Review: Spaceboy & the Future King #2
How about a fun for all Arthurian legend tale set in a perhaps not entirely historically accurate Cornwall starring a Spitty Pig? Want to know what a Spitty Pig is and enjoy the art of a unique, fun style that has hints of Mignola and Calvin & Hobbes? Then it's the tale Spaceboy & The Future King issue two you'll be wanting.
Rory Donald is an Oxford born freelance comic book artist and illustrator now in Cornwall, and in no way should be trusted with electrical equipment. Rory's previous collaborations include Samurai Slasher Part Three, Cast Adrift, Griff Gristle, Resurrection Men and The Hoards Of Surrey, to name but a few. This one's his creator-owned three-part series, so if you're unfamiliar with Spaceboy & The Future King, our very own website wizard Ben did a cracking review for issue one, which you should check out. It also means this one's a one-man show, ooo-er check you. Now you're suitability introduced, it's time for a review of two.
So, let's start with the art. Rory Donald has an awesome and unique style that comes across really great in this one. It does feel like if in an alternative universe Mike Mignola was responsible for Calvin & Hobbes if it had been a Medieval fantasy. It's a majestically magical concept that I really feel best describes this awesome artwork. I'd definitely echo Ben's words from the review of issue one as once again Rory delivers smashing perspective, beautiful landscapes, expressive characters and naturalistic colour work with splashes of bright moments that make this one such an eyeball pleaser.
The first splash page for this issue is a great signifier of the pleasure to be had with this one. Format wise, I did also really appreciate the panel layout work for crisp, satisfying delivery. Finally, for the art, you gotta appreciate some solid lettering, and this one packs the goods. To the story, then.
Rory Donald with Spaceboy & The Future King is smashing it on all fronts. This one is a wonderfully compelling, thoroughly entertaining story for all. It's really delightful to the full extent and has a whimsical tale essence I haven't seen delivered this well since the likes of Astreix & Obelix.
Another charming quality it holds is its unique British and Cornish humour and language - the allocation of the new building by the king being a fine example. The super panel of children locked into hand-held games gave me a real good chuckle as well. Issue two really builds on issue one in such a sublime manner, building the world, introducing a bit more lore, picking up really nicely from issue one's cliffhanger or faller, and further fleshing out the characters in such a way that even without the dramatic and exciting conclusion had me ready for more of this story.
The character of Arthur is a beautifully endearing example of a protagonist to root for and learn with, with an infectious attitude that I think will really please all who enter this world. It's got something for all ages and a perfect mix of humour, action and moralistic intuition while also being an engaging and unique tale utilising familiar names and places. This one hits like a lovely warm hug, and who wouldn't want that?
It's the italic bit again where we hold our hands out and say please if you’re enjoying this firstly back the comic, we don’t get any backend other than the warm fuzzy feeling you get for helping something you love and while that should be enough that nasty thing called Capitalism means we ask secondly if you can spare it, a donation to our Ko-fi would really help keep the monster at bay. Thank you, now on with the review.
For fans of fantasy, Arthurian legend, humour, action, adventure, finding out exactly what a Spitty Pig is, I mean it really is the best name for it, although I wonder how the mythical status would have played out under that moniker, magic, big caves and family reunions in art as engaging as its story that has badass quality, take a trip back to Cornwall for issue two of Spaceboy & The Future King.
To get your copy, fly you fool to the currently running Kickstarter here, while there is still time. For more Rory, head over to https://www.rorydraws.com/ and enjoy something different but familiar and very special.
Review: 4.7/5
