Advance Review: ‘The Patchwork Girl Of Oz’ #1 Begins A Worthy Adaption
by Benjamin Hall
Summary
Author Otis Frampton attempts to bring a new version of fellow author Lyman Frank Baum’s The Patchwork Girl Of Oz (1913) to life. Join Ojo and his Unc in this first issue that begins the first adventure of Ojo. See the origin of the Patchwork girl in vibrant color. Also what is this about a glass cat?
Overall
9/10This comic’s creative team consists of writer/artist/colorist/letterer Otis Frampton and colorist Kate Frampton. The latter works just on the color flats.
This first issue has beautiful colors within the interiors and on the cover. However, the interior hues seem to be a bit smoother, and more within the lines, than those on the cover. Nevertheless, all of the color palettes should help capture the attention of readers, especially those who may feel more of an inclination because of the hues. There seems to be a lot less warm colors in this issue than there are cool ones. Meaning that blues, purples, and so on are most likely the dominant type for this adaption.
The lines of the trees on the cover look to be Otis working in crayon. While the mountains appear to have slightly slimmer lines that may or may not be crayon. Though this is just guesswork with a basis in observation. As for the interiors, they display a bit higher level of quality than the covers in terms of Otis’s skill with lines and depth. Although, it is up for debate whether the texture is of similar or less quality in the interiors than on the cover.
The lettering showcases a few fonts with the fanciest being the opening from original author Lyman Frank Baum (The Patchwork Girl Of Oz [1913]). One of the characters in this issue has an interesting font that sees assistance from the positioning of the other characters word balloons, and this helps with the slow speech effect.
When it comes to the writing, it seems to be a good adaptation. Of course, this reviewer has yet to read the original book so is only going by a gut feeling. Still, the characterization seems to be following what one would assume is Baum’s intent. Not to mention Otis says he is a lifelong fan of Baum’s work at the end of this issue. Thus, his simplifying the telling of The Patchwork Girl’s first adventure should be faithful. As far as dialogue goes, it is whimsical and logical. Yet, this may turn out to be a challenging read for those looking for instant gratification since it is only a section of the entire adaptation.
The Patchwork Girl Of Oz #1 is due out from Image Comics on January 22nd.
