Little Bird #1

Little Bird #1

by Darcy Van Poelgeest, Ian Bertram (Artist)

Director/screenwriter DARCY VAN POELGEEST boasts a long list of awards and accolades for his storytelling prowess and brings the same writing finesse to IAN BERTRAM's breathtakingly detailed artwork in the gorgeous, hyper-detailed miniseries LITTLE BIRD.With the same limitless scope as a new EAST OF WEST or SAGA and the drama and surrealism of Akira, LITTLE BIRD follows a young resistance fighter who battles against an oppressive American Empire and searches for her own identity in a world on fire.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Graphic Novels Comics, Fiction

44 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 13, 2019

About the author

Darcy is a multi-award winning writer and director living in Vancouver, B.C. His film work has screened internationally at festivals, broadcast on TV, shown in galleries, and become a best seller on iTunes. His debut comic series LITTLE BIRD (2019) is out now from Image Comics & Glènat Editions.

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is ... an odd one.

[Maksym Karpovets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Сюрреалістична, божевільна, похмура й філософсько-політична історія про Маленьку Пташку може справедливо вважатись ще одним інді хітом сезону. Цікаво ще й те, що це дебют Дарсі ван Поелджеста (наче так). Буває так, що передзамовиш якусь невідому інді історію і гадаєш: буде шедевр чи прохідне чтиво? Як правило, потрапляє друге, але не цього разу. Навіть більше, перша книга (як кажуть американці на синґли) розлетілась миттєво завдяки нереального хайпу та, здається, має вже два додаткових тиража. Тому мені ще пощастило отримати навіть колекційний номер, що зростає в цінності удвічі, зважаючи обмежений формат видання. Тобто комікс виходить тільки у синґлах - інших форматів не передбачається. Але повернемось до історії.

Історія починається в Скелястих горах, де ми знайомимось із Танту, лідеркою канадського Супротиву, який мотивує свої війська, перш ніж вони вирушать у бій. Що за військо й що за опір? Вони захищали свої землі тисячі років від «злодіїв на півночі» - ультранаціоналістичного, теократичного та тиранічного уряду, що називався Американською імперією (а якщо точніше, то Організація Об'єднаних Націй Америки). У центрі цієї теократії - Церква зі своїми ритуалами й колективізмом, а також Папою, правда у дещо своєрідній інтепретації. Перед тим, як Танту йде у бій, вона ховає свою маленьку дочку Маленьку Пташку в підземному бункері, строго наказуючи їй нікуди не виходити. Прощається і йде, лишаючи на самоті. Проходить три дні й Маленька Пташка нарешті наважується вийти із укриття, де помічає, що бій програно, а землю загарбано. Проте сталося найстрашніше: Танту вбили. Проте Пташка відразу ж намагається завершити план матері, а саме врятувати персонажа Сокиру та врятувати своїх людей від колонізаторів. Тому вона вирушає до Північної Гвардії - установи, де вирощують генетично модифікованих істот і, очевидно, де знаходиться ув'язнений Сокира.

Це вже круто звучить, навіть не відкриваючи комікс, але я додам, що це тільки вершина айсберга. Історія про помсту за смерть матері у стилі Kill Bill - одна із граней цього непересічного коміксу. Поелджест змайстрував неймовірно цікавий і моторошний світ у дусі антиутопій, ввібравши в нього найкраще із масової культури (наприклад, фільм "Бразилія" Террі Ґіліама). Геніальність коміксу в тім, що він розкриває світ за дві-три сторінки, коли іншим авторам (скажімо, Гікману чи Вону) для цього потрібно декілька арок. Цей зламаний і неправильний світ, сповнений несправедливості й болі, так відчутно контрастує із крихкою (поки що), але незламною Маленькою Пташкою, що додає надії в цьому хаосі війни й протистояння. Тому в мене вже відчуття суму й болю, коли думаю, що ця мінісерія скоро закінчиться, адже потенціалу й матеріалу тут вистачило б на значно більший проект.

Що ж до малюнку Яна Бертрама, то він просто феноменальний. Він не тільки чудесно схоплює дух історії, передає її непрості нюанси, але й дуже добре "веде" читача/читачку від панелі до панелі. Цей ґротескний стиль із добрим відчуттям композиції добре передає як медитативні спогади чи уявлення героїні, так і безпосередньо динамічні, часто дуже жорстокі (але від того не менш стильні) сцени. До того ж, Бертрам полюбляє хвилясті, закручені ліні (мені вони нагадують шнурівки, адже справді обивають панелі чи предмети), утворюючи ефект вібрації й тремтіння, що частково нагадує стилістику Френка Квайтлі. Що вже казати про дизайн персонажів - від костюмів у стилі Люка Бессона чи Ґотьє до генетично-модифікованих органів, вмонтованих як у живі, так і штучні тіла. Хтось ще може побачити тут Мьобіуса із його любов'ю до мінімалізму й, знову ж таки, ґротеску, а також фантастичних пейзажів і персонажів.

