JH Williams III, W Haden Blackman and Dave Stewart bring us the first volume of Echolands via Panini Comics, an original work that tests the limits of graphic narrative.

From time to time, comics that capture the public’s attention for various reasons arrive at our comic shop. It could be because of its unique large size, because it has an unusual layout, because it uses exotic elements on the cover, or just in case, the landscape setting and amazing cover invite you to it. Look, look inside and that’s where they’ll catch you. Panini Comics brings us the first volume of the hilarious Echolands that will not leave anyone indifferent.

Experiment with narrative

What about how amazing JH Williams III’s work will always be? It’s probably during her time as Batwoman that she’s more widely known, but to understand what she’s trying to do on this occasion, you have to remember works like Prometheus alongside Alan Moore and Sunman: Overture. With Neil Gaiman. Almost nothing.

In them you can see the work of an artist who runs away from conventions and tries to impose his own voice, pushing the limits of what the medium allows and trying to show the reader something they have never seen before. Williams isn’t what you’d call a traditional storyteller, but in addition to his extraordinary storytelling, we must add his incredible ability to draw in a variety of styles, from the most precious and detailed to the rough and tumble. .

In this case, a comparison that would do more justice to this comedy had to be sought in another medium, and it was inevitable to think of Tarsum Singh’s cinematography and unique aesthetic. But Dave Stewart’s infallible color monstrosity is largely responsible for that as well, and his contribution ensures we have a visually stunning work on our hands.

Wide screen format

Perhaps the most unique aspect of this work is the composition of the pages, because each edition, except for the first and last, if we consider the landscape edition in which it was printed, consists of only two double pages. It makes for a laugh-out-loud connection to Quentin Tarantino and 70mm gorgeous panoramic cinema.

Although in many cases we find more or less obvious episodes in vignettes, Williams always proves his commitment to this format and makes the most of the opportunities it gives him to work in ways that are rarely seen. In a funny way. A true tour de force for the multiple Eisner-winning author.

This pencil virtuoso delights in playing with narrative to guide the reader’s eyes through page after page of his stunning design. And not because he is the first, but thanks to his talent, few people can do it like that.

Too much fiction as fact

The story takes a back seat in this comic, but in no way is it something the writers treat as a routine or an excuse for Williams to let loose. We’re set in a future reality with dystopian highlights where everything has a place, from fairy tale characters to classic horror movie monsters, everything in between and beyond, the perfect framework for a story that seeks to impact the reader.

We start off with an action sequence in Media Res with Hope Redhood (kind of like a little Red Riding Hood on steroids), where she has to face a lot of enemies. And all because of the crystal Dermond stole from the wizard Theros. The driving force of the conflict and the plot has already been served.

The story line, the characters to be seen and the environment of our characters where the authors don’t waste time to explain, instead we get to know them when the confusing plot unfolds. And a story like this that doesn’t even give the reader a break and develops at a high speed, where all kinds of elements cross each other in a hopeful way in that escape is not easy. Crazy, more amazing and more provocative than the previous one. Expecting the unexpected becomes the true theme of this story.

If we want to find a flaw in this volume, it will undoubtedly be the size of the edition. It may sound sybaric, but some of you may be salivating at the memory of that massive 300-page edition of Frank Miller published by Norma Editorial and wondering what this work would look like at that page size.

Ecolands 1

ISBN: 9788411502986

In a future world that has forgotten her history, intrepid thief Hope Redhood holds the key to digging into his dark and strange past, if only she and her ship can escape the oppressive witch and his unstoppable daughter. But fate sends them all on a path that leads them to war between worlds.

Authors: JH Williams III, W. Haden Blackman, Todd Klein and Dave Stewart