Penny Blood and Other Stories Review: Patrick Brown's Genre-Hopping Anthology
Reading time: 3 minutes
How about three very different stories in one collection, ranging from Ray gun-sporting Victorian heroine sci-fi to mysterious fantasy and then 90s-set VR simulation theory exploration, all in art with a chameleon-like ability to adapt to its narrative? Patrick Brown brings Penny Blood and Other Stories for your consideration.
Patrick Brown is an Irish cartoonist and illustrator from Belfast. Patrick's previous works include Tamara Knight, Under The Bed, Ness, Rise At Sundown and The Cattle Raid Of Cooley. Artist attention activated, let's review.
So, let's start with the art of Penny Blood and Other Stories. Patrick Brown creates interesting art that's fluid in style across the three stories. It adapts suitably to emphasise and enhance the story on offer. First up is the titular Penny Blood. A name, incidentally, as noted in the book's introduction, is an alternative namesake for the Victorian pulp periodical genre Penny Dreadful. As such, the art style for this story perfectly evokes this identity. Utilising frantic sketchlines and loose crosshatch shading. The limited colour palette and Ben Day dots intensify the look further. They give this the overall feel of a pulp piece, directly mirroring the narrative. Even the lettering design seems directly suited to this art and its presentation of story. There's a very cool contrast created in this style as well thanks to the sci-fi elements which I really enjoy. Overall, it's particularly good, well-crafted art that suits its story perfectly.
Next up is a shift in style to the fantasy realm of "John Landlorn Beyond The Sundering Straight". For me, this is my least enjoyable of the art selection though not without its merits. The colour work on display is particularly strong, with its watercolour effect suiting the story. It's also presented with great skill. I did feel the heavy lines were so well suited to the previous story. Here, instead, they made the art seem overworked and clashed with the rather excellent colours. That aside, there's still plenty to enjoy about it, with the action and expressions being suitably enjoyable.
Finally, for the art is "A Virtual Circle" with black & white presentation. The much more reserved ink lines give it a clinical edge, which again chameleons the story really well, enhancing both. I really like the precise nature of this art as again it suits the story so well. Skillfulness stated, on to the stories.
Patrick Brown's versatility as a writer is showcased across the three tales of Penny Blood and Other Stories in a very interesting way. Penny Blood is a wonderful Victorian romp with a sci-fi twist. The alien invasion is well established in this world with mind control being the main order of the day. Enter the resistant resister and Ray-gun sporting heroine the titular Penny as she looks to change the status quo. The story is well paced out with plenty of intrigue and mystery to be wanting to return for further adventures. The cast is a compelling mix of protagonists and minor villains. They flesh out the big alien threat to be more layered and interesting.
Next is "John Landlorn Beyond The Sundering Straight". John Landlorn is out of place, lost to distant lands, escorting Luna, a mysterious priestess, across a troubled landscape pursued by lizard men. The story has compelling qualities. The wider mystery of the world and its inhabitants has a lot going for it, along with some peculiarities (golden handled spade weapon, I'm looking at you). But I'm not sure how invested I am in John or his story.
My favourite of the stories on offer is also the most modern set. Yet I believe it's the oldest of Patrick's in this collection, being originally written in the 90s. Following business man/ office drone of the future Ross Irwin and his underling/colleague Andrew Cayne who utilize VR technology routinely. In this VR space, while checking Andrew's project, Ross will stumble upon a more frightening secret. It sets into motion deadly events and some bigger simulation theory questions. It's really fascinating stuff, full of very interesting and clever surprises. It also has the charming quality of its niche 90's view of technology. I identify with it's definitely Windows running desk computers depicted, so I enjoyed that added bonus and overall feel.
For fans of Penny Dreadfuls, sci-fi, Fantasy, Simulation Theory, V.R, an invasion of mind-controlling Greys in Victorian times with an unknown agenda but a penchant for roadworks, fiery redheads, Christian crusaders in the wrong place and a very 90's techno-conspiracy in art that matches its story, try a pursue of Penny Blood and Other Stories by Patrick Brown.
To get your copy of Penny Blood and Other Stories, check out the very excellent Sector 13 Comics here. More on some other books available there to come.
Review: 4.3/5
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