All this month I'll be reviewing different comic books by female creators, based on submissions from the actual creators of the comic books themselves. Here's a list of all the books featured so far this month.
We continue with the first volume of Kate Ashwin's awesome Widdershins series, Sleight of Hand
Harriet "Harry" Barber is a serious sort of person. A hunter of nefarious magical objects, she works best alone (well, not counting her trusty magic detecting dog, of course). That is until she meets Sid, a sweet but bumbling magic student who was expelled from university for stealing (an unfortunate cursed affliction he has where other people's stuff just sort of appears on his person). Sid's true love is stage magic which, in a world where REAL magic exists, is not exactly a lucrative career.
When a thief steals Sid's wallet, he ends up with a magic bracelet worn by the "king of thieves." He gains this bracelet just in time for Harry to show up trying to collect the bracelet. Eventually, as you can see, the two decide to team up to get to the bottom of what treasure the bracelet leads people to...
And thus a wonderful partnership is born!
In Harry and Sid, Ashwin has created a delightfully charming team, as their personalities bounce of each other wonderfully (especially with someone else provoking their interaction, like Harry's sister above or the other thieves at different points in the book). Meanwhile, the adventure the bracelet sets Sid and Harry off on is a real hoot. It involves daring escapes, a summoned spirit, Sid embracing his new role as the king of thieves and much, much more.
What really makes this book stand out is just how controlled it all is. Ashwin clearly knows everything about these characters and the story is so well-planned out that it all unfolds so smoothly and professionally. Her artwork is dynamic and filled with life. Her control extends to her artwork, as well, as she has total mastery of the form - the story and art combines for a seemingly effortlessly told story. It's a very impressive work.
You can read the whole story at her website here.