Week of 9/2/2024
This week, The Shapes returns with a brand new Q&A storyline and I talk about The Fox Who Became a Girl.
The Shapes
Annual Anniversary Special 1-2
News
Shopify Storefront
In case you missed it, my Shopify storefront relaunched, and now, I’m offering all 3 of these mini stickers with any print comic purchase!
The Sample
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Sammy the Critic
The Fox Who Became a Girl Review
A delightfully queer fairy tale (no pun intended) for the ages, Chloe Bear (writer) and Orion Fern’s (artist) 42-page comic tells the story of a fox who wishes who be a human girl like the ones who frequent the forest he inhabits.
As you’ve probably already figured out from reading the title alone, this is an allegory for trans joy and gender dysphoria, and it does so with elegant beauty, conveying the tale through lush watercolors that start out rough but get progressively defined in place while remaining dynamic. Likewise can be stated for the linework which goes from feeling initially undefined following a flowy and varied rhythm that aligns with the expressive character designs.
Writing-wise, it seems like it aims for that children’s storybook vibe, and on that front, it succeeds. However, the cursive text is very dense (especially in the beginning), which, in combination with the compositional experimentation, could confuse and alienate younger readers. If the goal is to appeal to that audience, I would suggest spreading out the words and narration/speech bubbles more.
Otherwise, it’s a beautiful tale I would recommend to anyone who enjoys whimsical folktales with happy endings. You can buy your copy at Orion Fern’s website.
Thank you Chloe Bear & Orion Fern for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.