Advance Review: ‘Is Ted Ok?’ Is A Very Relevant Query
by Benjamin Hall
Summary
The question is the title is the tale. Yet, it isn’t just Ted one should wonder about, but his minder Sarah. For if Ted isn’t okay then what of Sarah’s wellbeing? Also what is paranoia when there is a truth to it?
Overall
10/10Writer, artist, colorist, and letterer Dave Chisholm is pretty much the sole creative force working on this book. The only exception to this fact: artist Christian Ward being responsible for the creation of cover B.
This first issue provides most of the information through natural exposition. Yet, Chisholm hides the fact of how this exposition is natural for most of the issue until just after the first plot twist. Also, the majority of this issue takes place with two characters. Thus, there is a narrow focus that should allow both long-time and new comic book readers to easily take in what is being set-up. Chisholm also throws in a satirical reference to a cult classic movie in a way that while obvious is original in construction. The specific scene heavily suggests characterization and builds the tension.
When it comes to the art and colors, there is a realism to most moments. The notable exceptions occur because of cross-hatching or the need for more fluidity in the lines. Nevertheless, even the realistic moments give in to the science fiction nature of the story at times. For example: the obvious Orwellian signs in the backgrounds mocking a certain hypocritical author remind readers this is not (yet) our world. While the coloring is realistic for skin tones and buildings, there seems to be an atmospheric element with a basis in color theory as it relates to emotion.
Chisholm does a great job with lettering by creating a font that matches the art style. It suggests how people’s words might look if we could see what we hear.
Cover A is extremely good at grabbing one’s attention, and it should figuratively jump out at potential buyers who have yet to hear about this series. The title looks almost like a tattoo on Ted’s head as he is about to collapse while being on fire. The blaze, meanwhile, appears in a coloring that heightens the sense of realism and makes this reviewer afraid to touch it. Chisholm uses depth in a way to create these effects.
The variant cover by Ward is a thing of strange beauty that may be revealing something about the plot. However, as of this writing it looks like something that fans of this work might end up getting recreations of on some area of their body.
Is Ted Ok? #1 has a final order cut-off date of February 2nd and a release date of February 25th from Mad Cave.
