Are you brave enough for today's Fresh Friday Features? Being courageous isn't about the absence of fear, but moving forward, even if you are afraid!
This week, @ArtCrumbs picked four titles that'll give you a peek into the ordinary lives that hear the wind calling to them!
- Comic - Coward's Emblem: Aino Hakkara, returns to her home country when the war breaks out.
- Graphic Novel - Twilight Custard: Twilight Custard would do anything to see the love of his life again. It just so happens that anything, in this case, means helping a downed android-pilot from the outer reaches of space.
- Manga - Black Noblesse: Nailah Pristine is a Lowlander with a lofty ambition: to become the Elysian, the guardian of the Ether Empire's prosperity.
- Webcomic - Dominion: A guard and an arsonist are reluctant allies in search of justice after they discover an apocalyptic plot.
Coward's Emblem, 103 pages - Published by Soapine, (cc/ @Soapine)
The Coward's Embelm is a comic set in a fantasy world inspired by Finnish mythology. The story focuses on Aino Hakkara, who returns to her home country when the war breaks out.
Story and Art by Soapine
Heavy is the head that wears the crown. I suppose that goes for amulets too! I really loved the simpler artwork in the comic. I think adding too much detail would take away from the more somber tone. I definitely appreciate the use of cultural decor, patterns, and backgrounds. It's a story about setting out on your own and facing all of your fears. I can't imagine traveling so far with so little, and it's an inspiring story! Keep up the great work, Soapine! I'm currently only through Chapter 2,
Twilight Custard, 136 pages - Published by Odyssey Comics, (cc/ @odysseycomics)
Twilight Custard would do anything to see the love of his life again. It just so happens that anything, in this case, means helping a downed android-pilot from the outer reaches of space get back to its ship and correct the course of history as we know it!
Story and Art by Josh Wilson and William Muljo
Taking a leap of faith is always easier said than done and often comes with lots of risks. When you have nothing to lose though, it might seem more worth it. I loved the twist on a classic western with this graphic novel. The soft cover brought me in and I really love that is feels hopeful for how somber and tense the interiors are. It gives me hope that everything will work out ok!
I love the creative solution to communication, as well as the play on both real and fictional events. It almost feels like an alternative timeline! It's got a really great pacing, with moments of calm and moments of action and tension spaced really well throughout the series. The occasional use of spot color really stands out when it is used and does wonders for the atmosphere.
Fantastic work, team! I'm about halfway through this really solid volume, so I'm hoping to finish it this weekend.
Black Noblesse, 115 pages - Published by Copoki, (cc/ @Copoki)
Nailah Pristine is a Lowlander with a lofty ambition: to become the Elysian, the guardian of the Ether Empire's prosperity. Although Nailah Pristine was taken in by the prestigious Pristine family, her humble origins and gender put her in an unfavorable position in a society that esteems social standing and contributions to the Empire's success. Nailah sets out on a journey to prove herself worthy of the title, facing countless obstacles and overcoming her own doubts. Will Nailah succeed in her quest to become the Elysian, or will the forces working against her prove too great to overcome?
Story and Art by Dominic Pinto
Fighting social castes and discrimination is tough, and it takes courage to chase your dreams. I really enjoy this manga so far, as it's relatable as a woman myself. I think everyone can relate to being told "You can't do X, because you're Y." Black Noblesse is beautifully detailed, characters fashionable, backgrounds full, it's just overall stunningly done! There's a ton of content to read already, and it's clearly got a lot of potential. With a protagonist that is also a woman and a person of color, it stands that this is even more amazing.
I've only read the first two chapters, and I'll be finishing it over the weekend.
Dominion, 33 pages - Published by memoh.comics, (cc/ @memoh)
A guard and an arsonist are reluctant allies in search of justice after they discover an apocalyptic plot, and within it a question that demands an answer: Who are you willing to damn for power?
Story and Art by memoh.comics
Things never go as planned, and that includes our life plans. I adore the artwork on this webcomic, the detail and love for it is there. The detail in simply everything is easy to get lost in, and the atmosphere and lighting is always perfect to match. So far, we've met the guard, Desmond, but I'm curious to see who else we'll meet in the following chapters. I'm already hooked on this one, and I cannot wait to see more!
That's all for now, but we'll have another set of Fresh Friday reading recommendations next week. You can also browse through our Featured Comics news section!
Check out more amazing stuff from @ArtCrumbs below.
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