‘Plume’ Comic Book Review

Let me begin by saying this is the first comic book I’ve ever read and I couldn’t have found a better one to start with. K. Lynn Smith’s Plume begins in the wild west where the free-spirited spitfire protagonist, Vesper Grey, can take the world by storm. However, a few pages into the story, it flashes back to a much sadder time when our hero lived under the thumb of her stern and disheartening aunt. Her father, an archaeologist, is off exploring the world, leaving Vesper to trudge through a world of monotonous refinement. Needless to say, being left in a gloomy house with your Aunt Agatha Murdock is depressing. Luckily, her father didn’t leave her completely alone; he gave her a golden necklace.

Plume Review 1

The necklace is revealed to be far from ordinary when it summons a dashing man named Corrick to rescue our overzealous heroine from certain death. After forming a touch and go relationship with her supernatural savior, Vesper’s life drastically improves. Eventually, she finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of adrenaline and excitement. Vesper begins her new life with a gun in her hand, and she couldn’t be any happier about it.

This book features one of my most favorite things in the entire world; a female protagonist whose goal isn’t to land a man. Authors seem to have a hard time creating a realistic female character without stacking potential husbands in front of her, but applause for Smith who has given Vesper much bigger, more interesting problems than which man’s babies she’s going to have. Through the entire book, Vesper runs about without any regard for men for any reason. She even ignores Corrick during a fight when he insists she should be sitting in the carriage instead of slinging guns with the boys. A+ for girl power.

Smith’s ability to blend genres is another great win for the new graphic novel illustrator/author. While Plume is definitely action, it also works with comedy, tragedy, sci-fi, and periodical elements. I find that books and movies are too often blatantly one genre. Action is awesome, but throw a joke in once in a while. Relieve the tension. And often, when writers try to do that, it comes out forced or wholly unappealing. Smith’s ability to lighten and harshen the tone this way shows a lot of talent. It makes reading Plume an engagement rather than simply a read. It draws you in and you become involved.

Plume Review 2

Also, props to Smith for writing and drawing Plume. The art is really fascinating and well-done. I found myself stopping to admire facial expressions most of all. With a slight change of the eyebrow or set of the jaw, Smith captured emotions I’m not entirely sure there’s a word for. Not only that, all the characters, even the ones in the background, are unique. I’ve seen lots of movies *cough* Frozen *cough* where the characters are the same face with different hair colors. Smith gives every single one of her creations their individuality and she does it realistically and consistently.

Plume promises to be the opening for an astounding series; which is another really great addition to up and coming comic book publishing company, Devil’s Due. It’s intriguing and it features a kick-butt girl. I had a tiny mental breakdown when I read the last page and realized I’d have to wait for more. I honestly think I salivated on the cover. Go read it. If you’ve already read it, read it again. Plume is astounding and amazing and I’d like to lobby to make it required high school reading material.

BRAND PARTNERS
Recent Posts