Comicbook Review: "Eudaimonia"
Today we are exploring an emotionally tugging tale of peace, war, and music. This comic is not like many that you'll find on IndieGogo, or even in your comic book shop. It's a solely unique experience that brings a fresh new kind of comic book into the world. We are exploring Joshua Plack's "Eudaimonia."
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Summary:
Eudaimonia is a poetic experience that drives the tragedy of war and conflict into the reader's soul. While at the same time, tries to teach the reader where and how to find beauty and peace when times are rough.
The first edition of Eudaimonia follows the tale of a young girl who runs off on her own to make sense of the world. Because of WWI and her Prussian origins, she pretends to be a mute as she finds friends, mentors, and even her future love. The second edition follows the would-be husband in a more tragic tale than the young girl's, showing his experiences throughout the war and how he learned to cope with the trauma.
For those who are new here, we are judging these comics by: Presentation
This will include: Price, Packaging, Bonuses, Physical Quality, and the overall Theme
Art
This will cover: Style, Execution, Color, and Framing & Paneling
Writing
The Writing will cover: Story, Character Development, Dialogue
Presentation: The writing is unique as it fits a consistent rhyme to the narration, and little dialogue is spoken between characters throughout both publications. Very few comics go with this route of story telling. The poetry and rhymes mixes in perfectly with the artistic colors throughout these two comics. And since this comic expresses music as a core theme, it is not easy to bring that into visual form, and seeing it done so well is worthy of great praise. For $45, all you got from its kickstarter was the printing of the first two issues were just the comics themselves. No bells or whistles, however you did get the comics signed by the creator. For the theme alone, I would say this was worth it!
Art:
There is a unique sort of "European style" artwork used here with how the lines and the colors are meshed together. It almost feels as if you're looking at works from an art museum, or something you're learning from an art-history class.
What really stands out is the emotional punch the artwork lands with its style. The colors can range drastically from a grim, cold world to a bright, dramatic colorful cacophony of visuals.
It's also notable that the artwork fantastically captures the musical scenes, which can only be commendable for the creators to tackle such a challenge.
Writing:
At first glance, it was difficult to follow the writing as the rhymes may catch you off guard. It's not something you expect from a comic book. Once your brain adapts to the style it is a well welcomed change of pace. However, there were some points in the writing where the rhyming didn't seem to flow too well, but can easily be overlooked.
The story is purely driven by its poetic writing. There are rarely lines of dialogue spoken by characters. Even without any writing at all, the visuals carry the story solidly on its own.
The first book stars a young Prussian girl who decides to run away from home to adventure. Stumbling on a town, she decides to feign her muteness, as the war-time climate could ostracize her. For exchange of working as a librarian assistance, she gets the pleasure of learning how to play a violin.
She then falls in love with an American boy near her age, one who was unfortunate to experience the horrors of war as he was recruited in the Army.
The second edition goes into detail about the experiences the boy had throughout the war, learning how to cope with even more tragedy following the war as he grows old. Without trying to spoil anything in the second edition, the writing and visuals alike really help twist and turn your emotions, while providing for some reprieve in its short surprises.
Final Scores:
Art - 8
Presentation - 9
Writing - 7
Total: 8 / 10
Overall, this comic is a really interesting, artistic and literary twist on the medium. It really punches you in your heart while at the same time trying to calm and soothe it. The emotional rollercoaster in Eudaimonia is definitely worth getting!
Currently you're able to get a digital bundle with Joshua Plack's current campaign for his current comic project, "How to Die." You may view it on IndieGogo at:
You can also follow the creator on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/eudaimoniabook
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