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Canon (Winter 2006)
40 pgs.
$3.00
PicSure Press
Written by SCAD students and faculty
Art: Dove McHargue
Gavriel was a bookish boy who turned to the occult when neglected and abused by his father, the king, and his warrior siblings.
The theme of this quarterly short story anthology featuring the work of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) students and faculty is everything nautical. That means art and story focus on lighthouses, sailors, pirates, boats and such. As is true with every anthology, its quality is uneven, but nevertheless Canon is thoroughly entertaining.
The students are probably young; some of the stories lack the polish of professional work and were most likely created by pre-teens and teenagers. These pieces, while entertaining, are simply not enough to recommend Canon. But there is exceptional talent in the issue; it is from its publisher, writer and artist Dove McHargue.
McHargue's minimalistic style will remind some readers of the work of master cartoonist Alex Toth. As with Toth, only what is really needed to forward the story and characters is drawn into each panel.
His characters are individually distinctive, his visual storytelling is engrossing, and he has a particular talent with the ink washes that add different shades of gray to black and white art.
Of his two stories in Canon, "The Keeper's Carol" is a murder mystery of sorts, and "Nemo" (chapter 14) is a new adventure of Jules Vern's famous submarine captain. Both tales will leave you wanting more.
McHargue, a member of the Oklahoma Cartoonists Museum, is a talent worth watching as his mastery of the medium matures. Canon is suggested for readers of all ages.
MINIVIEW: Noble Boy [Red Windows] If you yearn for what looks like a children's book printed on thick slabs of cardboard, but isn't, that takes 60 seconds to read for $12.95, that offers bad poetry, no story, and excellent, animation inspired art, then this homage to animator Maurice Noble is for you, bud.
Any statements made, expressed or implied are solely those of columnists or persons interviewed and do not represent the editorial position of the administration, who does not accept responsibility of such statements. All characters and artwork shown are trademark and © of their respective owners.
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