The Clockmaker

(Image, 2004)
™ and © 2003 Jim Krueger

Do not let the page count fool you. Calling Clockmaker 32 pages is like saying a film is three hours long because it has an hour of previews. The issue comes in a newspaper format, perhaps so as to make the reader look more sophisticated while reading it on the subway.

Unfortunately, this should have been named the prequel instead of the first issue, since the final page of the comic book ends with, “Now comes the story.” So help me out: What did I just read, if this isn’t the story yet?

The story revolves around a family of clockmakers who make a gigantic deal out of it—such a big deal that that they do not bother to explain why they are making such a big deal out of it. Yes, it is that important. When the current clock maker and his son are killed at their home in Switzerland, by heaven knows what, the clockmaker’s daughter, Astrid, is brought in, shown her father’s secret, and told that she is to be the next Clockmaker. End of story.

The comic book never explains why Astrid’s father’s secret is so important, or what becoming the next Clockmaker entails. Another point of interest is whether the title is Clockmaker or Clock Maker. The indicia lists the title as one word, but every other reference in the issue has it as two words.

Nevertheless, the art is intriguing and the splash pages well done. On the other hand, reading the issue is like walking in on a film one hour after it has begun. The reader will be absolutely lost.

— Nathan Melby

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