by Gavin Foo
*WARNING* Definite spoilers!
Welcome readers, and appreciative viewers of sequential art! ‘The Fine Line’ is a column delving into the depths of and celebrating the works of the artistic person(s) that work so hard, day and night, line after line, page after page to deliver unto us our weekly comics!
Hellooooo there! Here we are again, picking up where we left off with part 2 of our little insight into the works of Sean Murphy. Last week, we covered a couple of his earlier works, stopping just shy of mid 2011, after Hellblazer: City of Demons. A few months later, Survival of the Fittest emerges from the ominous shadows - a limited series for Scott Snyder & Rafael Albuquerque’s American Vampire. Set during the first years of World War II, the tale drops Agents Felicia Book and Cashel McCogan of the Vassals of the Morning Star deep into the heart of Romania, where they must retrieve a scientist rumoured to have found the cure to vampirism.
*WARNING* Definite spoilers!
Welcome readers, and appreciative viewers of sequential art! ‘The Fine Line’ is a column delving into the depths of and celebrating the works of the artistic person(s) that work so hard, day and night, line after line, page after page to deliver unto us our weekly comics!
Hellooooo there! Here we are again, picking up where we left off with part 2 of our little insight into the works of Sean Murphy. Last week, we covered a couple of his earlier works, stopping just shy of mid 2011, after Hellblazer: City of Demons. A few months later, Survival of the Fittest emerges from the ominous shadows - a limited series for Scott Snyder & Rafael Albuquerque’s American Vampire. Set during the first years of World War II, the tale drops Agents Felicia Book and Cashel McCogan of the Vassals of the Morning Star deep into the heart of Romania, where they must retrieve a scientist rumoured to have found the cure to vampirism.
Each of these agents have culminated their own backstories, which have all been intertwined over the past 18 issues, leading up to this point. The panels shift from long-shots to close-ups, portraying the complete spectrum of intensity in their emotions whilst also not detracting from the storyline. They are shot so well, its as though you were literally, watching a movie in widescreen.
Halftones are less utilised in favour of heavy blacks. Castle Vlan and its surroundings emanate and ooze depth as we delve further into the storyline, including Nazi vampires and more ancient and varying vampire breeds. The signature hues of red, or at least extremely close, that Dave Stewart would normally reserve for Hellboy & the B.P.R.D. books makes an appearance in this series, invoking a popping contrast to the more earthly tones utilised over the issues. It may be quite a broad speculation, but I would love to see Sean working on future instalments of the B.P.R.D. Vampire series.
Mid 2012 saw his return to writing & art with Punk Rock Jesus, a story that spans a multitude of years, even more so if you wanted to go all the way back to the days of Christ. Fusing elements of reality TV, religious extremism and self-discovery, he crafts a tale starring Chris, the clone of Jesus Christ himself, with a supporting cast of scientists, the surrogate mother of Chris, and one moody former IRA, Thomas McKael.
Halftones are less utilised in favour of heavy blacks. Castle Vlan and its surroundings emanate and ooze depth as we delve further into the storyline, including Nazi vampires and more ancient and varying vampire breeds. The signature hues of red, or at least extremely close, that Dave Stewart would normally reserve for Hellboy & the B.P.R.D. books makes an appearance in this series, invoking a popping contrast to the more earthly tones utilised over the issues. It may be quite a broad speculation, but I would love to see Sean working on future instalments of the B.P.R.D. Vampire series.
Mid 2012 saw his return to writing & art with Punk Rock Jesus, a story that spans a multitude of years, even more so if you wanted to go all the way back to the days of Christ. Fusing elements of reality TV, religious extremism and self-discovery, he crafts a tale starring Chris, the clone of Jesus Christ himself, with a supporting cast of scientists, the surrogate mother of Chris, and one moody former IRA, Thomas McKael.
An example of how storytelling and visuals can work hand in hand through the hands of a singular creator - the issues shifts focus between years, characters and volatile yet relevant issues to form one single narrative that is compelling and intriguing. Pages vary between cinematically directed panels to full-on moulded pages that blend scenes into one another, akin to viewing a painting at an art gallery. Before you even reach the words, the visuals have already told you its story.
The fact that Chris grows up to ‘fuck the system’, as he dons a mohawk, and joins punk band the Flak Jackets - further symbolises the message of non-conformity and questioning the multitudes of ideals that are placed before us in this modern age.
His latest epic with writer Scott Snyder, The Wake, has been making waves in the comic community, yet again merging elements and visuals that have been compared to the films Aliens & The Abyss. It submerges into some of the oldest tales of mermaid folklore, yet re-interpreting it into something new. The pacing and build of this miniseries is his best to date, invoking utter claustrophobia and a moody direction very alike an Alfred Hitchcock film.
The design of the creatures in The Wake take on a facet that is both modern yet not over-the-top horrifying - as there is a swiftness and grace in their movements, also somehow conveying underwater movement. Somehow this also ties in to the fact that the creatures can expel hallucinogenic pheromones, the issues itself entrancing its readers, as though they were printed with inks infused with said pheromones.
The fact that Chris grows up to ‘fuck the system’, as he dons a mohawk, and joins punk band the Flak Jackets - further symbolises the message of non-conformity and questioning the multitudes of ideals that are placed before us in this modern age.
His latest epic with writer Scott Snyder, The Wake, has been making waves in the comic community, yet again merging elements and visuals that have been compared to the films Aliens & The Abyss. It submerges into some of the oldest tales of mermaid folklore, yet re-interpreting it into something new. The pacing and build of this miniseries is his best to date, invoking utter claustrophobia and a moody direction very alike an Alfred Hitchcock film.
The design of the creatures in The Wake take on a facet that is both modern yet not over-the-top horrifying - as there is a swiftness and grace in their movements, also somehow conveying underwater movement. Somehow this also ties in to the fact that the creatures can expel hallucinogenic pheromones, the issues itself entrancing its readers, as though they were printed with inks infused with said pheromones.
The technology and machinery are pencilled to the finest details, including underwater bases, oil rigs, and submarines. There’s also a nod to his series prior, protagonist marine biologist Dr. Lee Archer is seen to wear a Flak Jackets cap in the opening scenes of the first issue. Matt Hollingsworth commands the tide with his shades of blue and green when representing the depths, and it is mind-boggling how he gets all the colours to sit together in this textured, almost water-coloured style. He uses sepia-like tones for flashbacks and all the while capturing a look that can only be achieved through a rustic weathering of water. Combine this with the deep blacks and sprawling 2 page spreads, it is no wonder this series have more comparisons to film than with comics.
Currently 5 issues in out of a total of 10, I am anxious to see where this series goes - this week in issue #6 (26/2), they will be flash-forwarding into the future, to witness the adventures of a different heroine, in a world drowned. So keep an eye out for the next issue and any future Sean Murphy in your local comic store or on comixology!
Thank you for coming back and staying with us on my lengthy piece, until the next Fine Line, I bid you adieu… and just in case you hadn't already checked it out… LINKS!
Website: http://seangordonmurphy.com/
DeviantArt: http://seangordonmurphy.deviantart.com/
Currently 5 issues in out of a total of 10, I am anxious to see where this series goes - this week in issue #6 (26/2), they will be flash-forwarding into the future, to witness the adventures of a different heroine, in a world drowned. So keep an eye out for the next issue and any future Sean Murphy in your local comic store or on comixology!
Thank you for coming back and staying with us on my lengthy piece, until the next Fine Line, I bid you adieu… and just in case you hadn't already checked it out… LINKS!
Website: http://seangordonmurphy.com/
DeviantArt: http://seangordonmurphy.deviantart.com/
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