Karrot Can't Sleep #1 Review - PJ Fairweather's Beguiling Indie Comic

How about a super cute, super styled story of an art student suffering creative burnout, being beguiled by a bejewelled Jackalope and stalked by a vampire? Enrol in Karrot Can't Sleep #1 by PJ Fairweather.

PJ Fairweather is a Scottish comic artist and the founder of micro publisher Don't Fold Press. PJ's previous works include pages for Bump: A Horror Anthology, Ivy and The Three Minute Heroes and Something Alien Anthology. Master's in comics and graphic novels with a distinction degree graduate maker met, it's review time.

So, let's start with the art. PJ's art is wonderfully endearing and enjoyable to partake in. There's a Manga and indie infusion bubbling underneath it all, with Chibi art elements in the character design. The character work really stands out with simple but impactful elements and expertly expressive faces.

On top of this fundamentally excellent presentation, PJ utilises a lot of very clever design choices in this art. Things like the extra details in the margins or the clever use of a sun halo in the montage over four years show an artist who's not just talented. They're capable of distinct intelligent choices that add unique individualistic flourishes. There's a distinctly British feel to the environments, which adds a lovely edge to the art as well.

The inclusion of the rendition of a famous Goya painting and the following dreamscape pages introduces a darkness. This shows PJ's spectrum of quality and an artist capable of versatile artistic expression. The colours on offer are wonderfully vibrant throughout and show the same level of skill and care shown to the art. This is finalised by excellent lettering to finish off a very strong product. Story time then.

Karrot Can't Sleep concerns the story of the titular Karrot. An art student in a crisis of creativity until a chance encounter with a bejewelled Jackalope reignites their passion and curiosity. The mystery deepens with the Jackalope's companion, a seductive vampire lurking in the shadows. Added to this is Karrot's social outing to a gig as the creative pressure mounts, a pressure soon relieved thanks to no strings, no names intimacy. Things take a surreal turn in the dreaming moments, and a final dark twist is revealed.

The commentary on the art student experience and artists pursuit of creativity and the nature of the relationships that surround that life feels very real and raw in a beautiful way. PJ has created a thoroughly entertaining story with a very interesting supernatural twist.

The world of and character of Karrot make for immersive and engaging reading and by the end this is a series to want more from. Leaning on the higher end of PG13 exploits this one makes for entertaining stuff, full of clever and interesting storytelling and setting up a world to dive into and a character to be invested in.

For fans of comedy, horror, creativity, vampires, the life and experiences of an art student navigating creative pressures and expectations while delving into inspiration and life choices, gigs, fire, Scott Pilgrim VS The World, the UNI experience, art, dreams and art that beguiles and entertains with as much strength as the excellent storytelling. Treat yourself to Karrot Can't Sleep #1.

To get your copy make haste while there is still time. Head to the Kickstarter here to grab your copy of Karrot Can't Sleep #1 and secure #2 for the continued adventures.

Review: 4.8/5