Review: Big Ugly from Avery Hill Publishing

How about some delicious minimalist painting with an art deco hue, digital art with a quietly delivered, tragic, humorous, heartbreaking, post-coming-of-age story? Ellice Weaver has the answer in Big Ugly.

Big Ugly comes from the, born in Bath, Bristol-based boat dweller Ellice Weaver. Ellice is a fabulously accomplished illustrator with clients such as The Guardian, New York Times, Reader's Digest and Buzzfeed, to name but a few. Big Ugly is the second long-form comic Ellice has produced after the book of short comics, tied by an overarching theme, Something City.

Both have been published by another highly revered favourite here at CBNUK, Avery Hill Publishing.

So, let's start with the art. Ellice creates art that is fascinating with its minimalist painting presentation. It has a 60's or even maybe art deco chic that's full of interesting qualities. An interview I read on Ellice revealed that this art is created completely digitally, which adds interesting consideration.

Here are very human and relatable characters emotionally, which at first glance seems counter-intuitive to the exaggerated and slightly abstract character presentation, yet it is delivered so strongly as to be decisive in its narrative aspects. The double-page spread breaks in sequential art stand out as some of the most impressive moments, being a real treat visually and providing some of my favourite parts of the art.

The approach to colour has a real flair with a reserved yet bold and vibrant colour palette that cements the overall aesthetic components. Ellice's art is one that initiates an airy response. There's certainly great care taken to each choice artistically to create a uniformed yet unique and potent experience.

Design-wise, the entire comic captures beauty. Its non-traditional comic illustrations present more high art than expected but without the pretension, making it wholly accessible even to a troglodyte like myself.

Finally, art-wise, credit goes to Ellice's husband, Till Lukat, for hand lettering Big Ugly in an idealistic fashion to round out this thoroughly interesting art.

Let's look at the story then. Big Ugly is, as Ellice describes it, a "post-coming-of-age story," which is expertly accurate. It centres around Mel and Matt, a sister and brother navigating the impossible mess that is adulting. Siblings have, at best, the most turbulent dynamic, even in the most well-balanced families. Include any level of dysfunctionality, and things get much more lively, particularly in youth. As adults, only a few things change, but those shared experiences carry through, sometimes showing our most toxic and vindictive sides but also our most loving and caring. These emotions are only magnified when trying to live with one another. That's where Mel and Matt find themselves.

Mels is a bit preoccupied with her work, health and future, while Matt is more concerned about his creativity and reconciling his past. A need for a sofa bed will lead to an encounter with a guinea pig breeding, woo-woo practising singleton named Jill, who Matt takes a shine to. The three will embark on a deeply problematic, untenable road trip via some big screen yoga, shower etiquette questioning, problems of parenthood, both real and imagined friend time, and later revelations of "dog" walking and "treat times". This story is tragic, humorous, heartbreaking and reassuring in a sad acceptance way. A bit of misery loves company, but a lot more solidarity in a shared experience.

The bigger themes explored are reassuringly relatable with a strength of honesty, bordering on brutally so, beautiful examination of the sibling dynamic. This isn't necessarily an exciting story, and it isn't told in an exciting way. What it is, is a richly enjoyable comic. It has a quietness to its narrative, which permeates throughout every facet of this comic. The quietness stems from and is rooted in this narrative. It's a story told in intimate conversations. Not loud, theatrical tantrums (well, maybe one) or overheard snippets, but fly-on-the-wall personal conversations. Conversation that often drips in poignant or profound observations while feeling like it's whispering its bigger themes.

Big Ugly is niche-looking, unconventional comic book entertainment that delivers itself with the heart and power of a love-addled zine but delivered in a high art full format comic. A pleasurable experience.

For fans of beautiful minimalist art, equally beautiful examination of family dynamics and adulthood, nostril pokes, peeing in car parks, people who would use very questionable methods to cohabitate, Harry Potter referencing break-up lines, and innocent yet traumatic trials of sibling "dog walks". The best and only answer is Big Ugly by Ellice Weaver. You can get your copy at the Avery Hill website, where there's also the chance of getting a free gorgeous foil-embossed bookmark. For all things Ellice, you should check out ellice-weaver.com, with helpful links to all the social media.

Rating: 4.5/5