As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for darker narratives and a soft spot for the works of Garth Ennis and Jacen Burrows, I must say that diving into the vibrant world of Babs #1 was a refreshing breath of fresh air. The series offers a delightful blend of humor, action, and fantasy, making it an unusual yet enjoyable departure from their usual grim repertoire.
When contemplating comics penned by Garth Ennis and illustrated by Jacen Burrows, numerous descriptors might spring to mind, but “amusing” is seldom among them. Their work, whether in harrowing horror titles such as Crossed and The Ribbon Queen, or grim war stories like Punisher: Soviet and Get Fury, consistently presents mature interpretations of genres typically bereft of the whimsical elements associated with superheroes. Thus, their forthcoming fantasy series, Babs, which introduces a sword-bearing heroine navigating a realm inhabited by dragons, orcs, and other beasts, comes as an unexpected delight. This new venture showcases their versatility as creators, infusing the genre with humor while crafting a debut issue that stands apart from anything they’ve produced or currently available on shelves.
In this narrative, Babs, the protagonist, takes readers to a world reminiscent of a typical Dungeons & Dragons landscape, where lone adventurers hunt for riches amidst perilous territories lying between towns and taverns. From the get-go, Babs makes her appearance, embodying fantasy heroines such as Red Sonja, yet exhibiting a cynical demeanor and biting humor. She’s an intriguing character, both captivating and brusque, and it’s immediately clear that her journey will be marked by equal parts laughter and violence. Notably, the standout aspect of this initial installment for seasoned Burrows and Ennis fans is its skillful integration of fantasy elements in a straightforward manner.
As the story unfolds, a sense of mystery and age lines begin to appear at the edges. By the climax, an unexpected encounter with potentially harmful creatures brings out the exaggerated, sometimes comical elements of fantasy conflicts, provoking hearty laughter. Throughout, there’s a distinct flair of creativity in every action scene, solidifying the creative team as exceptional action masters; a scene involving a troll’s throat is particularly memorable in this regard.
Additionally, as the series progresses, it is revealed towards the end that a significant adversary for the protagonist makes an appearance. Initially, Babs encounters arrogant orcs and forest creatures, with the orcs showing behavior similar to some online communities like Twitter and Reddit. However, knights clad in white armor carrying a flag bearing a symbol similar to the Schutzstaffel insignia foreshadows the tougher battles that are on the horizon.
In the first installment of ‘Babs’, the gradual emergence of intriguing adversaries sets the stage for a story centered around Babs and her associates, which include a talking horse and sword. Despite Babs’ tough exterior and propensity for violence, they collectively exude an unmistakable warmth and even admiration towards Babs’ unconventional lifestyle. These engaging characters make for enjoyable companionship, and their unique charm alone would entice readers to return for issue #2.
Burrows’ knack for intricate illustrations and humorous details enhances the gradual unfolding of broader conflicts and character growth, as each page offers ample elements for readers to explore in both foreground and background. From the very first page, set in a forest, readers can follow the local wildlife as they move and interacts around Babs’ journey. No matter the location, Burrows infuses his panels with vibrancy, making even ordinary places like a pub seem alive and captivating, much like the imaginative worlds that DMs (Dungeon Masters) might envision.
The outcome is an exciting new comic in the fantasy genre that doesn’t require complex magical concepts or background knowledge to captivate its readers. Instead, Ennis and Burrows focus on what makes the genre compelling by utilizing their distinctive style and tone, creating a thrilling beginning for Babs’ journey. I can’t wait to continue reading as she travels further, having been hooked after finishing Babs #1.
Published by Ahoy Comics
On August 14, 2024
Written by Garth Ennis
Art by Jacen Burrows
Colors by Andy Troy
Letters by Rob Steen
Cover by Jacen Burrows
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2024-08-14 17:09