This week's Fresh Friday Features will send you into a world where animals and anthropomorphic creatures navigate the complexities of life. Enjoy unique perspectives on the human experience through the eyes of a lovable, relatable, or downright diabolical set of characters, blending humor, heart, and thrills!
With tales of friendship and belonging to insightful reflections on identity and society, challenge everything you know about what it means to be alive and see from a different point of view.
This week, @ArtCrumbs picked for this week:
- Comic - Deer Editor: For Bucky, an editor of the crime beat at “The Truth,” it’s all in a day’s work… …but he also happens to be a deer.
- Graphic Novel - Hunt Dogs: On the Planet Sheon, canines and other species can use gemstones as magic to make their daily tasks possible.
- Manga - Winnie the Pooh: Demon Hunter: Christopher Saint Robin and Winnie the Pooh hunt to keep the 100-acre woods safe from demonic forces.
- Webcomic - Underbrush: When a rogue faction abducts her mother, a young fairy takes it upon herself to conduct a rescue mission.
Deer Editor, 62 pages - Published by Mad Cave Studios, (cc/ @chrisfernandez)
A John Doe slaying lures a journalist into a world of political intrigue, a wi-fi-enabled grotto, and a station locker full of secrets. For Bucky, an editor of the crime beat at “The Truth,” it’s all in a day’s work… …but he also happens to be a deer. Will he chase down his last story in this antler noir series? Deer Editor is perfect for fans of Blacksad and Chinatown.
Story and Art by Ryan K Lindsay
Suspenseful and witty, like Sherlock Holmes if he was a deer. Bucky gets himself way more than he bargained for with his newest and toughest case. I really loved the small details, and the paneling in this. The subtle color and panels full of detail alone are a feast for the eyes. Being a mystery lover, I spent a lot of time watching the panels for hints and clues to try to solve this along with Bucky. The story evolves in great, unpredictable ways, keeping it exciting and engaging. Absolutely loved Issue 1 and I'm definitely going to continue reading it!
Hunt Dogs, 72 pages - Published by Road Runt Studios, (cc/ @RoadRunt)
On the Planet Sheon, canines and other species can use gemstones as magic to make their daily tasks possible. Reo, a master graduate of martial gem arts, must find a career during troubling war times. Little did he know, his job would lead him towards a wild goose chase.
Story and Art by Road Runt Studios
It's not easy being different, and Reo knows that all too well. I was pleased to see the planning that went into this one, leaving hints and crumbs to some of the future events. Additionally, it can be difficult to know when to reveal information and with to withhold it. Artemis did this very well and I enjoyed the reveal, which I won't spoil here. The power system and way the magic is applied and used by canines, beings without hands was clever too! The gestures and motions of their heads and bodies felt natural. I'm eager to see what will result of this explosion-happy canine bounty, so I'll have to read more over the weekend!
Winnie the Pooh: Demon Hunter, 30 pages - Published by TheRavensLoft, (cc/ @TheRavensLoft)
Christopher Saint Robin and Winnie the Pooh hunt to keep the 100-acre woods safe from demonic forces.
Story and Art by TheRavensLoft
Long has this comic been on my list, and I am pleased to say that the hype is completely justified. A fun spin on a collection of tales we knew as children, I love seeing how characters age and grow from how we knew them. I was -very- happy to see that some silly little sayings, quirks, and behaviors of the characters were kept intact. But let's be honest, who doesn't want to see one of cutest characters of my childhood rip through a building with a chainsaw looking for some bad guys? I will not be missing future updates of this one and you shouldn't either!
Underbrush, 74 pages - Published by 4zr4_art, (cc/ @4zr4)
When a rogue faction abducts her mother, a young fairy takes it upon herself to conduct a rescue mission with an assembly of capable strangers before tensions between two nations rise.
Story and Art by 4zr4_art
Ok, first off, how does one come up with such a sick logo? Absolutely stellar cover, to the point, I love it. Now, the vertical arrangement of these panels and the action was absolutely amazing. It flowed effortlessly and used the vertical "motion" and movement of the eyes very efficiently. Combining both elements is difficult, as it's not how we are usually inclined to read. I read as much as I could here, and I want more! Great character and world design, fluid choreography, bright colors and contrast, well done 4zr4!
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.
ArtCrumbs
Did you get a chance to check out any of these fresh picks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!