Mr Jones's Smoking Bones Volume 1 Review
Reading time: 2 minutes
How about an occult detective, period, mystic, science story that's history laden and pondering with exceptional documentation of understanding in wonderfully strong black and white art? Step into the Aether with Mr Jones's Smoking Bones Volume 1 by Iqbal Ali and Priscilla Grippa.
Iqbal Ali is a short comics writer and graphic novelist residing in Ilford. Iqbal's previous works include Tech-Bro Tales, C.R.O Tales, Plant Life, and Mild Frenzy Collection. Other works include "X,Y,Z", Attack Of TH Marauders, Aya Begum Paranormal Investigator, The Nightingale Protocol and Strange Skies.
Priscilla Grippa is an enigmatic artist whose previous works include Plant Life, Attack Of The Marauders and Mild Frenzy Vol 1. Creators intro'd, on with the review.
So, let's start with the art. Priscilla Grippa presents particularly pleasing art in Mr Jones's Smoking Bones Volume 1 with clean inks and strong shading work. The occult elements like the design of the smoking bones skeleton, or the aether realm. In fact, every time the story takes us to a dark or violent place, the art is significantly more satisfying. Overall, it's particularly strong art of a heightened realism style, but it handles the peculiar even better.
There are moments, however, when things feel oddly sterile and somehow lacking the grittiness displayed in other pages and panels. That aside, those stronger moments really carry and gloss over the momentary dips. There is a lot of high-class visual storytelling on offer.
The care shown to the character work also really stands out as a strong presentation that is often striking. Overall, a very entertaining experience. The lettering on offer also deserves noting for managing to convey, even in its wordiest moments, clearly. It is still leaving room for the art. Art aside, let's discuss the story.
Iqbal Ali has created an engaging and interesting occult-laden detective, 19th-century period story. It offers an exceptional, unique perspective and revering historical context that fascinates. Following drug-addled Indian detective Barzakh, a man with a haunted and violent past and a skill for exploring the otherworldly. Barzakh is requested by royal appointment to investigate a smoke-inflicted cemetery and reports of an equally smoky entity. By way of secret societies, occult magic practices, dearly beloved but departed ethereal assistance and spinning chair influence, Barzakh uncovers a grand mystery. His own sadness and identity sit at its core.
The greater theme of identity, along with the exploration of history and mysticism, elevates an already entertaining prospect. It becomes something even more unique and fascinating. Between issues, Iqbal pauses with articles exploring the history and inspirations that are so integral to the story. This adds beautifully illuminating context to the narrative. I really appreciate these additions as they add a powerful grounding to proceedings. There's also food for thought in a bigger picture historical consideration.
Overall, Iqbal Ali is a powerful storyteller with a unique perspective and eye for historical, important context flourishing facts. It creates a fascinating comic.
For fans of Murder, Mystery, secret societies, the occult, detective stories with troubled protagonists occupying historically and culturally significant saturated storytelling fuelled by important context intelligently imparted, smoking skeletons, Djinn and 19th century settings in attractive, talent-filled art, it's no mystery you'll want Mr Jones's Smoking Bones Volume 1.
To get your copy of Mr Jones's Smoking Bones Volume 1, head to the official website. Or purchase the collected volume here.
Review: 4.9/5
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