona. Published by Image Comics, it could be viewed as part of an apparent push by Image to get more Studio Ghibli esque fantasy comics out there (see: Isola, Flavor). And while I am an ardent fan of both Isola and Flavor too, Middlewest is probably my favorite of this trio by a hair. Plus it's one of the best current ongoings, hands down.
Though I have yet to read Corona's previous Image title, No. 1 with a Bullet, yet (it's on my radar), I can see this guy becoming a force to be reckoned with. The art on display here is truly spectacular with an eye for detail but a restraint that keeps things from getting too bogged down visually where you're questioning what's supposed to be important to pay attention to in a given page or panel. The book also boasts some phenomenal character designs which really draw you into this odd yet enchanting world. Carrying a sense of aesthetic style, Middlewest doesn't look quite like any other book we're seeing (even N1waB was a little different, judging from the first few pages). What really drives this home are the vibrant flourishes brought to the production by I Hate Fairyland colorist Jean-Francois Bealieu, who I am convinced can do no wrong artistically. He always elevates every comic he's been on (that I've read and can speak to, naturally) and Middlewest is by no means an exception to this rule. Then there the legendary Nate Piekos, whose Blambot fonts have redefined comic book lettering. As always, his artistry makes reading this book a sheer breeze. And tying the visuals together is Mike Huddleston, who provides some magnificent covers that capture the spirit of Middlewest to a T.
Skottie Young as a writer is someone who is fairly divisive. I understand that some have been pretty cynical of his Fresh Start Deadpool run, which is fair, but I think you gotta respect the guy's range. He isn't just "that guy who did Little X-Men," (though that status is obviously nothing to sniff at) as evidenced by the at times sharply melancholic Middlewest. This isn't to say that Middlewest is removed of any lighter, more whimsical moments, but it never feels like "I Hate Fairyland with hobo wizards." Both the bright and dim tones are juggled well, with the latter helping to make the former all the sweeter. The characters are likeable and engaging, making it easy for you to root for them and hope they turn out okay. Fox in particular is a character not only begging to be a plush (seriously. Make it happen), but also to be a fan favorite. He's the perfect balance of smug, wise, and adorable. This guy's just awesome and approximately 73% of why I keep up on this series over others.
Narratively, Middlewest has thus far been an adventure driven affair and it succeeds on that front. Each issue has left off with a compelling cliffhanger which makes it a title you don't have to trade-wait on to enjoy as others can sometimes be, as these issues've all been eventful and satisfying enough worth keeping up on month to month. The dialogue is natural and pretty damn charming when it wants to be, and this makes it even easier to empathize with the characters. Another major plus is its unique brand of fantasy that helps create a much more fanciful ride, something that ought to be imperative for any other prospective comic seeking to inhabit the same vein as Middlewest. A minor bugbear I found was that some of the characters do make decisions that are a tad annoying, for reasons I'd rather not get into so as to not potentially spoil any folks. Nevertheless, it isn't too great a qualm--at least at this point--just something worth mentioning.
Only time will tell if Middlewest is destined to be another sensation on par with Saga, The Wicked + the Divine, Monstress, Paper Girls, East of West, Chew, Deadly Class, and so on. But, as a part of what could very well be Image's new vanguard (alongside DIE, Skyward, Isola, Bitter Root, Crowded, Oblivion Song, Farmhand...), I can definitely foresee Middlewest being a pillar of that if it continues its course. This is something you probably shouldn't miss if you're into this sort of book. Middlewest issues #1-5 get a 9.5/10.
Must-read
Summary:
Stellar visuals and wonderful writing lend to Middlewest's being a monthly obsession of mine. If you're fond of the works of Hayao Miyazaki or I Hate Fairyland, this is an effortless recommendation.
Middlewest is an ongoing fantasy series that began in 2018, written by Skottie Young and illustrated by Jorge Corona. Published by Image Comics, it could be viewed as part of an apparent push by Image to get more Studio Ghibli esque fantasy comics out there (see: Isola, Flavor). And while I am an ardent fan of both Isola and Flavor too, Middlewest is probably my favorite of this trio by a hair. Plus it's one of the best current ongoings, hands down.
Though I have yet to read Corona's previous Image title, No. 1 with a Bullet, yet (it's on my radar), I can see this guy becoming a force to be reckoned with. The art on display here is truly spectacular with an eye for detail but a restraint that keeps things from getting too bogged down visually where you're questioning what's supposed to be important to pay attention to in a given page or panel. The book also boasts some phenomenal character designs which really draw you into this odd yet enchanting world. Carrying a sense of aesthetic style, Middlewest doesn't look quite like any other book we're seeing (even N1waB was a little different, judging from the first few pages). What really drives this home are the vibrant flourishes brought to the production by I Hate Fairyland colorist Jean-Francois Bealieu, who I am convinced can do no wrong artistically. He always elevates every comic he's been on (that I've read and can speak to, naturally) and Middlewest is by no means an exception to this rule. Then there the legendary Nate Piekos, whose Blambot fonts have redefined comic book lettering. As always, his artistry makes reading this book a sheer breeze. And tying the visuals together is Mike Huddleston, who provides some magnificent covers that capture the spirit of Middlewest to a T.
Skottie Young as a writer is someone who is fairly divisive. I understand that some have been pretty cynical of his Fresh Start Deadpool run, which is fair, but I think you gotta respect the guy's range. He isn't just "that guy who did Little X-Men," (though that status is obviously nothing to sniff at) as evidenced by the at times sharply melancholic Middlewest. This isn't to say that Middlewest is removed of any lighter, more whimsical moments, but it never feels like "I Hate Fairyland with hobo wizards." Both the bright and dim tones are juggled well, with the latter helping to make the former all the sweeter. The characters are likeable and engaging, making it easy for you to root for them and hope they turn out okay. Fox in particular is a character not only begging to be a plush (seriously. Make it happen), but also to be a fan favorite. He's the perfect balance of smug, wise, and adorable. This guy's just awesome and approximately 73% of why I keep up on this series over others.
Narratively, Middlewest has thus far been an adventure driven affair and it succeeds on that front. Each issue has left off with a compelling cliffhanger which makes it a title you don't have to trade-wait on to enjoy as others can sometimes be, as these issues've all been eventful and satisfying enough worth keeping up on month to month. The dialogue is natural and pretty damn charming when it wants to be, and this makes it even easier to empathize with the characters. Another major plus is its unique brand of fantasy that helps create a much more fanciful ride, something that ought to be imperative for any other prospective comic seeking to inhabit the same vein as Middlewest. A minor bugbear I found was that some of the characters do make decisions that are a tad annoying, for reasons I'd rather not get into so as to not potentially spoil any folks. Nevertheless, it isn't too great a qualm--at least at this point--just something worth mentioning.
Only time will tell if Middlewest is destined to be another sensation on par with Saga, The Wicked + the Divine, Monstress, Paper Girls, East of West, Chew, Deadly Class, and so on. But, as a part of what could very well be Image's new vanguard (alongside DIE, Skyward, Isola, Bitter Root, Crowded, Oblivion Song, Farmhand...), I can definitely foresee Middlewest being a pillar of that if it continues its course. This is something you probably shouldn't miss if you're into this sort of book. Middlewest issues #1-5 get a 9.5/10.
Must-read
Summary:
Stellar visuals and wonderful writing lend to Middlewest's being a monthly obsession of mine. If you're fond of the works of Hayao Miyazaki or I Hate Fairyland, this is an effortless recommendation.
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