Five Comics That Aren't Homestuck (Part 1)
“Three siblings from a broken family are caught in the conspiracy that claimed their mother’s life. To save their family and nation, they seek out ancient gods for answers — but the gods give nothing for free.”
What are Phantom’s thoughts on this webcomic?
Thus far, this comic has a strong focus on plot, methods of conveying this plot, and world. There are several things that interest me; trying to figure out how the siblings’ mother died, trying to figure out who’s involved in what, what’s going to happen next, what this or that person’s intentions are. These are all interesting things and keep me reading.
I’d like to see more delving into characters and their views, to see what drives them. I think the comic is heading in that direction, and I look forward to it. I’d also like to see more experimentation with the artwork; different angles for panels, and things like exaggeration in the body types between characters.
So, if you’re looking for a comic in which there is mystery, gods, excellent world-building, and driving story, check out LeyLines.
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“Vattu is a story following a member of a nomadic tribe caught in the midst of a massive clash of cultures.”
What are Phantom’s thoughts on this webcomic?
A very well-rounded comic. Amazing artwork, setting, and characters. There’s action and development and some of the most fantastic world-building I’ve ever seen. I keep reading because I want to see how these characters develop and how they interact with each other and the world they live in.
I would however, though we’ve seen touches of it here and there, like to see more of the bigger picture. I feel that though the characters are strong and they have amazing development, there’s only been implications of what their purpose is. What are they striving for? Is this just a story of Vattu’s and others’ developments with little hints of something more in the world, or is there a more-defined plot? Only time will tell.
If you’re looking for a comic with an interesting world, amazing artwork, and good character design and interactions and development, Vattu is for you.
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Gunnerkrigg Court by Tom Siddell
“The story is about Antimony Carver, a young girl who has just started attending a strange and mysterious school called Gunnerkrigg Court; and the events that unfold around her as she becomes embroiled in political intrigues between Gunnerkrigg Court and the inhabitants of the Gillitie Wood, a forest outside the school.”
What are Phantom’s thoughts on this webcomic?
A comic that is able to balance between its serious and intriguing plot, the development of it’s characters, and its occasional light-hearted humor incredibly well. There are so many things that keep me reading this comic, but I think that the thing(s) that does it the most is a tie between the sympathetic characters and the unfolding plot. Also a plethora of well-written female characters, which is always wonderful.
I do feel sometimes that there is either no explanation of an aspect of the world, or it is over-explained, often through explanatory dialogue. I would like there to be a happy medium. And though it’s amazing to see the progressing art and story-telling abilities, the simple art and confusing portrayal of plot and world in the very beginning of the comic can be a little tedious to get through.
But, if you like well written characters, story, all mixed up in a sprawling magical world, with a dash of good humor on the side, definitely look into Gunnerkrigg Court.
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“It’s a comedy/action comic about a group of middle school kids with ghostly superpowers fighting evil spirits and investigating paranormal activity in their hometown.”
What are Phantom’s thoughts on this webcomic?
The comic summary is… exactly what the comic is. It’s a very enjoyable read and the art and story are able to have fun with themselves—and there’s just a touch of seriousness to the plot that keeps you interested in what’s going to happen next. The artwork is pleasing, the humor is ace, and I enjoy the way it functions.
I would like to see more touches of seriousness in more of the characters—you get that very rarely in the main character, but not much else—like you do with the plot, that way we stay interested in them as well. They’re funny and great and enjoyable to see, but I want to have more investment in them.
So, if you want something that is silly and fun but not totally mindless, as well as having good artwork and an enjoyable story, Paranatural is your comic.
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The World in Deeper Inspection by Reimena Ashel Yee
“Brookham Night is a dangerous place for the recently deceased and the recently troubled, teeming with shady cryptozoological Nightcrawlers. Who is the best and worst person for the job? Detective Alcott B. Grimsley, specialist on spiritual matters.”
What are Phantom’s thoughts on this webcomic?
As a note, this comic isn’t very far in (not beyond its first chapter yet!) so though I have opinions they’re not incredibly strong and they might change pretty rapidly as the story goes on.
Oh man, is the artwork in this gorgeous. And it has all the kind of mythological things I love, with spirits and the afterlife and devils and ghouls and werewolves and MURDER MYSTERIES. It’s a Victorian British Jersey Devil Detective I mean that’s like everything I ever wanted. It does a lot of neat things with the artwork and placement of panels and dialogue as well.
However, it’s kind of hard to follow. Especially the dialogue, probably for the same reason of its interesting placement. So the dialogue’s kind of hard to follow, which character is which is kind of hard to follow, the action is hard to follow, and the plot is hard to follow. Like I said, the comic is in its early stages, so maybe the flow will even out and become more smooth, but as of right now that’s not something I particularly enjoy. And although the character designs are great, many of them lack expression which inhibits the ability to understand the characters and connect with them.
If you’re looking for a comic with really, really pretty artwork and a bunch of supernatural and gothic critters, take a gander at The World in Deeper Inspection.
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(Thank you to Aeo and Star for helping me collect images and summaries.)
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For more comic suggestions:
Brief webcomic rec
http://www.rice-boy.com/vattu/index.php
Vattu is gorgeous!
You should read it if you haven’t already aaah.
Vattu by Evan Dahm
I figured for my first review I’d start with something that I think everyone can enjoy.
Vattu, by Evan Dahm of Riceboy fame, is the latest in the tales of Overside, Dahm’s fantastical world populated by bizarre non-human creatures, ancient prophecies, and a mysterious robotic race of men. Dahm’s universe is densely populated and has a sprawling history spanning milennia. Don’t believe me? Check the entire wiki dedicated to chronicling Overside’s events and inhabitants.
As dense as Dahm’s work seems, don’t be discouraged. Each of his stories, while enriching each other and the world, may be read independently of each other and without specific order. I decided to cover Vattu first since it is currently updating, and because it is definitely one of my top 10 webcomics at the moment.
Making the Flutelands
By Evan Dahm.
I recently finished the first book of my huge fantasy-adventure-psuedohistorical-drama-biography comic Vattu, so here are some thoughts on how I put together the setting which is central to that first book. I’m going to avoid spoilers, which puts me at a disadvantage, but we’ll see how it goes.
