Malcolm Magic #1-3

On many levels, ‘Malcolm Magic’ defies explanation. Appearing, as if out of nowhere at the 2004 comics fair; Bristol based self publishers ‘Blink Twice’ (aka brothers Robin and Lawrence Etherington) have managed to produce the first 3 issues of their flagship title this year already, with a 4th issue promised for August.

This hectic bi-monthly schedule is made even more jaw-droppingly impressive by the astounding quality of the comics they’re producing. Full colour covers, 18 US format pages of action packed storyline, all printed on top quality chunky cartridge paper. This production alone makes the comics worth treasuring. It’s a pleasant surprise that the actual story of ‘Malcolm Magic’ itself reflects none of this grandeur. It’s irreverent, irrelevant and mad as a box of frogs.

The issues, in the style of such TV animations as ‘Futurama’ and ‘Family Guy’ are each (largely) self contained mad-cap adventures, centring around a dysfunctional group of unlikely forest animal friends, and in particular on an alcoholic anti-hero rabbit named Malcolm. Unlike the aforementioned cartoons, Robin’s writing has not quite found its satirical feet. This is made up for by an excellent sense of both slapstick and situational comedy; the best of the humour arising from the interplay between these disparate chums. The mysterious trans-dimensional sub-plot is being revealed at a deliberate and intriguing pace, providing a vital continuity between the issues.

The real strength of the piece though, is in Lawrence’s artwork. Action packed, ultra detailed, hallucinogenic and hilarious, each panel is utterly dazzling. Managing to tread the fine line between detail and clutter, and with a canny use of special FX and lettering, this is hands-down some of the most impressive artwork I’ve seen in any comic, anywhere.

In future issues it would be good to see a little more of the minor supporting cast (particularly the underused hypochondriac and city-slicker duo, Chester and Reggy; who haven’t really served any purpose thus far), and perhaps a clearer visual distinction between the two parallel worlds (with a little less of the dialogue heavy explanations), but these are minor quibbles. This is an excellent comic which I wouldn’t hesitate showing to friends of all ages, if only I didn’t want them getting their mucky fingerprints on it!

- Gordan Johnston