Усе ж, гострі візуальні ефекти Бертрама утворюються не стільки завдяки ліням чи формам, а, на мій погляд, блискучій ритм-секції кольорів, виконаних легендарним Меттом Голлінґсвортом. Достатньо подивитися на обкладинки й помітити наскільки круті тут кольори. Якщо вже згадувати усіх, то не варто оминати акуратний, але точний леттеринґ Адітії Бідікара (особливо подивіться як вона виписує монологи Пташки), якого хтось може впізнати у роботі Euthanauts, що випускалась у імпринті Black Crown від IDW. Словом, така чудова команда не могла створити поганий комікс, тому читайте його, вивчайте бекґраунд (а тут важливо попрацювати із контекстом, щоб збагнути закладений концепт) і сміливо вписуйте цю роботу у топ кращих мальованих історій.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, the fact that it's five issues sort of reassures me because the depth of this world seems pretty interesting. Like some weird late-Grendel or Bergting's Portent.

[Joshua Clifford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was gory, controversial, and downright disturbing at times .... but I kinda loved it. I want to read more graphic novels this year, and this has really encouraged me to find another one immediately.

The pacing is incredible and the artwork is gorgeous (albeit very bloody at times - be warned!).

This story takes a pretty strong stance on organized religion that not all may find to be in good taste - however I felt the point being made is fair and worthy of consideration regardless of where you fall on the religious/political spectrum.

**EDIT: this review should be for Little Bird: The Fight for Elder's Hope (this consists of Little Bird #1-5)**

[Devon Munn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4 stars

Took me a while to get into this but it did grab my interest at the end. Also it's a very bold choice that the writer is not going to have this released in a trade paperback, and i respect him for that decision and his passion for single issue sales

[Kamil Burgazlı · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfect first issue. lovely art and captivating story. it can be easily said that little bird is a very strong cantidate to be a classic.

[Siona Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up because the cover looked cool and wow, this is just so awesome. It has a lot of aspects that appeal to me, and the art reminds me of Superjail (an older Adult Swim cartoon), which is really interesting. There was a letter by the writer in the back of the issue and in it he said there likely won’t be a trade for a while with this story, which sucks because I would buy a couple and give to people: I loved this first issue that much. I would definitely recommend picking this up and trying it because it was a surprise to me!

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This new series was making a lot of buzz—or at least I was successfully duped by the marketing. Anyhow I read it.

This is pretty good. It’s post apocalypse, which we get a lot of these days. But in a single opener it did a lot of world building and has some weird political, sci-fi/fantasy stuff going on.

It has potential to be amazing, but that’s hard to judge on a single issue.

I’m intrigued though. And however/whenever it gets collected in TPB, I’ll read this further.

[RG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Im extremely intrigued with this one. It has a weird Extremity vibe going on. The ending wasnt expected.

[Leah Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

ʸᵉˢˢᶦʳ ʏᴇssɪʀ ʸ ᵉ ˢ ˢ ᶦ ʳ 𝓎𝑒𝓈𝓈𝒾𝓇 𝘆𝗲𝘀𝗦𝗨𝗥

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cool. I loved this.

[Tea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now that’s my kind of razzle dazzle intro to a series!

The writing is incredibly intriguing, I’m itching to keep reading.

Consider Ian Bertram and Matt Hollingsworth some of my new favourite artists

[Lindsi (Do You Dog-ear?) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't hate this, but it wasn't really for me. It was weird and disturbing, but also incredibly gory and violent. I'm looking for more happiness in my comics these days, not torture and death. I think I saw more of what people looked like on the inside (literally, not figuratively), than on the outside. Bleck.

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[Raeyona Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super happy I picked this one up. Going to request it from my LCS so I can add this to my pull list. The story is really good so far, I am living for the artwork, and the coloring is fantastic. I'm officially hooked and can't wait to see where this series goes.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

All around amazing. First issue, story, writing, art. All of it. I saw solicitations for this series months ago and to say it was everything I hoped for and more is an understatement.

[libraryofjonna · Rating 3 out of 5]

read for the newt’s magical readathon 2019: care of magical creatures C

[ambyr · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting art, but a story so buried in cliche no hint of originality emerges. I won't be reading further.

[Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like. I feel like I was supposed to like it. But it was just blood-soaked gibberish.

[Luke Carlson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's worth noting that I'm not well acquainted with graphic novels; this is probably only the third or fourth that I've read, and the first in a few years, and that makes it difficult for me to evaluate it for the art form it is and not as a novel.

