Twig is a new fantasy for all ages from the mind of Skottie Young. Known for his incredibly cute art style, he’s joined by Kyle Strahm whose drawings may just be even cuter. The first issue is out this week and serves to show incredible world-building, creature design, and endearing storytelling continues in new and interesting ways.
What this book has going for it is the incredible creature design. Environments and vistas are great too, but the very first panel features a bird-like creature we won’t see again that is fantastical and fun. The main character called Twig is pretty darn cute too and he’s even got a cute buddy that crawls all over him. The issue opens with Twig rushing to get to work after he woke up late, which we learn via the incredible creatures he rushes by on his way. These creatures aren’t simply cute, but a bit odd and strange in a way that’ll maximize the reader’s imagination.
Speaking of imagination, Twig is a fun romp into an entirely new world. It all comes off as very original and fresh. Sure, there might be a Dr. Seuss feel to a random bird, but overall Twig and his adventure are entirely new. That’s refreshing.
Much of this first issue leans on the visuals and creature design, but the start of a story begins to take shape. It’s an extra-sized issue, but by the end, we basically understand there’s a familial issue Twig is still getting over, and a major block in the road on his mission. It’s not quite enough time to understand who Twig is, but the general easy-going fantastical vibe is present.
The creature design is fantastic.
Credit: Image
The best we get on Twig’s personality comes when he converses with his snail friend after exiting what might be the butt of a giant mountain. In this quick scene, we get the sense Twig is quite kind and caring. This directly leads to a wonderful montage of all the places he must go on his way to meeting up with a key figure. There’s certainly a fine line between exposition and character work, and fantastical fun environments on an all-ages adventure. This issue feels a bit limited though and could use a little more to get things going.
Jean-Francois Beaulieu colors the issue and also happened to color Young’s other books like The Me You Love in the Dark and Young’s Wizard of Oz comics. The colors are vibrant and allow the plants and animals an extra oomph of gooey gorgeousness.
Letters by Nate Piekos offer a lot of fun and openness. The word balloons lack borders, making them float as if they are little fun clouds. The general connection between word balloons in conversation adds to the flow of conversation, too.
Twig #1 is a good start to a brand new fantasy world that readers of any age can appreciate and get lost in. Younger readers may love it a tad more since Twig is a little bit of a mystery at this juncture, but there’s enough here to make you come back for issue #2.
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