Wild’s End #1
Written by Dan Abnett
Art by I.N.J Culbard
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
BOOM! Studios describes Wilds End as something fans of Edgar Wright’s Cornetto Trilogy (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, The World’s End) will love. Seeing as this is only the first issue, it is too early to tell, but apart from some cursory similarities, the two don’t have much in common yet. But there is something uniquely interesting about Wild’s End; Its debut issue this week follows a rural English community of the 1930s populated by anamorphic villagers, whose quiet village is upset when menacing mechanical aliens descend. Inspired by the sci-fi aesthetic of War of the Worlds and the anthropomorphic characters of Blacksad and Mouse Guard, Wilds End is a restrained but magnificent treat. This odd blend of styles and genres is brought to you by Dan Abnett and I.N.J. Culbard, the creative partnership behind The New Deadwardians and Dark Ages. Abnett adds yet another wry, carefully composed bibelot to the cabinet of curios that defines the his oeuvre. Prepare yourself for one of the most unique reads as Abnett injects such charm and wit, and such personality and nostalgia evident in the old-school animation, storybook settings we read as children. Think Animal Farm, War of the Worlds, Fantastic Mr. Fox and Edgar Wright films, and you get Wild’s End.
Dan Abnett introduces an interesting world full of colourful characters in the first issue and we quickly get a firm understanding of the inhabitants of Lower Crowchurch. Each member of the cast has their own distinct voice and personality, and possibly the best thing about the issue is how well Dan Abnett’s writes dialogue. Wild’s End is also a perfect example of how to do eye dialect correctly (dialogue spelled phonetically). Not only does it perfectly set up who every character is, but it is incredibly easy to follow. Often eye dialect is frustrating and hard to read, but that isn’t the case here. The writing, along with the fact that each villager is based on a different animal, makes it incredibly easy to identify everyone involved, and it should be interesting to see how each of them play a vital role in the story moving forward.
There is an inherent drawback to reviewing single issues of a larger story since there is only so much the creators can cram into one issue without blowing their load. Wilds End #1 is basically table setting, and features very little action – but the issue provides an intriguing hook to what promises to be a stellar series. I.N.J. Culbard is the sole artist and letterer for Wild’s End and his art is clean and easy to follow. This is definitely worth seeking out, if only to get on board before it really starts to pick up steam and becomes a hot item. Wilds End has a timeless look, strong writing exceptional artwork, and has the aura of something created in a burst of inspiration, rather than as something laboured over.
– Ricky D
