A Spring Rebirth: Revisiting Glenn Dakin's "A Song of Spring"
Glenn Dakin is a beloved figure in the comic world, known for his distinctive storytelling and charming artwork. His "Abe" series stands out for its wit and whimsy, touching the hearts of many readers. In 2023, Colossive Press released A Trial Death and Other Stories by Glenn Dakin, which features a new selection of 'Abe' comics.
We will be reviewing A Trial Death and Other Stories, but in the meantime, we shall explore "A Song of Spring," a story of great significance for Dakin as it marked a critical moment in his creative journey and embodies themes of rebirth and renewal.
"A Song of Spring has a special place in my heart, I felt at the time I was really starting to find my voice in taking comics along a fresh route."
Abe began as the alter ego of a satirical superhero named Captain Oblivion, set in a futuristic city. However, he was always more interested in providing insightful commentary on the world around him than engaging in battles with supervillains. By the mid-1990s, the period from which most of the stories in A Trial Death and Other Stories originated, he had evolved into a character that offered more reflective perspectives on life.
"A Song of Spring" was created back in March 1985. It has a slightly different vibe compared to some of the later pieces in A Trial Death and Other Stories. The nine-panel grids are filled with charming everyday life scenes - whether sitting on a train, strolling through a park, or hanging out in a pub. It all feels very relatable, especially if you remember the 80s!
It features brilliant lines that are still relatable today, such as "And so life is full of excitement, and the best part is that so far we haven't had a day anyone can call pleasant."
At the end, we enjoy three stunning panels that capture a nighttime walk through Cambridge that looks totally different from the rest of the short story. Beautiful shadow artwork and intricate details in the architecture bring the scenes to life!
If you like what you've seen so far, then check out A Trail Death and Other Stories at the Colossive Press webshop. This charming collection is a delightful showcase from a wonderfully humble cartoonist. I highly recommend giving it a try - I have a feeling you'll really enjoy it!
You can also read more about A Trial Death and Other Stories in our article about the release in 2023.
