Queen Issue: 1 Nidus
Author/Artist/Colourist: Jamie Me/Bernadinus Gita/Sean Callaghan
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes
Synopsis:
Deputy Prime Minister, Emily Green is convinced that the government she is a part of are only interested in lining their own pockets rather than helping the poor and the needy who would do well from the cash the elite have. One phone call from a mysterious person asking her if she wants to become the new Prime Minister is the start of a very interesting comic story that raises the topical issues of sexism, racism and corruption.
Review:
In huge black caps the question is asked, "Do you trust your government?" It is a question most of us would ask ourselves when we see the sort of injustices happen around us every day and are helpless to do anything about it. Here Emily is given some mail through her car window and thinks nothing of taking them home, but when she gets back and hears a ringing coming from a package marked: "Sword of Damocles," she finds out someone has been watching her and is eager to manipulate her movements.
For a while, Emily has tired of all the goings-on in government circles, how she feels infective. She wants to make a difference if she had the chance, and the mystery caller gives her this chance. The Conservation party have said that they will not privatize the NHS, but Emily suspects they are lying, and the caller knows this, and other very personal aspects of her private life. When he instructs her to turn on the TV, she finds out that there have been documents leaked onto the Nidus website for all to see, causing the sort of trouble we have wanted to see before in a comic.
I liked the reference of the Sword of Damocles on the package, from the moral anecdote about King Dionysius and his courtier, Damocles where it meant that there was always danger felt by those in positions of power, hence the sword positioned above him when he took his master's throne. Emily has the opportunity to be given this power by the mysterious caller in the hope of making a better future, but being the puppet where someone else is giving the orders takes away free will somewhat. Emily is told to go to an emergency meeting the Prime Minister has called, but she can't leave her son alone and brings him along too. Emily's son, James has African looks and has no doubt come under some scrutiny as there will be many racist types around her.
Queen Issue: 1 Nidus has a punchy, realistic feel that has it aimed at an older readership, which is great. Jamie Me knows how to create a scene with dialogue that instantly makes the reader think "this is one I want to continue reading." The artist, Bernadinus Gita has no doubt ingested a lot of the top popular comics from DC to Marvel, honing his talents and using them on a very British themed comic series. His style is a mix of sketchy and detailed, letting the reader fill in the rest of the image. While Sean's limited pastel palette sets readers up for a colour scheme that doesn't detract from the text.
As this is part of a successful Kickstarter campaign by Jamie Me, it just goes to show what three great minds can do to provide something fresh and involving that reads like the start of a major Hollywood movie.
Summary: One of the most refreshing and original comics I have seen in a long time. If you read this like I did, you'll be looking forward to Issue 2.
Synopsis:
Deputy Prime Minister, Emily Green is convinced that the government she is a part of are only interested in lining their own pockets rather than helping the poor and the needy who would do well from the cash the elite have. One phone call from a mysterious person asking her if she wants to become the new Prime Minister is the start of a very interesting comic story that raises the topical issues of sexism, racism and corruption.
Review:
In huge black caps the question is asked, "Do you trust your government?" It is a question most of us would ask ourselves when we see the sort of injustices happen around us every day and are helpless to do anything about it. Here Emily is given some mail through her car window and thinks nothing of taking them home, but when she gets back and hears a ringing coming from a package marked: "Sword of Damocles," she finds out someone has been watching her and is eager to manipulate her movements.
For a while, Emily has tired of all the goings-on in government circles, how she feels infective. She wants to make a difference if she had the chance, and the mystery caller gives her this chance. The Conservation party have said that they will not privatize the NHS, but Emily suspects they are lying, and the caller knows this, and other very personal aspects of her private life. When he instructs her to turn on the TV, she finds out that there have been documents leaked onto the Nidus website for all to see, causing the sort of trouble we have wanted to see before in a comic.
I liked the reference of the Sword of Damocles on the package, from the moral anecdote about King Dionysius and his courtier, Damocles where it meant that there was always danger felt by those in positions of power, hence the sword positioned above him when he took his master's throne. Emily has the opportunity to be given this power by the mysterious caller in the hope of making a better future, but being the puppet where someone else is giving the orders takes away free will somewhat. Emily is told to go to an emergency meeting the Prime Minister has called, but she can't leave her son alone and brings him along too. Emily's son, James has African looks and has no doubt come under some scrutiny as there will be many racist types around her.
Queen Issue: 1 Nidus has a punchy, realistic feel that has it aimed at an older readership, which is great. Jamie Me knows how to create a scene with dialogue that instantly makes the reader think "this is one I want to continue reading." The artist, Bernadinus Gita has no doubt ingested a lot of the top popular comics from DC to Marvel, honing his talents and using them on a very British themed comic series. His style is a mix of sketchy and detailed, letting the reader fill in the rest of the image. While Sean's limited pastel palette sets readers up for a colour scheme that doesn't detract from the text.
As this is part of a successful Kickstarter campaign by Jamie Me, it just goes to show what three great minds can do to provide something fresh and involving that reads like the start of a major Hollywood movie.
Summary: One of the most refreshing and original comics I have seen in a long time. If you read this like I did, you'll be looking forward to Issue 2.
