Trenches

Trenches, published by
Top Shelf Productions, Inc.,
176 pages
$15.95

David and Lloyd Allenby didn't always get along as children, nor do they as adults. David, the rowdy, worldly older of the two, is sometimes quite cruel to his younger, more reserved sibling. As both are called up to serve their country during W.W. I, however, they snipe, argue, fight and insult one another while gaining a newfound respect for each other. It's all in Scott Mills' sometimes tense, sometimes tender, always entertaining period story, Trenches.

As comic entertainment goes, Mills hits a homerun with this book. His characters, though sometimes annoying or infuriating, possess a charm that will endear readers. Though it's easy to take up the cause of the more timid Lloyd, as he suffers embarrassment at the hands of his own kin, one may even find that the bully, David, is to be almost admired at times.

This work speaks well of the good to be found in all people, even if it's not on the surface. It's always a plus if a writer can make people care about his characters; this one does so.

Mills has a minimalist style of art in this book. Some panels appear almost unfinished, while the line work in others possesses a haphazard, even slightly obscuring quality. This is not to say it's not good work; it is, as it very much fits the story. It tends to capture the chaos of some of the more intense and violent war scenes, making them all the more believable, despite the "cartoony" appearance.

Mills also proves that an artist doesn't have to produce highly detailed work in order for the characters to be expressive.

Trenches deftly displays anger, sadness, apprehension, heroism, and more through its characters.

Trenches is highly recommended for adults. It's not a kid's book, due to language and adult situations.

Look for it at comic shops, comic conventions, online catalogs, auctions, or at www.topshelfcomix.com.

For your nearest comic shop, call 1-888-comicbook.

Review by Mark Allen

Shudder at Vance's Light's End horror short stories narrated by actor William Windom at www.plan9.org.
Questions? Comment? E-Mail Suspended Animation at vance@digitalwebbing.com

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.