CREDIT: Oni Press
Rating: 5/5 – Fun, Funny, Witty… A Classic in the Making!
by ComicSpectrum EiC Bob Bretall.
Barbarian Princess Ulga, child of the wild mountain kingdom of Grimmeria, is sent to a ‘finishing school’ for ladies of good standing (e.g., other princesses) down in the valley and merriment ensues. That’s a capsule summary that is woefully inadequate at describing how truly fun, funny, witty, and charming this series by Ted Naifeh really is. In issue #1, Ulga was sent to the Academy, here in #2 she really gets down to the business of interacting with her classmates, and what results is a classic-in-the-making.
Naifeh makes Characters with a capital C. Ulga’s Scottish brogue adds a layer to her brash no holds barred personality. The narration perfectly complements the passages of dialogue, they wryly counterpoint one another deftly spotlighting the differences in the worldview of Ulga and her mountain people vs. that of the ‘lowlanders’.
This issue focuses on introducing the Academy, it’s students, some staff, the various courses of study and ancillary activities. Not heavy on high adventure but I was wrapped up in the world from the first page to the last. There was not a single thing I didn’t like so how can I give it anything less than a “5”? Naifeh’s storytelling grabbed me by the brain and didn’t let go until I hit the “next issue” page and I wanted more story NOW! We had just hit a teaser for court intrigue to come! Come On Ted, I WANT MORE! Well, I guess I’ll wait another month, you have me hooked, sir!
Reviewed by: Bob Bretall
(bob@comicspectrum.com)
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