The Canary That Named The Stars
Neverwas Comics
W: Travis Corwin
A: RH Stewart
L: Rob Jones
Synopsis…A 78-page graphic novel set in a fallen fantasy world with no art or stories. When a woman named Chel is framed for the death of her son, she must discover her extraordinary connection to the stars and the magical tales they show her. What she finds might just save her and change the world in the process.
Thoughts…This is a story about stories, about the power they have to uplift others and give strength to the ones that need it the most. This is a story about loss and grief, about the effect it can have on people and the way they see themselves and the world around them. This is a story of acceptance and revenge all mixed in together. While the main story focuses on Chel and her life there are stories that start each chapter that have a bearing on the overarching story of the book.
This book is laid out really well, each chapter has its own story or myth set in the new world we are introduced to. A book of these stories alone would be really interesting as they are really well done. Thought has gone into these stories, there is depth and meaning to them. Each one is a parable that is linked to the story of Chel. These are teases as to what happens to her in the course of each chapter, hinting at what is to come. I really liked the way the story flowed, both the myths and Chels journey. Chels' story is a really emotional one with some really ups and downs and there are some really hard hitting moments throughout the story. There is a great pacing to the story, we get a lot to see a lot of time passing here but it doesn’t feel rushed or overly condensed, it feels like we are given just the right amount of time to sit with each moment as the chapters continue through the story.
The illustrations throughout vary from the telling of the myths to Chels narrative. While we are being told of the Molo the Serpent or seeing the story of the Blossom it takes on a very dream-like style the colours though bright feel muted and the images are softer and less defined. They are the sort of images you would expect from a time gone by, they really help to give the myths that feel of age and a true mythical edge. Chels story is a lot more sharper in focus, the lines seem harder and the tones are darker. Although as the story continues there are moments of brightness and really vibrancy to the illustrations.
I really enjoyed reading this book, it has a great story to tell, more than one really but when all the parts come together the complete story is really well done. It has some really great emotion to it all, and has a really satisfying ending to the tale. I would read a book just based on the myths and legends that come from this world but I think it is the combining of Chels life story that really makes this book shine. I would give this book 8 out of 10, it had me engaged all the way through and was a pleasure to read.