Were it a novel, I would be frustrated by the number of allusions to the expansive, intriguing world created, but frustrated by how little follow through and development there are for any of these ideas. To be fair, there is a limited amount of text in graphic novels, and this was only the first in what I believe is a series of five, but it gave me the impression of the author being hyper-fixated on gore, violence, and depictions of grotesque mutations without caring much for justifying the bizarre setting it all takes place in.

That said, the art is (horrifically) gorgeous, and the colors and details make the scenes delightful to study. I think the story has promise, and I'd be curious to see where it goes in the future (though not curious enough to purchase the next volume; I'll be waiting for that fortuitous library encounter).

[Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first chapter of Little Bird, currently available for free on Amazon Kindle and Comixology, is a great introduction into the dystopian world that Darcy Van Poelgeest has created.

Little bird, the daughter of the rebel leader, is given a simple mission:

Free the Axe,
Save the people
Free the north
Save the world

Packed with action, a little gore, an evil "United Nations of America" led from the "New Vatican", sci-fi, and folk-lore. This is a great start and I look forward to reading more from the series.

[Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

My girlfriend bought this on Free Comic Book Day and shortly after recommended it to be with the words: "This is my favorite comic of this year."

After reading it from cover to cover myself, I can say that this is maybe the best series of 2019 that no one is talking about.

Politics, artwork, writing, social commentary, pacing, panel design - all are there on the highest level.

I can only hope that the rest of this mini-series continues with such power.

[Nora Renée Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fairly simple story, so far. Interesting enough without an over-complicated narrative. The art, however, is a major relief compared to what I am used to in newer comic-books. Beautiful coloring and mind-blowing concepts and complexity. A must if you are a fan of horror/revenge/art. As a fan of horror manga, this chapter was a very pleasant read. Sets the bar very high for modern comics with regards to visuals.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy smokes I loved it! Now I'm not really sure who anyone is or what was happening, but I am completely on board and need to find out more. I loved how creepy everything felt and that nothing was as it first appeared. I loved the religious elements and the narrative of domination and freedom fighters. I especially loved the artwork and the more gory elements. I definitely need to get my hands on the trade for this one, because I feel like this could quickly become one of my new favorites.

[kyrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow wow wow. no words. lowkey Indigenous futurisms meets arcane???? five stars even though the world is still confusing me. this is a lot, but it’s SO rich in both art and writing… i was so confused at first at the world and the story, but this novel is so expertly crafted and details begin to reveal themselves little by little. i still feel i have so much to learn so i’m so excited to delve into this series.

[Pop Bop · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wait and See

This is the first issue of a proposed mini-series. It is based loosely, (according to the preface), on the "traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam people", which is a First Nations band that ranged along the coast of British Columbia.

I say "loosely" because in this tale we have a native resistance to an "American Empire" that takes place in a theocratic dystopia of genetic manipulation, a search for immortality, Canadian flags, and complex politics. Little Bird is our young native heroine, and there are hints that her mother has some relationship to the powers that be. There are mystery characters, mystery connections between the characters, and, as is often the case in a first issue, many hints about plot angles and developments yet to be revealed.

The narrative moves briskly from monologuing villains to violent action sequences, and as you might expect it's not always clear who is who or why some things are happening. I was left with the impression that I might or might not want to keep going after a second and third issue, but I'm certainly keen to see how things develop initially.

The drawing is sometimes surreal, and there is a high incidence of bloody viscera, often when it doesn't even make a lot of sense. In between blood soaked panels, though, there are scenes of power and delight, and so again this is where I just decided to wait and see where the art would go in later issues.

Bottom line? To me there seemed to be a lot going on here that could be interesting, and so this seemed to me to be a promising, or at least intriguing, opener.

(Please note that I had a chance to read a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)

[Nikki Miskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This does have some graphic content. But the writing, plot, and art are all highly interesting. The story is brutal, and is very reminiscent of historical takeovers of native lands by European settlers. The main character is a child who has essentially lost everything and seeks to fulfill the mission set forth by her tribal elders. It left me eagerly awaiting the next issue in the series.

[DOUGLAS J BERRY]

It's the end of the world as we know it.

Good color artwork. An image freebie. A Canadian dystopian future. A Christian army is wiping out pagan Indian tribes. A young girl is on a quest to restore civilization.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible! A dystopian future featuring a young girl named Little Bird. Beautifully surreal art and colours with a story to match. Wonderfully strange and mysterious adventure with some action-packed violence.

[Geisa Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

O traço é muito bom, mas a história talvez não seja tão atraente assim. Mais uma distopia, com uns fanáticos religiosos e uma resistência. É um gênero que ando meio cansada no momento.

Como é uma série de 5 números, talvez busque em outro momento conhecer o resto da jornada de Little Bird.